Taiwan

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Taiwan vs Tokyo

Visa

Taiwan has relatively straightforward entry rules for many nationalities. Citizens of countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Chile, Guatemala and most EU countries can currently enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Several Southeast Asian and Caribbean nationalities also qualify for visa-free stays, generally ranging from 14 to 30 days.

Visa requirements vary significantly by nationality. For example, citizens of Thailand, Brunei and the Philippines currently benefit from a 14-day visa-free trial arrangement, while citizens of Malaysia and Singapore can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. Nationals of some countries, including India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar, may qualify for special conditional entry or travel authorization schemes rather than standard visa-free entry.

Travelers who are not eligible for visa-free entry generally need to apply for a visitor visa or another appropriate entry permit before traveling. Requirements can include a passport with sufficient validity, proof of onward or return travel, and evidence of accommodation or sufficient funds, depending on nationality. Visa-free tourist entry does not automatically give travelers permission to work for a Taiwan-based employer. Digital nomads planning a longer stay or professional activity should check Taiwan’s current immigration and work regulations before arriving. Since visa policies can change, always verify the latest requirements with Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs before booking your trip.

Safety

Taiwan is considered a very safe destination for travelers, with low levels of street crime and rare violent crime. Visitors can generally travel independently, use public transportation and explore cities such as Taipei late into the evening without major safety concerns.

Petty theft, scams and other opportunistic crimes can still occur, particularly in crowded markets, stations and tourist areas. Normal precautions, keeping valuables secure, being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas late at night, are usually sufficient.

For most travelers, traffic is arguably a greater everyday safety concern than crime. Scooters are extremely common, and visitors should take extra care when crossing roads or navigating busy streets. Overall, Taiwan is an easy destination for solo travelers and digital nomads who want a relatively low-risk environment.

Natural disasters

Taiwan’s main safety consideration is its exposure to natural disasters. The island sits in a seismically active region and regularly experiences earthquakes, while typhoons, flooding, landslides and periods of extreme heat are also possible.

Earthquakes can occur throughout the year, so travelers should know basic earthquake procedures and follow instructions from local authorities. Taiwan experienced a major magnitude 7.4 earthquake in April 2024, demonstrating the potential scale of seismic events.

Typhoon season generally runs from May through November. Strong storms can bring heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides and temporary disruptions to flights, trains and other transportation. If a typhoon is approaching, monitor official weather warnings and be prepared to adjust your itinerary.

For travelers, these risks are manageable with basic preparation. Keep important documents and emergency contacts accessible, carry a charged power bank, monitor local alerts and avoid mountainous or coastal areas during severe weather. Travel insurance is also recommended, particularly for longer stays or outdoor adventures.

ATM fees

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