FAQ: t2taiwan

• Currently there are a total of 46 countries that are visa free to come to Taiwan. If you are a foreign national from one of the 46 countries that have Visa free entry, then you do not need a visa. The following countries’ nationals do not require visa to come to Taiwan:

• 14 days visa-exempt countries: Philippines, trial
• 30 days visa-exempt countries: Asia Pacific: Malaysia, Singapore
• 90-day visa-free countries: 
• In Asia Pacific: Japan, Republic of Korea 
  
• North America: Canada, United States of America
• Europe Region: United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Vatican City State, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Andorra, San Marino  

• Following is the process for applying for Visa for Taiwan

• Fill in the visa application form online at visawebapp.boca.gov.tw and print the application form. You will also need to provide the following (as applicable):
• 2-inch 2-color recent photos with white background.
• The original passport with validity for 6 months or more and must have a blank page.
• Proof of financial resources, such as bank savings certificates.
• Schedule of the tour with all other details
• Round-trip e-ticket or travel agency certification.
• If visiting family, then details of the Relatives in Taiwan, copy of household register, birth certificate, alien residence permit or permanent residence permit and other relevant identity documents. (Spouse and immediate blood relatives limited).
• Invitation Letter.
• Other documents as the case may require.

• After submission of all documents and verification usually it takes 3 – 5 days for processing the visa.

• Any changes to this statement are subject to the latest information published by the Consular Affairs Bureau website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also, please check the local Taiwan representative office in your country for the latest information relevant to your home country.

• There are three different types of visas to visit Taiwan:

• VISITOR VISA: is a short-term visa and stays in Taiwan for less than 6 months. Two types of visitor visa with validity for 2 weeks and 6 months. The 6 months validity visa can be of two types: Single entry and Multiple Entry.
• Resident Visa (RESIDENT VISA): It is a long-term visa, stay in Taiwan for 6 months or more.
• Diplomatic visa (DIPLOMATIC VISA).

• For a one time entry visa, the visa fee is US $ 50; and the multiple entry visa fee is US $ 100; relative processing fees is US $ 160, however these fees may vary from country to country. Please check the local Taiwan representative office in your country for the latest information and fees relevant to your home country.

• For Indian Nationals, single entry visa cost will be approximately INR 11000 with 3 months validity and the processing time will be 4-5 days. For multiple entry visa the cost will be approximately INR 14000 with 3 months validity and the processing time will be 4-5 days.

• Taiwan is generally safe to travel to. The rates of violent crimes are very low by world standards. The only concern is petty crime on the streets such as pickpocketing and bag snatching especially in locations frequented by tourists. Keeping vigilant and applying basic precaution measures will keep you safe and you can enjoy your trip to Taiwan.

• This depends on what kind of weather you prefer. If you do not mind hot and humid weather, then the summer might be best for you. The most rain falls in the summer (and typhoons might delay your flights), but typically you will see more sunny days in Northern and Eastern Taiwan during that time. If you prefer mild or chilly temperatures, then you should come between October and March.

• Spring in Taiwan runs from March to May and temperatures are usually a nice and comfortable 20-25°C. It’s a great time to visit and many people come to see the cherry and plum blossoms. With temperatures at such comfortable levels, it’s a good time for hiking and visiting the island’s parks.

• On an average, temperatures in the north part of Taiwan vary from 14-20 °C (57-68 °F) in the winters and 26-32 °C (78-89 °F) in the summers, while in the south temperatures vary from 16-24 °C (60-75 °F) in the winters and 26-34 °C (78-93 °F) in the summers. The spring and the autumn seasons are the best months to visit Taiwan when the temperatures are around 20-26 °C (68-79 °F) and the weather is very pleasant.

• Depending on the time when you are visiting Taiwan the suggested clothing will be as follows:

• Spring and autumn: Spring and fall usually have the most comfortable weather, so you need not worry too much about proper clothing. You may wear whatever you feel comfortable in at room temperature. Beware though that September and October may have some summer-like heat, so be sure to pack some short sleeved clothes just in case you run into such weather.
• Summer: As summers are hot and humid in Taiwan, we suggest wearing shorts, t-shirts, and perhaps a hat for sun protection. Polyester instead of cotton is recommended as it dries out faster as you will be sweating. Be sure to wear sunscreen when you are outdoors and drink a lot of water.
• Winter: Winters are mild and humid in Taiwan. Long sleeve shirts, trousers, jeans, light warm clothes and wind proof jacket are essential. Clothing in layers is recommended when you are outdoors as the wind may get chilly sometimes. The weather will be cooler in the North, and warmer in the south.

• Taiwan has some of the best food in the world, and it’s a big reason why foreigners love coming back. A lot of these foods cannot easily be found elsewhere. Some must try delicious Taiwan foods are as follows:

• Taiwanese Hot Pot: Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian
• Dumplings and fried dumplings
• Steamed Buns
• Oyster Omelets
• Bubble Milk Tea
• Fruit Shaved Ice

• Being a vegetarian, you can eat very well in Taiwan as they have a huge variety of food from regional to international cuisine, across all levels of price range from exquisite restaurants to yummy street snack vendors. There are options to eat vegetarian local food as well as Indian food.

• There are numerous Halal certified restaurants spread across the country. Locating good Halal eateries in cosmopolitan Taipei is known to have more options, while those venturing out of Taipei city, especially to more rural parts of Taiwan may find it more difficult to locate Halal cuisine. When unable to locate Halal eateries in certain areas, the best option would be to find a vegetarian restaurant which is easier to find.

• When you think of Taiwan, you think of night markets. They’re synonymous with the country and an integral part of Taiwanese culture. These night markets are a must visit while visiting Taiwan. Few of them are listed as below:

• Shilin Night Market: Taipei
• Fengjia Night Market: Taichung
• Ita Thao Shopping Street: Sun Moon Lake
• Ruifeng Night Market: Kaohsiung
• Jinzuan Night Market: Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung
• Raohe Street Night Market
• Ningxia Night Market
• Tonghua Night Market
• Shida Night Market
• Ningxia Night Market

• The New Taiwan Dollar is the official currency of Taiwan and its ISO code is TWD. It is often abbreviated to NTD or NT$. In everyday talking the Taiwanese call their money “kuài“. So, for example, a street vendor will ask for “800 kuài” if the price of an item is 800 NT$.

• The exchange rate of NT$ to other major currencies will be found online if you want to get the current rates.

• The acceptance of a credit card is low in Taiwan. Most big department stores will accept credit cards. However, when you use credit card, they impose a foreign transaction fee of about 3%. But the smaller shops or restaurants or night markets do not accept cards. It is best to carry cash when in Taiwan.

• Few options of travel between cities or within cities are as below:

• Local Trains / High speed train: To travel between cities. Local trains are the cheaper options.
• Subway, Metro: Easily gets you around Taipei and Kaohsiung.
• Tour Bus
• Taxi: You can take short rides for about 150 NT, or hire a Taxi for a day for around 150 USD.
• Ubike: You can use these bikes to ride from subway (metro station) or bus stop to your final destination.

• Showing the bottom of your feet.
• Throwing things
• Giving things with only one hand
• Sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl
• Giving someone a clock as a gift
• Not looking someone in the eye