Taiwan: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
Traveling to Taiwan requires checking three things before buying your flight: the visa requirement based on your passport, the state of the local healthcare system, and travel insurance with adequate medical coverage. Taiwan offers visa-free entry to numerous nationalities for short stays, but the allowed period and exact requirements vary depending on the traveler's passport.
On the health front, Taiwan has a high-quality healthcare system and well-equipped hospitals in major cities, with good availability of English-speaking care at large centers. That's why it's worth traveling with active international medical insurance from day one, regardless of nationality or passport.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Taiwan offers visa-free entry to numerous nationalities for short stays, but the allowed period and exact requirements vary depending on the traveler's passport.
Health & travel insurance: Taiwan has a high-quality healthcare system and well-equipped hospitals in major cities, with good availability of English-speaking care at large centers.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Taiwan offers visa-free entry to numerous nationalities for short stays, but the allowed period and exact requirements vary depending on the traveler's passport. Before buying your flight, confirm the exact requirement with the Taiwanese embassy or office corresponding to your nationality, as rules change frequently.
- Passport valid for at least six months.
- Visa-free entry for numerous nationalities, with periods typically ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on passport.
- Return ticket and, in some cases, proof of accommodation.
- Online entry registration available for some nationalities before arrival.
Health, Hospitals, and Medical Insurance
Taiwan has a high-quality healthcare system and well-equipped hospitals in major cities, with good availability of English-speaking care at large centers. In case of emergency, the contact number is 110 police; 119 ambulance and fire department, although response and resource availability can vary by region.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Taiwan; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when quoting the plan.
Transportation and Currency
The official currency is the New Taiwan dollar (TWD). The EasyCard makes it easy to use the metro and buses in major cities; bank cards are accepted at urban businesses and cash is still useful at night markets.
When to Travel
Between October and December, and also in spring (March-April), avoiding typhoon season, which is concentrated between July and September.
Travel checklist for Taiwan
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Taiwan.
- Check the visa requirement for Taiwan based on your passport: Taiwan offers visa-free entry to numerous nationalities for short stays, but the allowed period and exact requirements vary depending on the traveler's passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Taiwan has a high-quality healthcare system and well-equipped hospitals in major cities, with good availability of English-speaking care at large centers.
- Save Taiwan's emergency number: 110 police; 119 ambulance and fire department, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in New Taiwan dollar (TWD)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Taiwan?
It depends on your passport: numerous nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays, while others must arrange one in advance; confirm the exact requirement for your nationality.
What is the emergency number in Taiwan?
The contact number for emergencies in Taiwan is 110 police; 119 ambulance and fire department. With active travel insurance, you also have access to a 24-hour medical assistance line independent of the local number.
How long can I stay in Taiwan without a visa?
It varies by traveler passport; different nationalities receive between 14 and 90 days visa-free, so it's worth confirming the exact period before traveling.
What currency should I use in Taiwan?
The official currency is the New Taiwan dollar (TWD). It's worth checking in each case whether cards are widely accepted or if it's better to carry cash, depending on the area of the country visited.
