Taiwan Arrival Card 2026: Online Entry Form for Faster Immigration

Planning a trip to Taiwan in 2026? Whether you're visiting for the stunning night markets, breathtaking mountain scenery, or world-renowned bubble tea, one thing remains constant: you'll need to complete a Taiwan arrival card before entering the country. This comprehensive guide covers everything from the online submission process to expert tips for speeding through immigration at Taiwan's airports.

Taiwan has modernized its arrival card system significantly over the past few years, making it easier than ever for international travelers to complete their entry requirements before even landing. The introduction of the online arrival card system has reduced wait times at immigration and streamlined the entire process for millions of visitors each year.

What Is the Taiwan Arrival Card?

The Taiwan arrival card, officially known as the Entry Card or Disembarkation Card, is a mandatory immigration document that all foreign nationals must complete when entering Taiwan. This card collects essential information about travelers including personal details, passport information, flight details, accommodation in Taiwan, and the purpose of the visit.

Unlike some countries that have completely eliminated paper-based entry forms, Taiwan maintains a hybrid system that allows travelers to choose between completing the arrival card online in advance or filling out a paper form upon arrival. However, the online system offers significant advantages in terms of time savings and convenience, which we'll explore in detail throughout this guide.

The arrival card serves multiple purposes for Taiwan's National Immigration Agency. It helps authorities track visitor movements, maintain security records, and collect statistical data on tourism patterns. For travelers, it's a straightforward requirement that, when completed correctly, ensures smooth entry into this fascinating island nation.

Online vs Paper Arrival Card: Which Should You Choose?

Taiwan offers two methods for completing your arrival card: the online system and the traditional paper form. Understanding the differences between these options will help you decide which approach works best for your travel style and circumstances.

As the comparison clearly shows, the online arrival card offers numerous advantages over the paper form. The most significant benefit is access to dedicated fast-track immigration lanes at Taiwan's major airports, which can save you 30 minutes or more during peak arrival times. Additionally, the online system allows you to complete the form at your leisure, review your information for accuracy, and make corrections before final submission.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Online Arrival Card

The online arrival card system is user-friendly and can be completed in approximately 10-15 minutes. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a smooth submission process and faster immigration clearance upon arrival in Taiwan.

Step 1: Access the Official Portal

Navigate to Taiwan's official National Immigration Agency website to access the online arrival card system. The portal is available in multiple languages including English, Japanese, Korean, and Traditional Chinese. Ensure you're using the official government website to avoid scams or fraudulent sites that may attempt to collect your personal information.

Step 2: Select Your Travel Type

The system will ask you to identify your travel type. Most visitors will select 'Tourism' or 'Business' depending on their purpose of visit. Other options include 'Study,' 'Employment,' 'Visiting Relatives,' and 'Others.' Selecting the correct category is important as it may affect which additional questions you're asked to complete.

Step 3: Enter Personal Information

This section requires your full legal name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and passport expiration date. Double-check all entries against your physical passport to ensure perfect accuracy. Even small discrepancies can cause delays at immigration.

Step 4: Provide Flight Details

Enter your flight number, departure city, and expected arrival date in Taiwan. If you're arriving by sea, you'll need to provide your vessel name and departure port instead. Having your flight itinerary readily available will make this section quick and easy to complete.

Step 5: Add Accommodation Information

You must provide the address of your accommodation in Taiwan for the first night of your stay. This can be a hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or the address of friends or family you're staying with. Include the full address and contact phone number. If you're staying at multiple locations, only the first night's accommodation is required on the arrival card.

Step 6: Answer Health and Customs Declarations

The form includes questions about your health status, whether you're carrying any restricted items, and if you have anything to declare for customs purposes. Answer all questions truthfully as false declarations can result in fines or entry denial. Taiwan has strict regulations regarding agricultural products, medications, and cash amounts exceeding certain thresholds.

Step 7: Review and Submit

Before final submission, carefully review all entered information. The system will display a summary of your arrival card details. Verify every field is correct, especially your name spelling, passport number, and flight information. Once you're satisfied with the accuracy, submit the form and save or print your confirmation.

Required Documents for Taiwan Entry

While the arrival card is essential, it's just one component of your Taiwan entry requirements. Understanding the complete documentation needed will help you prepare thoroughly for your trip and avoid any issues at immigration.

The specific documents required may vary based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of many countries enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for stays of 30 to 90 days, while others may need to obtain a visa in advance. Always check the current requirements for your specific nationality before traveling.

Taiwan's Major International Airports

Taiwan has several international airports, but the majority of international travelers arrive through Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), the country's largest and busiest gateway. Understanding the layout and immigration procedures at these airports will help you navigate the arrival process more efficiently.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport handles approximately 48 million passengers annually and features two main terminals connected by a skytrain. Immigration facilities are located on the arrival level of both terminals, with dedicated lanes for online arrival card holders, diplomatic passport holders, and standard travelers. The airport is located about 40 kilometers from central Taipei, with excellent public transportation connections including the Taoyuan Airport MRT that takes approximately 35 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station.

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) is the city's downtown airport, handling primarily domestic flights and some regional international routes to cities like Tokyo Haneda, Seoul Gimpo, and Shanghai Hongqiao. Its central location makes it extremely convenient, as it's directly connected to Taipei's MRT system. If your flight arrives at Songshan, the immigration process is typically faster due to lower passenger volumes.

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) serves Taiwan's second-largest city and the southern region. It handles international flights from various Asian destinations and offers a less crowded alternative to Taoyuan for travelers heading to southern Taiwan. The immigration facilities here are modern and efficient, with the same online arrival card system available.

Immigration Process at Taiwan Airports

Understanding what to expect during the immigration process will help calm any nerves and ensure you're properly prepared. Here's a detailed walkthrough of what happens from the moment you exit the aircraft until you clear customs.

After deplaning, follow the signs to Immigration or Passport Control. If you completed your arrival card online, look for the dedicated e-Gate lanes or fast-track counters marked for online arrival card holders. These lanes typically have significantly shorter queues, especially during peak arrival times.

At the immigration counter, present your passport, online arrival card confirmation (on your phone or printed), and any visa documents if applicable. The immigration officer may ask you basic questions about your trip, including the purpose of your visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer honestly and concisely.

Biometric data collection is standard at Taiwan immigration. You'll be asked to scan your fingerprints using the digital scanner at the counter and look at the camera for a photo. This process takes only a few seconds and is required for all foreign nationals over the age of 14.

Once cleared by immigration, proceed to baggage claim to collect your checked luggage. After retrieving your bags, you'll pass through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. If you're carrying items that need to be declared (large amounts of cash, dutiable goods, restricted items), use the red channel for inspection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced travelers sometimes make errors when completing their Taiwan arrival card or going through immigration. Being aware of these common mistakes can help you avoid delays and ensure smooth entry into Taiwan.

Special Considerations for Different Traveler Types

Different types of travelers may have unique considerations when completing their Taiwan arrival card or going through immigration. Here's guidance for specific traveler categories.

Business Travelers

If you're visiting Taiwan for business purposes, select 'Business' as your purpose of visit on the arrival card. You may be asked to provide details about your business activities, the company you're visiting, and your contact person in Taiwan. Having a business invitation letter can expedite the immigration process and clarify the nature of your visit.

Families with Children

Children traveling with parents need their own arrival cards completed by a parent or guardian. When using the online system, you can submit family members' cards together using the group submission feature. Ensure each child's information matches their passport exactly. For infants without their own passports (traveling on parent's passport), specific procedures apply at immigration.

Transit Passengers

If you're transiting through Taiwan without leaving the airport, you generally don't need to complete an arrival card. However, if your layover is long enough that you wish to leave the airport and explore Taiwan (assuming your nationality allows visa-free entry), you'll need to complete the arrival card and go through immigration. Transit passengers should check the specific requirements based on their connecting flight times and nationalities.

Students and Long-term Visitors

Students and others planning extended stays in Taiwan should have their visa documentation in order before arrival. The arrival card purpose should match your visa type. Bring your acceptance letter from your educational institution, proof of financial support, and any other documentation provided by Taiwan's representative office where you obtained your visa.

Visa-Free Entry for Taiwan

Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan, which simplifies travel planning considerably. However, visa-free status doesn't exempt travelers from completing the arrival card - it's still required for all foreign nationals regardless of visa requirements.

As of 2026, citizens of countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and most European Union member states can enter Taiwan without a visa for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days depending on nationality. The arrival card process remains the same whether you have a visa or are entering visa-free.

For travelers whose nationality requires a visa, the arrival card is completed in addition to your visa, not as a replacement. Your visa should be obtained before traveling to Taiwan through a Taiwan representative office or embassy in your country. The arrival card is then completed either online before your flight or upon arrival.

What Happens If You Make an Error on Your Arrival Card?

Mistakes happen, and Taiwan's immigration system has processes in place to handle errors on arrival cards. The approach differs depending on whether you submitted online or used a paper form.

For online submissions, you can usually edit your information up until the point of final submission. If you realize you've made an error after submitting, you have two options: submit a new arrival card online (if still within 72 hours of your arrival) or inform the immigration officer when you reach the counter. Minor errors can typically be corrected on the spot, while significant discrepancies may require additional verification.

For paper forms completed on the plane or at the airport, simply request a new form if you make a mistake. Crossing out errors and writing corrections is not recommended as it can cause confusion during processing. Immigration officers have blank forms available at the counters if needed.

The most critical information that must be accurate includes your legal name (as it appears in your passport), passport number, date of birth, and nationality. Errors in these fields will be flagged by the immigration system and could cause significant delays. Less critical fields like accommodation addresses can sometimes be corrected verbally with the immigration officer.

Tips for Faster Immigration Clearance

Beyond completing your arrival card online, several additional strategies can help you clear Taiwan immigration as quickly as possible. Experienced travelers use these techniques to minimize wait times and start enjoying Taiwan sooner.

Peak arrival times at Taoyuan Airport typically occur between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM when multiple long-haul flights from North America and Europe arrive, and again between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM when regional Asian flights cluster. If you have flexibility in choosing your flight times, arriving during off-peak hours can significantly reduce your immigration waiting time.

Departure from Taiwan

Just as Taiwan has entry requirements, there are also procedures to follow when departing. While there's no departure card to complete, understanding the exit process ensures a smooth conclusion to your Taiwan visit.

When leaving Taiwan, you'll go through outbound immigration where your passport will be stamped with your departure date. The immigration officer will verify that you haven't overstayed your permitted duration in Taiwan. For visa-free visitors, this means confirming you're departing within your 30, 60, or 90-day limit depending on your nationality.

If you have any purchased goods that qualify for tax refunds under Taiwan's VAT refund scheme, handle these at the designated tax refund counters before checking in for your flight or after clearing immigration, depending on the refund counter locations at your departure airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Taiwan Trip with Confidence

Completing your Taiwan arrival card is just one small but important step in planning your trip to this incredible destination. Whether you're drawn to the bustling streets of Taipei, the stunning Taroko Gorge, the serene Sun Moon Lake, or the delicious street food scene, Taiwan offers experiences that will create lasting memories.

By completing your arrival card online before departure, you'll start your Taiwan adventure on the right foot with faster immigration processing and more time to explore. Remember to also verify your visa requirements based on your nationality, ensure your passport has adequate validity, and prepare all necessary documentation for a smooth entry process.

Taiwan consistently ranks among the safest and most welcoming destinations for international travelers. The efficient arrival card system is just one example of how Taiwan prioritizes visitor convenience while maintaining necessary immigration controls. With proper preparation, you'll clear immigration quickly and be on your way to discovering everything this remarkable island has to offer.