Taiwan entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadians get 90 days visa-free on arrival in Taiwan. The only real requirement is a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Taiwan. Taiwan does not enforce the 6-month validity rule for Canadian passport holders, but airlines may still check for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Taoyuan Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave Taiwan within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Taiwan. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have access to at least 20,000 TWD (about $900 CAD) in cash, traveler's cheques, or a credit card. Immigration may ask to see it if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your entry date. Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly. Renew early.
No arrival card needed
Unlike many Asian countries, Taiwan doesn't require an arrival card or online declaration for Canadian passport holders. Just walk up to immigration with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave Canada, check your passport expiry date — it must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Taiwan. Book your return or onward flight and save the confirmation to your phone. If you want to be extra prepared, book your first night's accommodation and get travel insurance.
2
Arrive at Taoyuan or Songshan airport
Most international flights land at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) near Taipei. Some land at Songshan (TSA) in Taipei city. Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
3
Join the Foreigners queue
At immigration, join the line for 'Foreigners' or 'All Passports'. Canadian passports are processed quickly — usually 5–15 minutes. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
4
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: 'How long are you staying?', 'Where are you staying?', 'What's the purpose of your visit?'. Answer honestly — tourism, visiting friends, or business meetings are all fine. If asked, show your return ticket and accommodation booking.
5
Get your entry stamp and collect luggage
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. That's it. Proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No arrival declaration form needed.
Download Taiwan Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostNT$1,600 (~$52 USD)
Requires application at a Taiwan embassy or consulate. Allows longer stay than visa-free entry.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
CostNT$3,200 (~$104 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must be applied for in advance.
Long-Stay Visitor Visa (Resident Visa)
Max stay180 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostNT$2,200 (~$72 USD)
For purposes like visiting family, cultural exchange, or long-term tourism. Requires sponsorship or specific reason.
work visa
Employment Gold Card (Work Visa)
1–3 years, renewable
NT$5,000–10,000 (~$160–320 USD) depending on duration
For skilled professionals with a job offer in Taiwan. Includes work and residence rights. Requires employer sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Resident Visa for Study)
Up to duration of study program, renewable annually
NT$2,200 (~$72 USD) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Taiwan. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Resident Visa for Investment)
1 year, renewable
NT$5,000 (~$160 USD) plus investment amount
For individuals investing at least NT$6 million (~$195,000 USD) in a Taiwanese business. Requires business plan and approval.
retirement visa
Long-Term Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
NT$2,200 (~$72 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient financial means (e.g., NT$1.5 million in savings or monthly pension). Must have health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine is NT$10,000 (~$320 USD). Overstay may also lead to deportation and future entry bans. | NT$1,000 (~$32 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Taiwan
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders can transit through Taiwan without a visa for up to 72 hours (airside) or up to 5 days (with a free transit permit) if they have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 72 hours if staying airside.
- A free transit permit allows up to 5 days for landside transit (must apply at airport).
Transit hubsTaiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) · Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) · Taichung International Airport (RMQ)
Health & vaccines for Taiwan
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in southern Taiwan and during warmer months. Use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Tap water is generally safe in cities, but stick to bottled water in rural areas. Food hygiene is good.
Air pollutionLow risk
Occasional poor air quality in industrial areas; those with respiratory issues should monitor air quality indexes.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Taipei
National Immigration Agency (NIA) Headquarters
No. 15, Guangzhou Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 100
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Main office for visa extensions and resident visa applications. Bring passport, photo, and fee.
Taichung
NIA Taichung Service Station
No. 2, Section 1, Minquan Road, West District, Taichung City 403
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for central Taiwan visitors.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalTaipei
LanguageMandarin Chinese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 30 days. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyNew Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 31.6 TWD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h (EST) / +12h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+16h (PST) / +15h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage110V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is treated but most people boil it or use filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Taiwan
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Taiwan — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Taiwan before day 90 and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type (like a visitor visa) from a Taiwanese embassy before you travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or denied entry by Taiwanese immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. There are no exceptions.
No. Taiwan does not require an arrival declaration form for Canadian passport holders. You just hand over your passport at immigration.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, visiting family, or short-term study (like a language course under 90 days). You cannot take paid employment or enroll in a full-time academic program. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined, detained, and potentially banned from re-entering Taiwan. The fine is typically NT$10,000–NT$50,000 (about CAD$400–$2,000) depending on how long you overstay. Leave before day 90.
No. If you're transiting through Taiwan and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you can use the same 90-day visa-free entry as long as your passport is valid for 6+ months.
It's not required for entry, but it's a very good idea. A hospital stay in Taiwan can cost CAD$500–$1,000 per day for a basic room. Insurance covers that, plus trip cancellation, lost luggage, and medical evacuation. Get a policy before you leave Canada.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.