Is a Visa Required for Traveling to Taiwan: A-Z Guide
Taiwan, the pearl island with Shilin Night Market, Yangmingshan, and the picturesque Sun Moon Lake, is a dream destination for many travelers. Do you need a visa to travel to Taiwan? is a common question when planning a trip. This article provides detailed answers about visas, procedures, and practical experiences to ensure a complete journey. Explore now to prepare for your adventure in Taipei, Kaohsiung, or Taichung!
What is a Taiwan visa? Do you need a visa to travel to Taiwan?
A Taiwan visa is a legal entry permit issued by the Taiwanese government, allowing travelers to stay for a certain period. Vietnamese citizens, except for some special cases, need a visa to travel to Taiwan. However, a conditional visa exemption policy (e-visa) applies to those who meet specific requirements, such as holding a visa from developed countries.
If you do not qualify for a visa exemption, a traditional visa or a Quan Hong visa (for group tours) is mandatory. Preparing the correct type of visa makes your journey to Taiwan, from the old town of Jiufen to the hot springs of Beitou, much smoother.
Do you need a visa to travel to Taiwan? Answers to your questions
Types of travel visas for Taiwan
Taiwan travel visas are divided into three main types, depending on the purpose and conditions:
Sticker visa: Affixed directly to the passport, suitable for travelers who do not meet the criteria for an e-visa. This type has a validity of 90 days, a maximum stay of 14 days, and allows single entry.
E-visa (electronic visa): Registered online, for those with a valid/expired visa or residence card within 10 years from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen. Valid for 90 days, allows a 14-day stay, and multiple entries. Note: From September 14, 2023, visas from South Korea/Japan can no longer be used to apply for an e-visa.
Quan Hong visa: For tourists traveling in groups through designated travel agencies in Taiwan. Valid for 90 days, allows a 14-day stay, and single entry. This type is convenient and has fewer procedures.
Choosing the right type of visa helps save time, especially when standing in Raohe Night Market, enjoying the fragrant fried buns.
Quan Hong Visa - For tourists traveling in groups through travel agencies
Visa application procedures for Taiwan
The visa application documents for Taiwan depend on whether the traveler has a visa from developed countries. Here are the details.
Travelers with visas from developed countries
Travelers with a valid/expired visa or residence card (within 10 years) from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen can apply for an e-visa. Required documents include:
Passport valid for more than 6 months (from the date of entry).
Round-trip flight ticket or ticket to the next destination.
Visa/residence card from the above countries (original or copy, VOID/CANCELLED stamps are not accepted).
E-visa application form filled out online at the official website.
The process is simple, just fill out the online form, print the e-visa, and bring it when entering. The bustling atmosphere of Taipei will welcome you right after completing the procedures.
Travelers without visas from developed countries
If you do not have a visa from developed countries, you need to apply for a sticker visa. The documents include:
Original passport and a copy (valid for more than 6 months, with a signature).
Two 4x6 cm photos (white background, taken within 3 months).
Visa application form (filled out online, printed, and signed).
Household registration, ID card/CCCD (notarized copy).
Financial proof: Savings book with a minimum of 100 million VND (original), bank statement.
Proof of employment: Employment contract, leave request, or business license.
Travel itinerary, round-trip flight ticket, hotel reservation confirmation.
Additional documents (if any): Marriage certificate, birth certificate (if traveling with children).
The application must be accurate and logical to increase the approval rate. The journey to explore Sun Moon Lake will be closer once the visa is granted.
What is the visa application fee for Taiwan?
The visa application fee for Taiwan is calculated in USD, paid at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office:
Sticker visa: 50 USD (1,150,000 VND) for regular service, 75 USD (1,725,000 VND) for expedited service.
E-visa: Free, just register online.
Quan Hong visa: Usually free or low cost, handled by the travel agency.
The fee does not include translation, notarization (about 200,000-500,000 VND). Exchange USD before submitting the application to avoid inconvenience. Saving visa costs helps you enjoy bubble tea in Taichung comfortably.
E-visa: Free, just register online
Address for submitting Taiwan visa applications and processing time
Sticker visa applications are submitted at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office:
Ho Chi Minh City: 336 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Ward 4, District 10.
Application time: 8:30-11:30 (Monday to Friday). Arrive early (7:00) during peak season to get a number. E-visa registration online, no need to go in person. Processing time:
Sticker visa: 5-7 days (regular service), 2-3 days (urgent service).
E-visa: Approved immediately if eligible, can be printed within 15-30 minutes.
Quan Hong visa: 5-7 days, depending on the travel agency.
Prepare early to avoid delays in the cherry blossom viewing schedule in Duong Minh Son.
Self-service Taiwan visa application process
The self-service visa application process consists of 5 steps:
Determine the type of visa: Choose e-visa, sticker visa, or Quan Hong visa based on personal conditions.
Prepare documents: Collect paperwork according to the list above, ensuring all are notarized.
Fill out the visa application: For sticker visas, fill out the online form, print it out, and sign. E-visa is filled out directly on the website.
Submit the application: Go to the Taipei Office (sticker visa) or register online (e-visa). Relatives can submit on your behalf if they have a power of attorney and proof of relationship.
Receive results: Sticker visa collected at the Taipei Office (14:00-17:00). E-visa printed from email or website.
The process is clear, but care is needed to avoid mistakes. The feeling of holding the visa in hand, ready to explore Phung Giap Night Market, is truly exciting.
For sticker visas, fill out the online form, print it out, and sign
Useful tips for applying for a Taiwan visa
Based on real experiences, here are tips to increase your visa approval rate:
Prepare documents early: Submit applications 6-8 weeks before the travel date, especially during peak seasons (March-April, September-October).
Check documents carefully: Ensure the passport is valid, photos meet standards, and savings book is valid. Small errors like missing notarization can lead to rejection.
Clearly demonstrate financial capability: Savings of 100-200 million VND, salary statements for 3 months increase persuasiveness.
Detailed itinerary: List specific destinations (Jiufen, Taichung), hotels, and length of stay. A logical itinerary creates a good impression.
Cooperative attitude: When submitting documents or during an interview (rare), dress neatly, answer confidently and clearly.
Book flight tickets early: Book round-trip tickets through nvktravel.com 2-3 months in advance for good prices, including ticket confirmation in the application.
Check e-visa: If applying for an e-visa, print a clear PDF version, check information before boarding. Having the same name as someone on the blacklist may lead to rejection.
Join a tour if lacking documents: If you don't have social insurance or weak finances, choose a Quan Hong visa tour through nvktravel.com to simplify the process.
Traveling to Taiwan without a visa is no longer a concern when you understand the process and tips above. From the bright lights at Taipei 101, the aroma of pineapple cakes at Liuhe Night Market, to the delicate steam at O Lai Hot Springs, Taiwan is always waiting. Prepare your visa thoroughly, and your journey to explore the gem island will be complete.
Refer to tours to travel to Taiwan and visa support at nvktravel.com to start your trip today! Which destination in Taiwan excites you the most? Share in the comments!
