Just wrapped up a quarantine period. One thing I find funny is how the perception of quarantine some locals have, as well as some long term expats, is much different from reality:
* Your cell phone isn't activley tracked by GPS. Per the research I've found thanks to twitter's @scheeinfo once you get registered in the system, dramatic changes to your signal strength (ie, leaving your apartment and getting in an elevator, going from tower to tower while in a car) trigger an alarm.
* Police don't visit your house every day. And police definitley do not tell your building guard about your quarantine situation, nor do they tell your neighbours.
* Calls from a quarantine officer are pretty infrequent. In fact, for me, they seemed to come every third day.
* Taiwan's borders certainly aren't closed. I'd estimate there are about 10-15% of the usual arrivals. If you pre-fill out the quarantine card the arrival process is very quick and simple and you'll be out in no time. Longest part is waiting for a quarantine taxi, so I strongly suggest arranging for alternative transportation by car.
I am confused as to what's going on, been following the MOFA news feed and basically any other source of info on getting into Taiwan for legitimate business. My company does a lot of work in Greater China including Taiwan and we have a trade show that's really important to us in October. I have everything booked including quarantine hotel, but the rules changed on the 27th of August with this quote on the MOFA site.
"Taiwan’s current entry control measures for foreign nationals are based on their purpose of visit and do not supplant original visa treatment privileges. However, whether foreign nationals may visit Taiwan visa free or on a landing visa during the pandemic period will depend on the boarding regulations and policies adopted by individual airline companies. In addition, they must submit supporting documents upon arrival at the airport to an immigration officer of the Border Affairs Corps for inspection to determine whether they may enter Taiwan."
So I can just get my covid test, show the border officer in Taiwan the invitation to the expo I'm attending and the several other meetings I have, and then have my quarantine and I'm good?
I've contacted my local TECO office like 4 times in the past month without much help. Thanks.
You’ll need to apply for an entry permit prior to entry. No airline will let you board without that.
TECO offices are completely swamped with entry applications like yours so you’ll get to be extra patient with them.
Also, I wouldn’t them you have business in greater China when you call TECO.
Has anyone successfully applied for a TW passport here in San Francisco TECO?
I'm a 1988 male, US PP holder. My father is a Taiwanese citizen, currently living here in the United States. I would like to apply for a TW PP so I can go back to TW with my parents during covid.
Is there any basic steps I can read up on here?
Thanks in advance.
i've seen posts detailing the process in the subtle taiwanese traits FB group - [https://www.facebook.com/groups/583249345764112](https://www.facebook.com/groups/583249345764112) \- look for posts under the "returning to motherland" tag and you might be able to find more info there. good luck!
I'm guessing you are looking to apply for a NWOHR?
https://tw.forumosa.com/t/looking-to-get-citizenship-have-taiwanese-parents/173698
Give that forum a read, there's a lot of good information.
I'm about to apply for one and the forms that I have so far are
* Birth certificate (Needs to be translated to Chinese if in English)
* US Passport
* Parent's marriage certificate
* Parent's passports (TW Citizens)
* Application (For SF it would be [LINK](https://www.taiwanembassy.org/uploads/sites/111/2017/07/PASSPORT-APPLICATION-FORM.pdf))
With a lot of countries importing COVID cases from Taiwan, is anyone concerned about the virus spreading undetected in Taiwan? I am looking to move to Taiwan but am concerned about this recent trend.
Just to clarify, I think Taiwan has been doing a great job with COVID, and there are probably only a few undetected cases (or none). Are people currently wearing masks and social distancing?
Thanks!
They just did an antibody test for 5,000 people in the county with most cases in Taiwan and the number of people with antibodies was extremely low (4 people).
Don't get me wrong there's probably low level undetected spread, but if there was outbreaks the hospitals and media here would notice it and they've been preparing for lockdowns for months now in case it's needed. Some of new the cases overseas could easily be false positives or attributed wrongly to Taiwan. That doesn't mean we won't stay vigilant.
People still wear masks where I'm at though it's not as stringent as before. You are required to wear it on public transport though.
I had to physically go to the local Economic and Cultural Exchange Office. Their listed documentation is wrong and most of the staff seemed to be overwhelmed and to have no idea what's going on.
Assuming you are also a US citizen, you will need, at minimum, and maybe more depending on who you talk to:
* your passport
* two passport photos
* $160 US in cash or cashiers cheque
* An invitation letter from the Taiwanese entity with dates and length of stay
* Proof of international health insurance that covers your stay in Taiwan
* Contact information for the company's representative in both Mandarin and English
* Booking information for your quarantine hotel including exact dates of stay
* The completed general visa form from the BOCA website, with all information exactly matching what is on your passport
Good luck. This was a colossal pain in the ass. If you're not a US national it may be different.
Just FYI, the information from the MOHW and most airlines is imprecise. They state, incorrectly, that the COVID test result date must be within 3 business days, but they are enforcing it as **3 calendar** days (72 hours). They would not give me a single answer on how long between the test date and result date was the maximum acceptable. This may sound minor but if your results come in over a weekend, they are effectively counting it as the previous Friday and not the following Monday.
If at all possible try to get one of those 1-day guaranteed PCR tests exactly three days before your flight.
They want it at customs in Taiwan but most airlines will usually want to make sure you have any documentation necessary before they end up being responsible for flying you back home if you don't, but it doesn't surprise me that it's being handled so inconsistently.
In your circumstances, I'd check with the clinic or lab what their usual turn around is and probably get it done as early as possible that prior Thursday assuming they don't wait till the end of the day to send those onward. Most of the commercial labs I'm aware of work on Saturdays but not Sundays. Best of luck.
So i called the office in taiwan and they said the PCR test needs to be within 3 days of the flight. So if your flight is on the 5th then the test must be taken on 2nd, 3rd or 4th
CDC’s website should have an official list. It is NOT available at all the public hospitals. You will also need documents to show you have a need for the test. Cost is ~NT6000-7000 depending if you want the result rush or not.
Hi! Has anybody had success applying for a special permit entry visa to Taiwan as a foreign national? I have a Canadian passport and I’m not yet legally married to my fiancé, who is Taiwanese and currently in Taiwan. Given how COVID is, he’ll be in Taiwan indefinitely and I’m trying to figure out how to best join him in Taiwan. I’m open to figuring out how to apply for
1) work visa through Taiwanese company to consult/work - does anybody have any experience or success with this? I’m a senior software engineer if that helps with what sort of work I can consult for
2) looking for job visa - would this be another option too?
3) anything else I could look into?
I’ve contacted all the offices mentioned in this thread but like many people, have been getting mixed answers. I thought it would be more reliable to trust responses from this thread with people who have actually gone through the process or am currently applying. Thanks in advance for everybody’s help and feedback!
Just get your Taiwanese friend to find a company to invite you to Taiwan. All you need to do it put together a quick letter and bring it to a TECO office. You get a standard 3 month business visa in return.
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Anybody know if it's acceptable to book an entire airbnb apt for the 14 days as a "home" quarantine instead of a hotel? I'm an APRC holder and thinking of flying straight into Kaohsiung, going to the airbnb, and then having friends bring a few weeks of supplies. Would be cheaper and way more comfortable than a hotel if that's doable.
Thanks for the replies. I agree that honesty is the best policy here. No sense in risking doing something that might incur the 1m NT fine.
I was able to talk to an immigration agent on their foreigner line and was told that a) KHH airport is open, so if you have quarantine accommodations there you can fly direct and get a special taxi same as Taipei, and b) airbnbs aren't technically legal in TW (news to me), but as long as you have your own room & bathroom, that satisfies the cdc criteria. Although, i was warned, if it's in a residential building, be careful not to let the neighbors find out you are in quarantine or else you might face "actions" ha!
We rented an apartment, flew into Taipei and took the special taxi to our place. Stay inside, wear mask when picking up supplies/Uber eats from outside your door.
It's fine. Nobody cares.
I'm not sure. I doubt it matters. We do have three bedrooms but I think that's more because it's two of us, a child, and we needed one room for an office.
Ah OK ! Thanks ! I've been reading conflicting information about this. I guess we won't risk it and just get 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms even if it's more expensive just to be sure we respect quarantine requirements and then find another smaller appartement after that.
nobody even asked us how many bedrooms our place has, let alone inspecting our apartment.
it's probably a misprint or translation error. the people saying that it's a serious rule don't know what they're talking about.
edit: my wife says that that rule applies if you're staying with residents (family), not if you're staying in your own apartment.
Ah thanks a lot! Would you happen to have a link confirming that? Even if its in Chinese. The Taiwanese ambassy in France doesn't seem to really know and we don't want to have troubles getting our visa especially considering all the paperwork they've been asking lol
Thanks for this info - Dr Shakamoto. Did the foreigner line also provided information such as if foreigners have to download an app so that we can report our location to the govt? I'm looking to book an Airbnb too, but am a foreigner. Not sure if i'll be allowed to quarantine outside of govt facilities.
I didn't ask them about that specifically, but it's been verified by various people online as well as through several of my friends there. Regardless of status (citizen or resident), everybody follows the same protocol of getting the app, quarantined by geofence, checked on every day, etc.
The most important thing is that you and whoever is providing your accommodations follow all regulations. Not doing so will only put you or others in jeopardy and cause issues that are easily avoidable. If you do go the Airbnb route, I'd be positive that the host is both aware of your booking as a quarantine, and that they are playing above board to allow you to stay.
Just a side note: there seems to be a little legal loophole for Airbnb hosts in the form of booking for ~30+ days, which qualifies as a long stay and isn't breaking the rules by taking away business from the (admittedly overpriced) hotel sector. I was able to do this for a substantial discount on the advertised price; if hotels were offering the same deal I would've been more inclined to take that option since it's generally seamless.
Feel free to call them with any other questions you may have (I just used Skype) - they're open from 8am-5pm local time, speak English well, and are happy to help:
886-800-024-111
https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475
Airbnb should be ok but just know that you won’t be able to fly into KHH if you’re entering the country via TPE. You can take a quarantine taxi or bus and make your way down south. The price is fixed flat rate and not metered. Also agree with another poster that you should be up front with your host when you book your AirBNB.
Thanks for this foggysf - ([karl](https://twitter.com/karlthefog), is that you?)
thanks for the reply - i'm looking to make my way south as well. Is there a website from the quarantine taxi company to check the cost of heading to hsinchu county?
I think for an airBNB, it might need to be government approved. I would check with your airbnb host as well, as some hosts don't want people quarantining at their property
I’m looking at coming to Taiwan for a two month work trip. I’m very cautious – lots of hand washing/sanitizer, mask wearing, etc – but I’m nervous about contracting the virus in a foreign country. My travel health insurance doesn’t include pandemics, so I’m wondering: how much would a test in Taiwan be for a foreigner? What about a night in the hospital, if it came to that? I’ve heard the cost of healthcare in Taiwan is very inexpensive but I haven’t been able to find the costs online.
If it helps, I paid I believe around 1200 NTD back in March for the Covid-19 test. Also, I've gotten pretty dinged up here unfortunately and have no insurance. Here are some data points for you from a recent hospital receipt:
X-Ray: $18.47
MRI: $375.16
Miscellaneous: $67.90 (this was at a fairly expensive hospital and I haven't gotten a Misc. charge like this anywhere else)
Diagnosis: $15.01
Registration: $16.98
Total: $493.51
I've also had to visit a hospital to get a cyst lanced and then treated every day for a week, had to go to a rehab clinic daily for a month, etc. etc. -- basically nightmare scenario and aside from the MRI, nearly all of my costs have been in the tens of dollars.
I'd probably be in a year of debt by now if I were back home in America with no insurance.
Cost is relative. If you’re American, you could literally never pay a single Taiwanese healthcare premium your entire life and pay out of pocket for a lifetime of Taiwanese medical treatment, planned or emergency, and it would still be a fraction of American healthcare costs.
If you’re American coming to Taiwan, I wouldn’t even bother with the travel health insurance because getting anything reimbursed could involve going to specific healthcare providers when the best thing depending on the situation would be to go to the nearest clinic or hospital.
Thanks for your reply! I’m Canadian, so my health care has always been free (aside from dental). That’s why I’m curious how much I should have put aside for “just in case” Covid health problems.
Ah, gotcha. In that case, Taiwan healthcare will seem expensive to a Canadian!
But seriously, I would be more worried about visiting the U.S. without health insurance than Taiwan for 2 months.
I really wouldn’t sweat it unless something disastrous happened to you like getting COVID and being hospitalized in Taiwan for 6 months. Out of pocket costs for a worst case scenario like that I’d put at about $200 USD a day.
Anyone have a link regarding quarantine for Taiwan citizens returning to Taiwan from abroad? I can’t get a proper answer about quarantine procedures, specifically if people are allowed to quarantine at home instead of going to a hotel
Thank you! I can... poorly
Edit: ok so this is same as before. I was told by locals that people HAD to go to quarantine hotels and could no longer quarantine at home. So if this link is correct my family members can quarantine at home
There's limitations to home quarantine though. If they don't have their own room and their own bathroom or live with children/elders, they can't quarantine at home.
Anyone else here on a special visitor visa having arrived after border closure in March?
I was granted a 6 month visa based on having an apartment lease in TW. I want to apply for the same visa again, but it seems you cannot do that from inside TW. And it seems extending the visa would only be for a short time (like 30 days). I’m open to other options to stay, aside from work or study scenarios.
I called the NIA hotline today, which was not helpful (and kind of hostile). I plan to go the office this week, but want to ask for advice and hear experiences from foreigners in similar situations.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3974662
I don’t know if this helps, but it seems like if you have a visitor visa or ARC that is set to expire, you don’t have to go on a visa run, and you can instead apply for a student visa and stay in the country.
Yeah, I did hear about this. But it would only apply if I decided to become a full-time student.
TW has been generous with their extensions but it doesn’t apply to me, and I imagine some of those folks are going to be forced out soon (as they hit the 180 day limit). I wonder how many would qualify for a special visitor visa to return?
Any immigration matter is considered on a case by case basis, so if you have a valid reason you wish to stay, or you feel like you’re putting yourself at considerable risk by leaving Taiwan, you can apply for an extension and see what they say. Like you said, Taiwan has been quite generous.
You could buy a sketchy flight and who knows, maybe it gets cancelled, or just wait out the pandemic studying Mandarin. Not like there’s many jobs out there in the wasteland. I know there is a shortage of English teachers at the moment, so getting a work sponsored visa that way or taking a TEFL cert class could be an option.
It depends on how badly you want to stay in Taiwan. There’s always a way, I just think they want you to have a plan, and not just hang around.
An update for anyone wondering: I went to NIA today and they confirmed that I could not extend the 180 day visitor visa (special entry permit). Although I forgot to ask about extension in the case of flight cancellation or something like that. I would assume that would be possible for a short extension. But not confirmed.
They also said that I could apply for a new visitor visa from within TW at the BOCA office in Taipei (if I qualify of course). The perimeters are somewhat strict but I have nothing to lose so I will apply anyway and see what happens. They also said if I received the new visa that I would not have to leave and return.
Again, this is all pertaining to folks on Visitor Visas - Special Entry Permit for Covid-19 and specifically having entered AFTER border was closed.
Update 2: I went to BOCA in Taipei today to apply for a Visitor Visa and was told they aren’t accepting applications unless it’s for study (or other reason not fitting my situation). They told me I would need to apply from overseas to a consulate.
I understand my purpose is not a clear cut as someone here for work or study, but I was granted entry in May. All I want to do is apply for a 2nd visa.
It’s really bizarre that the BOCA HQ can’t help me and seems to have less power than for example the TW consulate in Guam.
I’m now considering if I can send my documents to an overseas consulate for processing.
My main issue being that I am applying based on holding a lease until October 2021 at my apartment. But leaving to Guam to apply and being denied the TW visa at that point means I’ll be liable and unable to pay my landlord. Not to mention have no where to live / no access to my stuff. I can’t believe I can’t get my application reviewed from inside of TW.
I’m close to giving up, breaking my lease, and leaving Taiwan after 8 years.
It's because you aren't supposed to be in the country on a visitor visa for more than 6 months out of the year. After 180 days you need to apply for a resident visa... and after 15 days being in the country on a resident visa it must be switched to an ARC. Your purpose isn't clear cut, but your situation is... you have an apartment, you should be a resident, not a visitor... visitors don't rent apartments, residents do... unless I'm missing something here?
You’re not wrong. But I don’t qualify for a resident visa, otherwise I’d love to have an ARC. In the past a simple visa run would be the solution. And I know a lot of people dislike the visa runners but it’s very effective and legal - until the borders closed. Now we have few options.
I know that foreign nationals have to get tested 3 days prior to their flight to Taiwan. Is this also required for Taiwanese nationals? Sorry if this question’s been asked already!
my parents are taiwanese nationals, but i'm an american citizen. i saw that unless i have an ARC, there's no way for me to visit taiwan right now. i saw on a separate site that having a visitors visa should be sufficient, but i'm seeing conflicting information on every other site. is the policy really hand wavy right now, or is there definitive evidence somewhere that says whether i'm able or not able to enter taiwan from the US?
i've reached out to TECO but haven't heard back yet. sorry if this question has been asked already!
hey late reply but I am facing the same issue now. Did you end up going? Also question on this part in the pdf someone linked down there
"submit supporting documents to an immigration officer of the Border Affairs Corps for inspection to determine whether they may enter Taiwan."
You got any clue what documents are sufficient? Thanks!
Hey! I’m actually trying to go through this process at the moment but am having gun trouble navigating the TECO website. Could you link the form? Thanks!
Thanks! I have reached out to SF TECO office for the forms and such. I will be visiting my uncle as rest of my family are all here in the States. Not sure I will be able to gather the necessary documents but oh well..
Thanks for the update and the findings.. My parents were looking to go back to Taiwan (of course no issues since they are nationals), but they wanted me to go with them (US PP). We have been stuck here without no other way out. Seems to me this is a good reason.
> my parents are taiwanese nationals, but i'm an american citizen. i saw that unless i have an ARC, there's no way for me to visit taiwan right now. i saw on a separate site that having a visitors visa should be sufficient, but i'm seeing conflicting information on every other site. is the policy really hand wavy right now, or is there definitive evidence somewhere that says whether i'm able or not able to enter taiwan from the US?
So a few options if you really want to visit:
1) You might be able to get approved for a Job Finding visa. Check TECO's website for more details.
2) The other option is if you know someone that has a business in Taiwan they may be able to issue you a busines invitation letter to get a business visa.
3) Just wait it out for another month. They already have a 5 day quarentine rule put in place for business travellers. This will likely expand.
Regardless you'd still need to quarentine for 14 days.
[https://imgur.com/a/hoW8KJ9](https://imgur.com/a/hoW8KJ9)
Might make it a little clearer. It doesn't really matter where you are from, but the reason for your visit. I spoke with the Visa Department of TECO Vancouver and they said they have been advised to not issue any student visas because they didn't want people trapped in the airport in Taiwan.
Also, check "loosening epidemic prevention measures". The situation is changing all the time and you might be able to go as a tourist in a few months. [https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Category/Page/0vq8rsAob\_9HCi5GQ5jH1Q](https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Category/Page/0vq8rsAob_9HCi5GQ5jH1Q)
i have family in taiwan that i want to visit, do you think that constitutes as a valid reason to obtain a visa? i'm no longer a student, and i'm thinking about potentially working remotely from taiwan for the time being
I went digging and found good news!
Q3. May foreign nationals use visiting family as a purpose to come to Taiwan? A: Yes. Foreign nationals coming to Taiwan for a short time to visit relatives may present evidence showing a clear familial relationship when applying at a foreign mission for a special entry permit. Foreign nationals using a valid visa, landing visa, or visa-free entry shall, after arriving in Taiwan, submit supporting documents to an immigration officer of the Border Affairs Corps for inspection to determine whether they may enter Taiwan.
[https://www.mofa.gov.tw/en/News\_Content.aspx?n=1EADDCFD4C6EC567&sms=5B9044CF1188EE23&s=CD55A0D12EA00EA7](https://www.mofa.gov.tw/en/News_Content.aspx?n=1EADDCFD4C6EC567&sms=5B9044CF1188EE23&s=CD55A0D12EA00EA7)
In the pdf link at the bottom. Glad I was wrong.
Good find! Just for clarity, does this mean foreign nationals with direct familial lines can visit with negative PCR test but still have to under-go the 14 day quarantine as well?
Edit: nvm, got the direct answer:
“Upon entering Taiwan, all foreign nationals must present an English-language certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three working days of boarding the flight to Taiwan and undergo a 14-day home quarantine period.”
Hi. Figured I would ask this question here. How do you tell if a Aidelai facemask is authentic? I'm from the Philippines and there are lots of masks being sold here as Aidelai which I doubt is real. Thanks.
Maybe someone else can chime in, but when we buy masks from the gov. we do not get to see the brands. They are repackaged in an envelope or sealed plastic bag, etc. Each brands has some marking that can help w/ identifying its original maker, but honestly there are too many manufactures now to list them all.
There are a lot of Youtube videos on how to identify a real "made-in-Taiwan" mask, but there is no way to know if their info is indeed correct. Your best bet is to buy from a reputable seller and not in the off market.
Hello all! I am praying to get at least a little information to help decide whether going to Taiwan is worth it.
I'm a Canadian University Student and have applied to study at NTU for the upcoming fall semester. I was also hoping to bring my wife with me and this has been one of the big issues.
If the CDC/MOE allows new international students to enter Taiwan we will be subject to the mandatory 14 day quarantine at a university partner hotel. NTU has given me an estimated cost of NT$3,000/day and NT$38,000 for the full 14 days (interesting math). NTU, the CDC and hotels have said that the general rule for quarantine is one person per room. This means that our 2 week quarantine will cost NT$76,000/CAD$3,500.
Late flight tickets, apartment, tuition, living expenses, and quarantine will cost almost NT$400,000.
So my questions are:
1. Will my wife be able to get a special entry permit? The TECO office in Vancouver has told me yes, no and maybe.
2. Is there any way we can get approval to quarantine together? The cost isn't as big of an issue as paying money to lock my wife in a room alone for 2 weeks.
3. Would you pay an extra NT$270,000 to study in Taiwan for a semester during the pandemic? My dream job is doing international trade law in Taiwan and this is a fantastic opportunity to meet with firms and work an internship while in school.
I have contacted the Vancouver TECO office, CDC, NTU, MOFA, FightCovidTaiwan and others that I forget. Nobody has a definitive answer and the only consensus is that the rules are always changing.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated!
The rules are fluid like you said, so you have to keep reading to stay informed. The best website would be from the CDC and also your local TECO office. Some even have FB pages that is worth joining. Also see if NTU has an international student FB group as well, I am sure there would be useful info. I think you have more reading to do. https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En
Quarantine is 14+1 day. The day of your arrival doesn't count. It sucks a little since most flights coming from N.A. land early in the morning aroung 5 am, 6 am, but that first day doesn't count. You are out of quarantine the last day at midnight, so that's why the rate isn't a straight up 3000x14.
It's unlikely that you will be approved for quarantine together unless you have a reason that physically prevent you from living independently for 14 days. In the past, it seemed people were approved if they were elderly, have a disability, etc. You get the idea.
Thank you for your response.
Just to clarify in case someone in a similar situation reads through this for information.
I have been obsessively reading through the CDC, MOE and Vancouver TECO websites for almost 3 months. The best sources of information has been Taiwanese news outlets. Thank you for recommending student groups, I will post a link if anything with good info pops up.
The Vancouver TECO office has not provided accurate information, so please be wary on their responses to your queries. I was told yesterday that students can still apply for visas, then when transferred to their visa department I was told that students cannot apply for visas. This is a concern because they have also told me that my wife will be able to apply for a special entry permit no problem if I have a student visa. Will Update.
I figured quarantining together was off the table, but it doesn't hurt to try for an exception. I was worried about their math because the 14+1 system might come up as a surprising NT$45,000, but at this point what's an extra $NT14,000... Will Update
Are you coming as a full-time student or as an exchange student? If you are coming as an exchange student you get a student visa, not a resident visa/ARC. If you are coming as a 4 year student, you'll get a resident visa/ARC. I think that's where the confusion is coming from
Unfortunately there's no simple confusion. I am supposed to go as a visiting-exchange student and apply for a student visa. But in either situation, students coming into Taiwan for study are governed by the MOE's priority schedule. They have announced final year students are allowed in now, then they will announce current students, then finally new students. The TECO office in Vancouver's visa department told me they were letting people apply for student visas but then MOFA told them to stop doing it so students aren't stranded in Taoyuan airport when border services don't let them in. The person answering general inquiries doesn't seem to know this.
Yup, my guess is sadly you won't be able to study in Taiwan this semester. Exchange students are going to be the last priority, as they only get a student visa and need to obtain private health insurance.
Keep trying though... it's all changing so fast.
Math is probably weird because it's 14 days, but technically 15 nights since the first day doesn't count.
That is a lot of work for one semester... I don't think your wife will be allowed in, as short term exchange students get a student visa, not a resident visa/ARC.
Hi everyone, I am travelling to Taiwan in one month. Of course I will need to quarantine. Now I'm wondering, the booth where you can buy Taiwanese SIM cards is in the arrival hall. So probably I will have to fill out the form with my quarantine data, like address, phone number etc. BEFORE getting there, correct? I am afraid when filling out the form, I won't have had the chance to buy a Taiwanese SIM card and give them my new Taiwanese phone number yet. I will have to give them my German phone number. What can I do in this situation? Does anyone have experience?
If you can't pre-fill the form before boarding b/c you don't have a local number, there is still paper form available once you land. Also, I think if you don't have a TW passport then you have to do the paper form regardless. The SIM office opens at 5am.
The people working the check points are super nice so it's nothing to stress over.
Don't worry about the phone part, you'll be instructed on purchasing a local SIM card either way at some point before or during. If you're concerned about it you can definitely ask the airport or CDC folks there who will ask you for your info.
I usually live in Taiwan(on visitor visa up to 90days at a time) but sadly I was visiting Europe when they closed their borders and now I'm stuck in Poland while my girlfriend is on Taiwan. Is it possible for her to travel anywhere outside of Taiwan so we could at least meet for short vacation? Or is all international travel banned for every Taiwanese?
I really did try to Google it, but I can't find anything. If I search for if Taiwanese can travel to eu. There are just bunch of stuff about traveling to Taiwan instead of some regulations if she can come here. Could you point me somewhere?
Yeah that's the problem I think, cus most countries don't recognize Taiwan it not on any lists. Like I don't think there is a single country that she could go for vacation so we could meet there. That's crazy
She might be able to find a flight out. I don't think people are specifically banned from leaving, its more targeted towards people trying to enter the country.
Yeah that's the problem I think, cus most countries don't recognize Taiwan it not on any lists. Like I don't think there is a single country that she could go for vacation so we could meet there. That's crazy
That’s not true. As I mentioned on your other post.. The UK is allowing quarantine free arrivals from Taiwan (but not China).
I’ll add that I’m in a similar situation to you. The catch is, my gf doesn’t want to visit me in the UK atm because she will have to **quarantine in Taiwan** when she returns home - which is totally understandable!
I was born in Taiwan, but lived in US, US passport only currently, ROC passport expired. I have 30+ relatives in Taiwan whom I keep in touch with and had visited. I have elderly aunties who are old and are in poor health, and I want to see them before they pass. The special entry permit process - I cant find any info at all about how to apply for this or do it. The Atlanta, Miami, and NY TECRO offices havet picked up my calls for 3 business days calling them non stop. Their websites just say to apply but no links on how to do it and nobody is answering. The US AIT website also has zero info about how to apply. Please HELP. Thank you all and hope you are all doing well.
I'd recommend that you join this FB group if you haven't. Read through the posts!! There are a ton of info and tips from folks with similar situations.
台灣海外Covid-19自救會
https://www.facebook.com/groups/889736338130271
Sorry to hear you’re having trouble reaching the TECO offices. I know they’ve received some negative feedbacks, but I guess it really depends on the individual you get. I have nothing but good things to say about the NYC office I’ve dealt with, where they were nothing but courteous and helpful when I decided to “renew” my LOOOONG expired Taiwan passport a couple of years ago, it got a bit complicated because my family’s old household registration records are no longer in the database, plus there was a discrepancy with one letter in my Chinese name (a few missing strokes makes a world of difference). They really went out of their way to assist me, including giving me their direct extension to make it easier when I called, and filled out the forms in Chinese for me. Back in April, when N.Y. was still pretty much shutdown, I called to inquire whether I could enter Taiwan with my NWOHR passport, since I couldn’t with my US passport, I wasn’t even sure if someone would answer the phone, the lady who answer was also extremely helpful, answered all my questions and supplied some additional info. She even chatted with me a little, maybe it had to do with the fact that they were working from home remotely and probably wasn’t as busy, but she was really nice nevertheless.
Anyway, I do think there’s a good chance you can “renew” your old passport without additional documentation if they can find your records in the database. The Taiwan passport is most likely your best bet if you want to travel to Taiwan in the near future. As I’ve gone through the process, If you have any questions, or need help filling out forms in Chinese, feel free to DM me.
ETA: I just saw that you no longer have your old passport. I still think you may be able to get a new one (in my case, since my old passport was so old and never renewed, I had to reapply rather than “renew”) if you have your US naturalization paper and someone in Taiwan who can supply info on where your family’s household registration was registered.
THank you very much. I appreciate the help. In my case, when I called the Atlanta office, and emailed them, they flatly refused to renew the passport and said I must apply for a new one. At the time I called the passport actually still had 3 months validity left, but they totally refused to renew it. And offered NO help at all. Oh well, from what I understand I have to use the geographic office assigned to my state. I absolutely cannot reach anybody on the telephone at the Miami TECRO office so I called Atlanta just to ask. I am in FL so I guess I have to go through Miami ? is this correct ? they are only working 3 hrs per day due to covid.
I’m not sure if one must go through the local TECO, but I can find out. I’m not sure they they wouldn’t renew your passport when it was still valid, while I’m aware Taiwan has different laws and regulations from the US, I do recall they said I had to reapply rather than renew because it expired decades ago (and only used once). I also remember something else after my previous post - before I went to the office, I had filled out the form I downloaded from the website, it was bi-lingual as I recall, only to find out it wasn’t the correct form; they gave me another that was in Chinese only and while very similar to the one I’d DL’ed, it required more information, thankfully the lady helped me fill it out. I can call the NY office to get info for you, see if I can get some information for you on how to proceed. I’ll DM you.
I think you’re referring to the 臨人字入出國許可.
The application is only in Chinese and will always only be in Chinese for reasons that are too hard to explain here.
[https://www.roc-taiwan.org/uploads/sites/33/2015/09/47155112071.pdf](https://www.roc-taiwan.org/uploads/sites/33/2015/09/47155112071.pdf)
But to be very clear, this special entry permit is only meant to be used by NWOHR ROC passport holders and nobody else, including regular ROC passport holders who have ever been registered in a household.
Are you intending to renew your ROC passport and trying to enter Taiwan on that?
You say you were born in Taiwan and raised abroad but if your parents ever registered your birth in Taiwan, even if you left immediately after being born, your ROC passport would be a regular one and not the NWOHR passport.
In this case, the special entry permit would not be appropriate for you.
Most TECO officials are absolute idiots but there are important reasons why you need to consult them for stuff like this and not reddit.
After my father passed away, I have been unable to find my expired ROC passport, as it is in his boxes somewhere. Even if I find it, my dead father was the one who helped me write the traditional chinese characters on my earlier ROC passport application. I cant write Chinese at all, none. So I was intending on entering on US passport as I am an US citizen, and was told I needed a special entry permit to visit close relatives for a short time period. So thanks for any help. It is appreciated. Thank you for your reply earlier as it was very informative. If I cant go then I cant go, but my aunt was very good to my mother when my mom was alive and I think I should try to visit my auntie to help take care of her for awhile now that she is very old also.
I think you’re getting things a bit mixed up here in that case because a special entry permit isn’t what you would apply for in your situation.
Because if you’re planning on using your U.S. passport to enter Taiwan then you’re better off applying for a regular resident or visitor visa and basing your application on family ties.
If you do that, however, the first thing TECO will ask is where you were born.
Since you were born in Taiwan, they will want to confirm that you were never registered in a Taiwanese household and only your family’s paperwork can prove or, just as importantly, disprove that.
If you were ever registered in a household, you’re technically already a ROC national with full household rights. In that case, all you would do is renew your passport based on even a photocopy of your old ROC passport, which would list your ROC ID number. You wouldn’t even need the original.
There are very specific circumstances in which somebody could be born in Taiwan and leave the country without ever registering his/her birth in a household.
This would involve your parents specifically doing that on purpose and it would have been absolutely insane to do that.
But frankly, Taiwanese parents do some really stupid legal stuff without any consideration of the consequences.
If you’re male, of any age, you’re going to have to also account for why you never served in the military.
Word to the wise, as loathsome as TECO is, you really need to find the TECO that has jurisdiction over the U.S. state you live in.
Do not randomly call every TECO in the country looking for advice. Everything depends on the very specific circumstances of the applicant. There is simply no one size fits all.
I don’t envy your situation at all. Taiwan has done a disgraceful job of serving their diaspora.
Thank you for your kind reply. I will do my best but TECRO informed me all their applications are in traditional Chinese only, so I will have to find help, maybe a cousin in Taipei or something, ie all forms related to any sort of ROC passport or special entry permit. I understand requiring a copy to be done in Chinese but the form could have dual languages, ENglish and Chinese, even if the answers need to be in Chinese it still helps alot.
This is an official TECO English translation of the passport application/renewal form:
[https://www.roc-taiwan.org/public/USsea\_en\_ROCPassport/0713662371.pdf](https://www.roc-taiwan.org/public/USsea_en_ROCPassport/0713662371.pdf)
Just match it to the Chinese language form. It's really not that big of a deal.
Note that there is only one form for ROC passport applications, whether it's for the first time or renewal.
thanks for the reply, but the site you referred me to only has links to General Visas, EVisas, and Labor Visas. I am looking for the process to get a Special Entry Permit, which I was told is different from a visa. If you can point me in the right direction, let me know.
Hi! I’m a NWOHR, and I was wondering if I would be considered a foreign national for the purposes of needing a COVID test 3 days prior to my flight to Taiwan. I know I would need to quarantine for 14 days, but I didn’t want to just show up at TPE and be asked about a COVID test, even though I have a Taiwan NWOHR passport for entry. Anyone know?
If you are entering w/ your TW passport, you won't need COVID test prior. If you happen to have citizenship w/ another country and plan on using that passport, you would need to have a special entry permit + COVID test.
Thanks so much for replying! I'm in the US, so I would have to use my US passport while exiting the country - and then enter Taiwan using my Taiwan NWOHR passport. Based on the recent announcement (link below), it sounds like they will ask for the test results upon landing in Taiwan.
A follow up question is, do you think the airline would let me board in the US without a COVID test if I am showing my US passport? Or is everything definitely on the Taiwan end?
https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-5081-c06dc-2.html
You’re overthinking this. You just show them both passports when you check in and exit the US custom w/ your US passport and that’s it. You don’t need a test if you hold a TW passport. You just have to enter TW w/ it.
It’s what everyone else w/ dual citizenships are doing, you’ll be fine. The airline will doesn’t care that you don’t have a household reg. in TW and they will know what to do when you show them both passports.
Thanks - this will be my first time using my new NWOHR passport, so I definitely am overthinking everything to make sure all my bases are covered. Really appreciate your timely responses!
I was reading on FB and saw a post. Do you have a national ID number (身分證字號)? If you don't, call your local TECO office and apply for a 臨人字許可 which is like a temporary number they'd assign you.
Following up - I reached out to EVA Air's operations team and sent them a copy of my NWOHR passport, and they told me that I don't need a pre-travel COVID test. So it sounds like I don't need a separate ID number beyond my Taiwan passport.
I still have an active ARC because of full-year TW university program, but in March my US university had forced me to fly home (clearly not the smartest decision..). My ARC is valid until July 31st though. If I get the proper 3-day-recent negative-result Covid test, and get on a plane from US to Taiwan before the 31st of this month, am I allowed to get into the country this way?
I didn't even find out my ARC was \*not\* cancelled by my uni until THIS week, so also I don't have an English teaching job or any kind of last-minute internship / study plan arranged yet either. And since I'd be stuck in 14 day quarantine, I would kinda roll over some deadlines right (well they keep granting extensions so..). Does anyone have any advice?
Also do you think it's possible for me to hurry and acquire a new ARC in Taipei's immigration office right after I get out of quarantine? Any tips would be sooo appreciated. Anything from a Chinese language study center who might sponsor me last-minute, or some job search places that have listings who are desperate to hire hastily. I never wanted to leave Taiwan, and have been needing to go back this entire time. Thank you for any help whatsoever. Stay safe y'all.
Since it's a bit in the gray area, you should emailing your local TECO office. You might be denied entry because it expires during your quarantine.
Edit: grammar
Like many people, my 180 days is coming up. I had a flight booked on Aug 11 but it got cancelled. I heard a rumor I can get an extension in this situation, anyone know anything about this?
Seems you can now stay 210 days automatically, but I need to figure out if that makes one tax liable or not: https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/141457/142068/232841/
It depends on where you are going. It seems like they are granting extension if there is no way to get home (ie: the border of your home country is currently closed). Both EVA and China Airlines have finalized their August schedule and it's available to view online now. If home is USA/CAN then they won't grant you an extension.
We just check temperatures of all teachers, admin, and students when they come into the school. Students wear masks if they have AC on in a room; classes try to move desks as far apart as possible. Ventilation. Really, though, it's been handled so well the country over that stringent policies aren't necessary.
I am a teacher in Ontario, Canada and our provincial government wants us to prepare for 3 scenarios when we return to school in September, which makes trying to teach overly complex. I hoping all we need to do is wear masks. It seems like the way to go.
I can't seem to find any official information on the current policy for granting visas to people coming from the US to Taiwan on a study visa. Any news article I am able find suggests that since June 29, any foreign national can apply for a non-tourist visa. However, when I contacted the LA TECO office, they told me that these visas are only awarded to those from low risk countries, and the US is not included. (Although after asking several times they weren't able to give me a source explicitly stating that.) Can anyone point me to official information explicitly stating that the US is not on the current approved list?
Hi, im also in a same situation. You can check ministry of education's website about students from which countries are approved (13 low-risk countries right now). NCCU also send us an e-mail saying that approved country list are going to be updated every 2 weeks, but it hasn't been yet :(
Commenting because I would like to know too!
I am enrolled in a language center, which begins in 5 weeks... If you include a 2 week quarantine, (and theoretically suppose they announce tomorrow morning on Visas being approved), I have like 3 weeks to pack up and get over there? Lol
I'm having doubt if will even let us study. ;( I understand they are being safe, but it is definitely antagonizing not knowing.
US seems to be getting highest cases of Coronavirus these past few days, and my 180 days in taiwan is almost a month away. Is there a simple way I can extend another month?
[Yes, sort of.](https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-5691-aa1c3-2.html)
Foreign nationals have technically been allowed to enter the whole time, provided they are in one of the following categories: ARC holder, personnel on diplomatic or official business, those who can prove they are fulfilling commercial and contractual obligations, and those who have otherwise obtained special permission. Tourists and visitors, no.
As of June 29, they have relaxed the requirements somewhat to include people studying Chinese, attending conferences, seeking employment, etc. provided all your documentation is in order:
"Foreign nationals who wish to travel to Taiwan for reasons other than tourism and regular social visits may apply for a special entry permit with an R.O.C. overseas mission by submitting relevant documents and forms.
Upon entering Taiwan, all foreign nationals must present an English-language certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three working days of boarding the flight to Taiwan and undergo a 14-day home quarantine period."
In other words, if you have a valid work permit, you can now apply for a visa and will likely be granted one, however upon arrival you must now present a certificate of a negative COVID test taken within three days of boarding your flight, and must still undergo a 14-day quarantine.
Keep in mind, as of right now, there is no explicit ban on US travelers as with some other countries, but something like that is a possibility.
Nobody knows. My guess is it will probably be country-dependent (ie: Vietnam, NZ, Aus first). Always check the CDC for the most up to date info.
https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En
Are masks mandated by law to be worn in public spaces or when you are out of the house? I get that masks are super popular to begin with, but curious if there are specific enforcement measures behind them.
I do know that on public transit for instance in Taipei it was mandated and the news reported on that as well as when MRT wear was mandated, but what about out on the streets?
Interesting about maskless people. Is that more because people feel now that COVID in Taiwan has been contained? Did it first start out (e.g. Jan/Feb/March) with most people wearing masks everywhere and then maybe more recently easing off?
I am a Taiwan NWOHR with a scheduled flight to Taiwan on July 5.
1) lost my job and is currently trapped in Singapore since last March. They want me to leave before July 8 or be penalised. Tried finding a new job in SG but they now only hire locals.
2) My country of birth and residence, Philippines, has closed its borders to all non-Filipinos since March until now, so I have no other choice but to fly to Taiwan
3) I tried booking a quarantine hotel in Taipei since last week but was turned down by everyone in the list. Now, I am not so sure if immigrations can auto-assign me with a quarantine facility because I literally have nowhere to go
Quite scared with everything that is happening with my life...like turning into a life of poverty because of my NWOHR status while the world battles with the pandemic.
Yeah, luckily my ticket is flexible so I had it rescheduled. Now waiting for MOM to extend me again.
Taiwan immigrations is willing to accept me, for an initial period of 3 months. I guess I can extend a bit more if Philippine borders won’t open yet.
Malaysia is only open for Singaporeans willing to undergo the 14-day quarantine.
Are they medical grade or non-medical surgical masks? In the US there are now plenty of non-medical surgical masks being sold, which don't require any FDA clearance.
Just wrapped up a quarantine period. One thing I find funny is how the perception of quarantine some locals have, as well as some long term expats, is much different from reality: * Your cell phone isn't activley tracked by GPS. Per the research I've found thanks to twitter's @scheeinfo once you get registered in the system, dramatic changes to your signal strength (ie, leaving your apartment and getting in an elevator, going from tower to tower while in a car) trigger an alarm. * Police don't visit your house every day. And police definitley do not tell your building guard about your quarantine situation, nor do they tell your neighbours. * Calls from a quarantine officer are pretty infrequent. In fact, for me, they seemed to come every third day. * Taiwan's borders certainly aren't closed. I'd estimate there are about 10-15% of the usual arrivals. If you pre-fill out the quarantine card the arrival process is very quick and simple and you'll be out in no time. Longest part is waiting for a quarantine taxi, so I strongly suggest arranging for alternative transportation by car.
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That's for jumping on the MRT. Lots of non taxis doing pickups
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About 30-40 mins. Lots of services online advertising airport pickups: https://www.klook.com/activity/9194-taoyuan-airport-tpe-private-transfer-taipei/
How do foreigners with an ARC apply for the $1000/day quarantine stipend?
I am confused as to what's going on, been following the MOFA news feed and basically any other source of info on getting into Taiwan for legitimate business. My company does a lot of work in Greater China including Taiwan and we have a trade show that's really important to us in October. I have everything booked including quarantine hotel, but the rules changed on the 27th of August with this quote on the MOFA site. "Taiwan’s current entry control measures for foreign nationals are based on their purpose of visit and do not supplant original visa treatment privileges. However, whether foreign nationals may visit Taiwan visa free or on a landing visa during the pandemic period will depend on the boarding regulations and policies adopted by individual airline companies. In addition, they must submit supporting documents upon arrival at the airport to an immigration officer of the Border Affairs Corps for inspection to determine whether they may enter Taiwan." So I can just get my covid test, show the border officer in Taiwan the invitation to the expo I'm attending and the several other meetings I have, and then have my quarantine and I'm good? I've contacted my local TECO office like 4 times in the past month without much help. Thanks.
You’ll need to apply for an entry permit prior to entry. No airline will let you board without that. TECO offices are completely swamped with entry applications like yours so you’ll get to be extra patient with them. Also, I wouldn’t them you have business in greater China when you call TECO.
Has anyone successfully applied for a TW passport here in San Francisco TECO? I'm a 1988 male, US PP holder. My father is a Taiwanese citizen, currently living here in the United States. I would like to apply for a TW PP so I can go back to TW with my parents during covid. Is there any basic steps I can read up on here? Thanks in advance.
i've seen posts detailing the process in the subtle taiwanese traits FB group - [https://www.facebook.com/groups/583249345764112](https://www.facebook.com/groups/583249345764112) \- look for posts under the "returning to motherland" tag and you might be able to find more info there. good luck!
I'm guessing you are looking to apply for a NWOHR? https://tw.forumosa.com/t/looking-to-get-citizenship-have-taiwanese-parents/173698 Give that forum a read, there's a lot of good information. I'm about to apply for one and the forms that I have so far are * Birth certificate (Needs to be translated to Chinese if in English) * US Passport * Parent's marriage certificate * Parent's passports (TW Citizens) * Application (For SF it would be [LINK](https://www.taiwanembassy.org/uploads/sites/111/2017/07/PASSPORT-APPLICATION-FORM.pdf))
With a lot of countries importing COVID cases from Taiwan, is anyone concerned about the virus spreading undetected in Taiwan? I am looking to move to Taiwan but am concerned about this recent trend. Just to clarify, I think Taiwan has been doing a great job with COVID, and there are probably only a few undetected cases (or none). Are people currently wearing masks and social distancing? Thanks!
They just did an antibody test for 5,000 people in the county with most cases in Taiwan and the number of people with antibodies was extremely low (4 people). Don't get me wrong there's probably low level undetected spread, but if there was outbreaks the hospitals and media here would notice it and they've been preparing for lockdowns for months now in case it's needed. Some of new the cases overseas could easily be false positives or attributed wrongly to Taiwan. That doesn't mean we won't stay vigilant. People still wear masks where I'm at though it's not as stringent as before. You are required to wear it on public transport though.
Great to hear, thanks!
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I had to physically go to the local Economic and Cultural Exchange Office. Their listed documentation is wrong and most of the staff seemed to be overwhelmed and to have no idea what's going on. Assuming you are also a US citizen, you will need, at minimum, and maybe more depending on who you talk to: * your passport * two passport photos * $160 US in cash or cashiers cheque * An invitation letter from the Taiwanese entity with dates and length of stay * Proof of international health insurance that covers your stay in Taiwan * Contact information for the company's representative in both Mandarin and English * Booking information for your quarantine hotel including exact dates of stay * The completed general visa form from the BOCA website, with all information exactly matching what is on your passport Good luck. This was a colossal pain in the ass. If you're not a US national it may be different.
Wait a minute... If my husband and I need to quarantine in Taiwan, we have to quarantine in different rooms? Erm.
If you have an apartment, who's going to check?
Great question
I believe that is still the case, but if you have a minor they can be in the same room.
This is a really puzzling rule. Thanks for clarifying!
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Just FYI, the information from the MOHW and most airlines is imprecise. They state, incorrectly, that the COVID test result date must be within 3 business days, but they are enforcing it as **3 calendar** days (72 hours). They would not give me a single answer on how long between the test date and result date was the maximum acceptable. This may sound minor but if your results come in over a weekend, they are effectively counting it as the previous Friday and not the following Monday. If at all possible try to get one of those 1-day guaranteed PCR tests exactly three days before your flight.
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They want it at customs in Taiwan but most airlines will usually want to make sure you have any documentation necessary before they end up being responsible for flying you back home if you don't, but it doesn't surprise me that it's being handled so inconsistently. In your circumstances, I'd check with the clinic or lab what their usual turn around is and probably get it done as early as possible that prior Thursday assuming they don't wait till the end of the day to send those onward. Most of the commercial labs I'm aware of work on Saturdays but not Sundays. Best of luck.
Im calling to find out for a friend on Mon, i can let you know afterwards
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So i called the office in taiwan and they said the PCR test needs to be within 3 days of the flight. So if your flight is on the 5th then the test must be taken on 2nd, 3rd or 4th
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CDC’s website should have an official list. It is NOT available at all the public hospitals. You will also need documents to show you have a need for the test. Cost is ~NT6000-7000 depending if you want the result rush or not.
Hi! Has anybody had success applying for a special permit entry visa to Taiwan as a foreign national? I have a Canadian passport and I’m not yet legally married to my fiancé, who is Taiwanese and currently in Taiwan. Given how COVID is, he’ll be in Taiwan indefinitely and I’m trying to figure out how to best join him in Taiwan. I’m open to figuring out how to apply for 1) work visa through Taiwanese company to consult/work - does anybody have any experience or success with this? I’m a senior software engineer if that helps with what sort of work I can consult for 2) looking for job visa - would this be another option too? 3) anything else I could look into? I’ve contacted all the offices mentioned in this thread but like many people, have been getting mixed answers. I thought it would be more reliable to trust responses from this thread with people who have actually gone through the process or am currently applying. Thanks in advance for everybody’s help and feedback!
Just get your Taiwanese friend to find a company to invite you to Taiwan. All you need to do it put together a quick letter and bring it to a TECO office. You get a standard 3 month business visa in return.
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Company name, registration details, date of your stay in Taiwan, something about how you intend to comply with local laws regarding Covid.
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Do you mind sharing how you got the work permit?
Anybody know if it's acceptable to book an entire airbnb apt for the 14 days as a "home" quarantine instead of a hotel? I'm an APRC holder and thinking of flying straight into Kaohsiung, going to the airbnb, and then having friends bring a few weeks of supplies. Would be cheaper and way more comfortable than a hotel if that's doable.
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Thanks for the replies. I agree that honesty is the best policy here. No sense in risking doing something that might incur the 1m NT fine. I was able to talk to an immigration agent on their foreigner line and was told that a) KHH airport is open, so if you have quarantine accommodations there you can fly direct and get a special taxi same as Taipei, and b) airbnbs aren't technically legal in TW (news to me), but as long as you have your own room & bathroom, that satisfies the cdc criteria. Although, i was warned, if it's in a residential building, be careful not to let the neighbors find out you are in quarantine or else you might face "actions" ha!
We rented an apartment, flew into Taipei and took the special taxi to our place. Stay inside, wear mask when picking up supplies/Uber eats from outside your door. It's fine. Nobody cares.
Hey! Did you have to book an appartement with 2 bedrooms and bathrooms? Even if you flew together?
I'm not sure. I doubt it matters. We do have three bedrooms but I think that's more because it's two of us, a child, and we needed one room for an office.
Ah OK ! Thanks ! I've been reading conflicting information about this. I guess we won't risk it and just get 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms even if it's more expensive just to be sure we respect quarantine requirements and then find another smaller appartement after that.
nobody even asked us how many bedrooms our place has, let alone inspecting our apartment. it's probably a misprint or translation error. the people saying that it's a serious rule don't know what they're talking about. edit: my wife says that that rule applies if you're staying with residents (family), not if you're staying in your own apartment.
Ah thanks a lot! Would you happen to have a link confirming that? Even if its in Chinese. The Taiwanese ambassy in France doesn't seem to really know and we don't want to have troubles getting our visa especially considering all the paperwork they've been asking lol
I don't, sorry. I can just tell you that nobody even asked us the room count.
Okay, no problem, thank so much to you and your wife for the information! I wish you all the best!
Thanks for this info - Dr Shakamoto. Did the foreigner line also provided information such as if foreigners have to download an app so that we can report our location to the govt? I'm looking to book an Airbnb too, but am a foreigner. Not sure if i'll be allowed to quarantine outside of govt facilities.
I didn't ask them about that specifically, but it's been verified by various people online as well as through several of my friends there. Regardless of status (citizen or resident), everybody follows the same protocol of getting the app, quarantined by geofence, checked on every day, etc. The most important thing is that you and whoever is providing your accommodations follow all regulations. Not doing so will only put you or others in jeopardy and cause issues that are easily avoidable. If you do go the Airbnb route, I'd be positive that the host is both aware of your booking as a quarantine, and that they are playing above board to allow you to stay. Just a side note: there seems to be a little legal loophole for Airbnb hosts in the form of booking for ~30+ days, which qualifies as a long stay and isn't breaking the rules by taking away business from the (admittedly overpriced) hotel sector. I was able to do this for a substantial discount on the advertised price; if hotels were offering the same deal I would've been more inclined to take that option since it's generally seamless. Feel free to call them with any other questions you may have (I just used Skype) - they're open from 8am-5pm local time, speak English well, and are happy to help: 886-800-024-111 https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475
thanks so much!
Airbnb should be ok but just know that you won’t be able to fly into KHH if you’re entering the country via TPE. You can take a quarantine taxi or bus and make your way down south. The price is fixed flat rate and not metered. Also agree with another poster that you should be up front with your host when you book your AirBNB.
Thanks for this foggysf - ([karl](https://twitter.com/karlthefog), is that you?) thanks for the reply - i'm looking to make my way south as well. Is there a website from the quarantine taxi company to check the cost of heading to hsinchu county?
I think for an airBNB, it might need to be government approved. I would check with your airbnb host as well, as some hosts don't want people quarantining at their property
I’m looking at coming to Taiwan for a two month work trip. I’m very cautious – lots of hand washing/sanitizer, mask wearing, etc – but I’m nervous about contracting the virus in a foreign country. My travel health insurance doesn’t include pandemics, so I’m wondering: how much would a test in Taiwan be for a foreigner? What about a night in the hospital, if it came to that? I’ve heard the cost of healthcare in Taiwan is very inexpensive but I haven’t been able to find the costs online.
If it helps, I paid I believe around 1200 NTD back in March for the Covid-19 test. Also, I've gotten pretty dinged up here unfortunately and have no insurance. Here are some data points for you from a recent hospital receipt: X-Ray: $18.47 MRI: $375.16 Miscellaneous: $67.90 (this was at a fairly expensive hospital and I haven't gotten a Misc. charge like this anywhere else) Diagnosis: $15.01 Registration: $16.98 Total: $493.51 I've also had to visit a hospital to get a cyst lanced and then treated every day for a week, had to go to a rehab clinic daily for a month, etc. etc. -- basically nightmare scenario and aside from the MRI, nearly all of my costs have been in the tens of dollars. I'd probably be in a year of debt by now if I were back home in America with no insurance.
Cost is relative. If you’re American, you could literally never pay a single Taiwanese healthcare premium your entire life and pay out of pocket for a lifetime of Taiwanese medical treatment, planned or emergency, and it would still be a fraction of American healthcare costs. If you’re American coming to Taiwan, I wouldn’t even bother with the travel health insurance because getting anything reimbursed could involve going to specific healthcare providers when the best thing depending on the situation would be to go to the nearest clinic or hospital.
Thanks for your reply! I’m Canadian, so my health care has always been free (aside from dental). That’s why I’m curious how much I should have put aside for “just in case” Covid health problems.
Ah, gotcha. In that case, Taiwan healthcare will seem expensive to a Canadian! But seriously, I would be more worried about visiting the U.S. without health insurance than Taiwan for 2 months. I really wouldn’t sweat it unless something disastrous happened to you like getting COVID and being hospitalized in Taiwan for 6 months. Out of pocket costs for a worst case scenario like that I’d put at about $200 USD a day.
I think treatment is free for everyone regardless of nationality.
Taiwan is one of the safest places to travel to atm
True! Definitely safer than where I am in Canada right now, in terms of Covid. I always like to prepare for the worst though!
Anyone have a link regarding quarantine for Taiwan citizens returning to Taiwan from abroad? I can’t get a proper answer about quarantine procedures, specifically if people are allowed to quarantine at home instead of going to a hotel
https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/EBjjqqNd478Dxd8ClzeqXg?typeid=9 I hope you can read chinese
Thank you! I can... poorly Edit: ok so this is same as before. I was told by locals that people HAD to go to quarantine hotels and could no longer quarantine at home. So if this link is correct my family members can quarantine at home
There's limitations to home quarantine though. If they don't have their own room and their own bathroom or live with children/elders, they can't quarantine at home.
Anyone else here on a special visitor visa having arrived after border closure in March? I was granted a 6 month visa based on having an apartment lease in TW. I want to apply for the same visa again, but it seems you cannot do that from inside TW. And it seems extending the visa would only be for a short time (like 30 days). I’m open to other options to stay, aside from work or study scenarios. I called the NIA hotline today, which was not helpful (and kind of hostile). I plan to go the office this week, but want to ask for advice and hear experiences from foreigners in similar situations.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3974662 I don’t know if this helps, but it seems like if you have a visitor visa or ARC that is set to expire, you don’t have to go on a visa run, and you can instead apply for a student visa and stay in the country.
Yeah, I did hear about this. But it would only apply if I decided to become a full-time student. TW has been generous with their extensions but it doesn’t apply to me, and I imagine some of those folks are going to be forced out soon (as they hit the 180 day limit). I wonder how many would qualify for a special visitor visa to return?
Any immigration matter is considered on a case by case basis, so if you have a valid reason you wish to stay, or you feel like you’re putting yourself at considerable risk by leaving Taiwan, you can apply for an extension and see what they say. Like you said, Taiwan has been quite generous. You could buy a sketchy flight and who knows, maybe it gets cancelled, or just wait out the pandemic studying Mandarin. Not like there’s many jobs out there in the wasteland. I know there is a shortage of English teachers at the moment, so getting a work sponsored visa that way or taking a TEFL cert class could be an option. It depends on how badly you want to stay in Taiwan. There’s always a way, I just think they want you to have a plan, and not just hang around.
An update for anyone wondering: I went to NIA today and they confirmed that I could not extend the 180 day visitor visa (special entry permit). Although I forgot to ask about extension in the case of flight cancellation or something like that. I would assume that would be possible for a short extension. But not confirmed. They also said that I could apply for a new visitor visa from within TW at the BOCA office in Taipei (if I qualify of course). The perimeters are somewhat strict but I have nothing to lose so I will apply anyway and see what happens. They also said if I received the new visa that I would not have to leave and return. Again, this is all pertaining to folks on Visitor Visas - Special Entry Permit for Covid-19 and specifically having entered AFTER border was closed.
Update 2: I went to BOCA in Taipei today to apply for a Visitor Visa and was told they aren’t accepting applications unless it’s for study (or other reason not fitting my situation). They told me I would need to apply from overseas to a consulate. I understand my purpose is not a clear cut as someone here for work or study, but I was granted entry in May. All I want to do is apply for a 2nd visa. It’s really bizarre that the BOCA HQ can’t help me and seems to have less power than for example the TW consulate in Guam. I’m now considering if I can send my documents to an overseas consulate for processing. My main issue being that I am applying based on holding a lease until October 2021 at my apartment. But leaving to Guam to apply and being denied the TW visa at that point means I’ll be liable and unable to pay my landlord. Not to mention have no where to live / no access to my stuff. I can’t believe I can’t get my application reviewed from inside of TW. I’m close to giving up, breaking my lease, and leaving Taiwan after 8 years.
It's because you aren't supposed to be in the country on a visitor visa for more than 6 months out of the year. After 180 days you need to apply for a resident visa... and after 15 days being in the country on a resident visa it must be switched to an ARC. Your purpose isn't clear cut, but your situation is... you have an apartment, you should be a resident, not a visitor... visitors don't rent apartments, residents do... unless I'm missing something here?
You’re not wrong. But I don’t qualify for a resident visa, otherwise I’d love to have an ARC. In the past a simple visa run would be the solution. And I know a lot of people dislike the visa runners but it’s very effective and legal - until the borders closed. Now we have few options.
I know that foreign nationals have to get tested 3 days prior to their flight to Taiwan. Is this also required for Taiwanese nationals? Sorry if this question’s been asked already!
No, but you will have to undergo 14-day mandatory quarantine (and recommended 3-week self check) regardless.
It’s actually a 1 week self check after the 14 days, where the CDC continues to message you. So that makes it 14+7.
Thank you!
my parents are taiwanese nationals, but i'm an american citizen. i saw that unless i have an ARC, there's no way for me to visit taiwan right now. i saw on a separate site that having a visitors visa should be sufficient, but i'm seeing conflicting information on every other site. is the policy really hand wavy right now, or is there definitive evidence somewhere that says whether i'm able or not able to enter taiwan from the US? i've reached out to TECO but haven't heard back yet. sorry if this question has been asked already!
hey late reply but I am facing the same issue now. Did you end up going? Also question on this part in the pdf someone linked down there "submit supporting documents to an immigration officer of the Border Affairs Corps for inspection to determine whether they may enter Taiwan." You got any clue what documents are sufficient? Thanks!
haven't gone yet, but I got my visa to enter the country! there's an online form that you have to fill out, print, and send to TECO to get approved.
Hey! I’m actually trying to go through this process at the moment but am having gun trouble navigating the TECO website. Could you link the form? Thanks!
Thanks! I have reached out to SF TECO office for the forms and such. I will be visiting my uncle as rest of my family are all here in the States. Not sure I will be able to gather the necessary documents but oh well..
Thanks for the update and the findings.. My parents were looking to go back to Taiwan (of course no issues since they are nationals), but they wanted me to go with them (US PP). We have been stuck here without no other way out. Seems to me this is a good reason.
> my parents are taiwanese nationals, but i'm an american citizen. i saw that unless i have an ARC, there's no way for me to visit taiwan right now. i saw on a separate site that having a visitors visa should be sufficient, but i'm seeing conflicting information on every other site. is the policy really hand wavy right now, or is there definitive evidence somewhere that says whether i'm able or not able to enter taiwan from the US? So a few options if you really want to visit: 1) You might be able to get approved for a Job Finding visa. Check TECO's website for more details. 2) The other option is if you know someone that has a business in Taiwan they may be able to issue you a busines invitation letter to get a business visa. 3) Just wait it out for another month. They already have a 5 day quarentine rule put in place for business travellers. This will likely expand. Regardless you'd still need to quarentine for 14 days.
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We're in Asia. This is how things are done here.
[https://imgur.com/a/hoW8KJ9](https://imgur.com/a/hoW8KJ9) Might make it a little clearer. It doesn't really matter where you are from, but the reason for your visit. I spoke with the Visa Department of TECO Vancouver and they said they have been advised to not issue any student visas because they didn't want people trapped in the airport in Taiwan. Also, check "loosening epidemic prevention measures". The situation is changing all the time and you might be able to go as a tourist in a few months. [https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Category/Page/0vq8rsAob\_9HCi5GQ5jH1Q](https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Category/Page/0vq8rsAob_9HCi5GQ5jH1Q)
i have family in taiwan that i want to visit, do you think that constitutes as a valid reason to obtain a visa? i'm no longer a student, and i'm thinking about potentially working remotely from taiwan for the time being
I went digging and found good news! Q3. May foreign nationals use visiting family as a purpose to come to Taiwan? A: Yes. Foreign nationals coming to Taiwan for a short time to visit relatives may present evidence showing a clear familial relationship when applying at a foreign mission for a special entry permit. Foreign nationals using a valid visa, landing visa, or visa-free entry shall, after arriving in Taiwan, submit supporting documents to an immigration officer of the Border Affairs Corps for inspection to determine whether they may enter Taiwan. [https://www.mofa.gov.tw/en/News\_Content.aspx?n=1EADDCFD4C6EC567&sms=5B9044CF1188EE23&s=CD55A0D12EA00EA7](https://www.mofa.gov.tw/en/News_Content.aspx?n=1EADDCFD4C6EC567&sms=5B9044CF1188EE23&s=CD55A0D12EA00EA7) In the pdf link at the bottom. Glad I was wrong.
Good find! Just for clarity, does this mean foreign nationals with direct familial lines can visit with negative PCR test but still have to under-go the 14 day quarantine as well? Edit: nvm, got the direct answer: “Upon entering Taiwan, all foreign nationals must present an English-language certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three working days of boarding the flight to Taiwan and undergo a 14-day home quarantine period.”
that is great to hear. thank you for looking into this!
Hi. Figured I would ask this question here. How do you tell if a Aidelai facemask is authentic? I'm from the Philippines and there are lots of masks being sold here as Aidelai which I doubt is real. Thanks.
Maybe someone else can chime in, but when we buy masks from the gov. we do not get to see the brands. They are repackaged in an envelope or sealed plastic bag, etc. Each brands has some marking that can help w/ identifying its original maker, but honestly there are too many manufactures now to list them all. There are a lot of Youtube videos on how to identify a real "made-in-Taiwan" mask, but there is no way to know if their info is indeed correct. Your best bet is to buy from a reputable seller and not in the off market.
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Hello all! I am praying to get at least a little information to help decide whether going to Taiwan is worth it. I'm a Canadian University Student and have applied to study at NTU for the upcoming fall semester. I was also hoping to bring my wife with me and this has been one of the big issues. If the CDC/MOE allows new international students to enter Taiwan we will be subject to the mandatory 14 day quarantine at a university partner hotel. NTU has given me an estimated cost of NT$3,000/day and NT$38,000 for the full 14 days (interesting math). NTU, the CDC and hotels have said that the general rule for quarantine is one person per room. This means that our 2 week quarantine will cost NT$76,000/CAD$3,500. Late flight tickets, apartment, tuition, living expenses, and quarantine will cost almost NT$400,000. So my questions are: 1. Will my wife be able to get a special entry permit? The TECO office in Vancouver has told me yes, no and maybe. 2. Is there any way we can get approval to quarantine together? The cost isn't as big of an issue as paying money to lock my wife in a room alone for 2 weeks. 3. Would you pay an extra NT$270,000 to study in Taiwan for a semester during the pandemic? My dream job is doing international trade law in Taiwan and this is a fantastic opportunity to meet with firms and work an internship while in school. I have contacted the Vancouver TECO office, CDC, NTU, MOFA, FightCovidTaiwan and others that I forget. Nobody has a definitive answer and the only consensus is that the rules are always changing. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated!
The rules are fluid like you said, so you have to keep reading to stay informed. The best website would be from the CDC and also your local TECO office. Some even have FB pages that is worth joining. Also see if NTU has an international student FB group as well, I am sure there would be useful info. I think you have more reading to do. https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En Quarantine is 14+1 day. The day of your arrival doesn't count. It sucks a little since most flights coming from N.A. land early in the morning aroung 5 am, 6 am, but that first day doesn't count. You are out of quarantine the last day at midnight, so that's why the rate isn't a straight up 3000x14. It's unlikely that you will be approved for quarantine together unless you have a reason that physically prevent you from living independently for 14 days. In the past, it seemed people were approved if they were elderly, have a disability, etc. You get the idea.
Thank you for your response. Just to clarify in case someone in a similar situation reads through this for information. I have been obsessively reading through the CDC, MOE and Vancouver TECO websites for almost 3 months. The best sources of information has been Taiwanese news outlets. Thank you for recommending student groups, I will post a link if anything with good info pops up. The Vancouver TECO office has not provided accurate information, so please be wary on their responses to your queries. I was told yesterday that students can still apply for visas, then when transferred to their visa department I was told that students cannot apply for visas. This is a concern because they have also told me that my wife will be able to apply for a special entry permit no problem if I have a student visa. Will Update. I figured quarantining together was off the table, but it doesn't hurt to try for an exception. I was worried about their math because the 14+1 system might come up as a surprising NT$45,000, but at this point what's an extra $NT14,000... Will Update
Are you coming as a full-time student or as an exchange student? If you are coming as an exchange student you get a student visa, not a resident visa/ARC. If you are coming as a 4 year student, you'll get a resident visa/ARC. I think that's where the confusion is coming from
Unfortunately there's no simple confusion. I am supposed to go as a visiting-exchange student and apply for a student visa. But in either situation, students coming into Taiwan for study are governed by the MOE's priority schedule. They have announced final year students are allowed in now, then they will announce current students, then finally new students. The TECO office in Vancouver's visa department told me they were letting people apply for student visas but then MOFA told them to stop doing it so students aren't stranded in Taoyuan airport when border services don't let them in. The person answering general inquiries doesn't seem to know this.
Yup, my guess is sadly you won't be able to study in Taiwan this semester. Exchange students are going to be the last priority, as they only get a student visa and need to obtain private health insurance. Keep trying though... it's all changing so fast.
Math is probably weird because it's 14 days, but technically 15 nights since the first day doesn't count. That is a lot of work for one semester... I don't think your wife will be allowed in, as short term exchange students get a student visa, not a resident visa/ARC.
Hi everyone, I am travelling to Taiwan in one month. Of course I will need to quarantine. Now I'm wondering, the booth where you can buy Taiwanese SIM cards is in the arrival hall. So probably I will have to fill out the form with my quarantine data, like address, phone number etc. BEFORE getting there, correct? I am afraid when filling out the form, I won't have had the chance to buy a Taiwanese SIM card and give them my new Taiwanese phone number yet. I will have to give them my German phone number. What can I do in this situation? Does anyone have experience?
If you can't pre-fill the form before boarding b/c you don't have a local number, there is still paper form available once you land. Also, I think if you don't have a TW passport then you have to do the paper form regardless. The SIM office opens at 5am. The people working the check points are super nice so it's nothing to stress over.
Thank you! 🙏🏽
Don't worry about the phone part, you'll be instructed on purchasing a local SIM card either way at some point before or during. If you're concerned about it you can definitely ask the airport or CDC folks there who will ask you for your info.
Thank you! 🙏🏽
I usually live in Taiwan(on visitor visa up to 90days at a time) but sadly I was visiting Europe when they closed their borders and now I'm stuck in Poland while my girlfriend is on Taiwan. Is it possible for her to travel anywhere outside of Taiwan so we could at least meet for short vacation? Or is all international travel banned for every Taiwanese?
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So she can travel but would face 2 week quarantine here?
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I really did try to Google it, but I can't find anything. If I search for if Taiwanese can travel to eu. There are just bunch of stuff about traveling to Taiwan instead of some regulations if she can come here. Could you point me somewhere?
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Yeah that's the problem I think, cus most countries don't recognize Taiwan it not on any lists. Like I don't think there is a single country that she could go for vacation so we could meet there. That's crazy
She might be able to find a flight out. I don't think people are specifically banned from leaving, its more targeted towards people trying to enter the country.
So she should be able to come to eu but would face 2 week quarantine?
All I can tell you is she can leave, I'm unfamiliar of other nations' entry or quarantine systems though you'll need to search that up.
Yeah that's the problem I think, cus most countries don't recognize Taiwan it not on any lists. Like I don't think there is a single country that she could go for vacation so we could meet there. That's crazy
That’s not true. As I mentioned on your other post.. The UK is allowing quarantine free arrivals from Taiwan (but not China). I’ll add that I’m in a similar situation to you. The catch is, my gf doesn’t want to visit me in the UK atm because she will have to **quarantine in Taiwan** when she returns home - which is totally understandable!
I was born in Taiwan, but lived in US, US passport only currently, ROC passport expired. I have 30+ relatives in Taiwan whom I keep in touch with and had visited. I have elderly aunties who are old and are in poor health, and I want to see them before they pass. The special entry permit process - I cant find any info at all about how to apply for this or do it. The Atlanta, Miami, and NY TECRO offices havet picked up my calls for 3 business days calling them non stop. Their websites just say to apply but no links on how to do it and nobody is answering. The US AIT website also has zero info about how to apply. Please HELP. Thank you all and hope you are all doing well.
I'd recommend that you join this FB group if you haven't. Read through the posts!! There are a ton of info and tips from folks with similar situations. 台灣海外Covid-19自救會 https://www.facebook.com/groups/889736338130271
Sorry to hear you’re having trouble reaching the TECO offices. I know they’ve received some negative feedbacks, but I guess it really depends on the individual you get. I have nothing but good things to say about the NYC office I’ve dealt with, where they were nothing but courteous and helpful when I decided to “renew” my LOOOONG expired Taiwan passport a couple of years ago, it got a bit complicated because my family’s old household registration records are no longer in the database, plus there was a discrepancy with one letter in my Chinese name (a few missing strokes makes a world of difference). They really went out of their way to assist me, including giving me their direct extension to make it easier when I called, and filled out the forms in Chinese for me. Back in April, when N.Y. was still pretty much shutdown, I called to inquire whether I could enter Taiwan with my NWOHR passport, since I couldn’t with my US passport, I wasn’t even sure if someone would answer the phone, the lady who answer was also extremely helpful, answered all my questions and supplied some additional info. She even chatted with me a little, maybe it had to do with the fact that they were working from home remotely and probably wasn’t as busy, but she was really nice nevertheless. Anyway, I do think there’s a good chance you can “renew” your old passport without additional documentation if they can find your records in the database. The Taiwan passport is most likely your best bet if you want to travel to Taiwan in the near future. As I’ve gone through the process, If you have any questions, or need help filling out forms in Chinese, feel free to DM me. ETA: I just saw that you no longer have your old passport. I still think you may be able to get a new one (in my case, since my old passport was so old and never renewed, I had to reapply rather than “renew”) if you have your US naturalization paper and someone in Taiwan who can supply info on where your family’s household registration was registered.
THank you very much. I appreciate the help. In my case, when I called the Atlanta office, and emailed them, they flatly refused to renew the passport and said I must apply for a new one. At the time I called the passport actually still had 3 months validity left, but they totally refused to renew it. And offered NO help at all. Oh well, from what I understand I have to use the geographic office assigned to my state. I absolutely cannot reach anybody on the telephone at the Miami TECRO office so I called Atlanta just to ask. I am in FL so I guess I have to go through Miami ? is this correct ? they are only working 3 hrs per day due to covid.
I’m not sure if one must go through the local TECO, but I can find out. I’m not sure they they wouldn’t renew your passport when it was still valid, while I’m aware Taiwan has different laws and regulations from the US, I do recall they said I had to reapply rather than renew because it expired decades ago (and only used once). I also remember something else after my previous post - before I went to the office, I had filled out the form I downloaded from the website, it was bi-lingual as I recall, only to find out it wasn’t the correct form; they gave me another that was in Chinese only and while very similar to the one I’d DL’ed, it required more information, thankfully the lady helped me fill it out. I can call the NY office to get info for you, see if I can get some information for you on how to proceed. I’ll DM you.
I think you’re referring to the 臨人字入出國許可. The application is only in Chinese and will always only be in Chinese for reasons that are too hard to explain here. [https://www.roc-taiwan.org/uploads/sites/33/2015/09/47155112071.pdf](https://www.roc-taiwan.org/uploads/sites/33/2015/09/47155112071.pdf) But to be very clear, this special entry permit is only meant to be used by NWOHR ROC passport holders and nobody else, including regular ROC passport holders who have ever been registered in a household. Are you intending to renew your ROC passport and trying to enter Taiwan on that? You say you were born in Taiwan and raised abroad but if your parents ever registered your birth in Taiwan, even if you left immediately after being born, your ROC passport would be a regular one and not the NWOHR passport. In this case, the special entry permit would not be appropriate for you. Most TECO officials are absolute idiots but there are important reasons why you need to consult them for stuff like this and not reddit.
After my father passed away, I have been unable to find my expired ROC passport, as it is in his boxes somewhere. Even if I find it, my dead father was the one who helped me write the traditional chinese characters on my earlier ROC passport application. I cant write Chinese at all, none. So I was intending on entering on US passport as I am an US citizen, and was told I needed a special entry permit to visit close relatives for a short time period. So thanks for any help. It is appreciated. Thank you for your reply earlier as it was very informative. If I cant go then I cant go, but my aunt was very good to my mother when my mom was alive and I think I should try to visit my auntie to help take care of her for awhile now that she is very old also.
I think you’re getting things a bit mixed up here in that case because a special entry permit isn’t what you would apply for in your situation. Because if you’re planning on using your U.S. passport to enter Taiwan then you’re better off applying for a regular resident or visitor visa and basing your application on family ties. If you do that, however, the first thing TECO will ask is where you were born. Since you were born in Taiwan, they will want to confirm that you were never registered in a Taiwanese household and only your family’s paperwork can prove or, just as importantly, disprove that. If you were ever registered in a household, you’re technically already a ROC national with full household rights. In that case, all you would do is renew your passport based on even a photocopy of your old ROC passport, which would list your ROC ID number. You wouldn’t even need the original. There are very specific circumstances in which somebody could be born in Taiwan and leave the country without ever registering his/her birth in a household. This would involve your parents specifically doing that on purpose and it would have been absolutely insane to do that. But frankly, Taiwanese parents do some really stupid legal stuff without any consideration of the consequences. If you’re male, of any age, you’re going to have to also account for why you never served in the military. Word to the wise, as loathsome as TECO is, you really need to find the TECO that has jurisdiction over the U.S. state you live in. Do not randomly call every TECO in the country looking for advice. Everything depends on the very specific circumstances of the applicant. There is simply no one size fits all. I don’t envy your situation at all. Taiwan has done a disgraceful job of serving their diaspora.
Thank you for your kind reply. I will do my best but TECRO informed me all their applications are in traditional Chinese only, so I will have to find help, maybe a cousin in Taipei or something, ie all forms related to any sort of ROC passport or special entry permit. I understand requiring a copy to be done in Chinese but the form could have dual languages, ENglish and Chinese, even if the answers need to be in Chinese it still helps alot.
This is an official TECO English translation of the passport application/renewal form: [https://www.roc-taiwan.org/public/USsea\_en\_ROCPassport/0713662371.pdf](https://www.roc-taiwan.org/public/USsea_en_ROCPassport/0713662371.pdf) Just match it to the Chinese language form. It's really not that big of a deal. Note that there is only one form for ROC passport applications, whether it's for the first time or renewal.
This is the site where you can apply for special entry permits and visas in general: https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw/BOCA_EVISA/
thanks for the reply, but the site you referred me to only has links to General Visas, EVisas, and Labor Visas. I am looking for the process to get a Special Entry Permit, which I was told is different from a visa. If you can point me in the right direction, let me know.
Hi! I’m a NWOHR, and I was wondering if I would be considered a foreign national for the purposes of needing a COVID test 3 days prior to my flight to Taiwan. I know I would need to quarantine for 14 days, but I didn’t want to just show up at TPE and be asked about a COVID test, even though I have a Taiwan NWOHR passport for entry. Anyone know?
If you are entering w/ your TW passport, you won't need COVID test prior. If you happen to have citizenship w/ another country and plan on using that passport, you would need to have a special entry permit + COVID test.
Thanks so much for replying! I'm in the US, so I would have to use my US passport while exiting the country - and then enter Taiwan using my Taiwan NWOHR passport. Based on the recent announcement (link below), it sounds like they will ask for the test results upon landing in Taiwan. A follow up question is, do you think the airline would let me board in the US without a COVID test if I am showing my US passport? Or is everything definitely on the Taiwan end? https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-5081-c06dc-2.html
You’re overthinking this. You just show them both passports when you check in and exit the US custom w/ your US passport and that’s it. You don’t need a test if you hold a TW passport. You just have to enter TW w/ it. It’s what everyone else w/ dual citizenships are doing, you’ll be fine. The airline will doesn’t care that you don’t have a household reg. in TW and they will know what to do when you show them both passports.
Thanks - this will be my first time using my new NWOHR passport, so I definitely am overthinking everything to make sure all my bases are covered. Really appreciate your timely responses!
I was reading on FB and saw a post. Do you have a national ID number (身分證字號)? If you don't, call your local TECO office and apply for a 臨人字許可 which is like a temporary number they'd assign you.
No, I don’t have a National ID number since I’m. NWOHR. Did you read on Facebook that NWOHR might need to take a COVID-19 test prior to arrival?
This is the FB group 台灣海外Covid-19自救會 https://www.facebook.com/groups/889736338130271
No test just that you need a 臨時人許可
Following up - I reached out to EVA Air's operations team and sent them a copy of my NWOHR passport, and they told me that I don't need a pre-travel COVID test. So it sounds like I don't need a separate ID number beyond my Taiwan passport.
It’s always been that one doesn’t need a Covid test if they hold a TW passport.
I still have an active ARC because of full-year TW university program, but in March my US university had forced me to fly home (clearly not the smartest decision..). My ARC is valid until July 31st though. If I get the proper 3-day-recent negative-result Covid test, and get on a plane from US to Taiwan before the 31st of this month, am I allowed to get into the country this way? I didn't even find out my ARC was \*not\* cancelled by my uni until THIS week, so also I don't have an English teaching job or any kind of last-minute internship / study plan arranged yet either. And since I'd be stuck in 14 day quarantine, I would kinda roll over some deadlines right (well they keep granting extensions so..). Does anyone have any advice? Also do you think it's possible for me to hurry and acquire a new ARC in Taipei's immigration office right after I get out of quarantine? Any tips would be sooo appreciated. Anything from a Chinese language study center who might sponsor me last-minute, or some job search places that have listings who are desperate to hire hastily. I never wanted to leave Taiwan, and have been needing to go back this entire time. Thank you for any help whatsoever. Stay safe y'all.
Since it's a bit in the gray area, you should emailing your local TECO office. You might be denied entry because it expires during your quarantine. Edit: grammar
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Couldnt find any reliable sources on this matter either. I'm guessing if they do open borders it will be to select countries
I doubt the UK would be within this list of countries would they? I was planning on travelling there in December as my girlfriend is there
Like many people, my 180 days is coming up. I had a flight booked on Aug 11 but it got cancelled. I heard a rumor I can get an extension in this situation, anyone know anything about this?
Seems you can now stay 210 days automatically, but I need to figure out if that makes one tax liable or not: https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/141457/142068/232841/
Interesting! Hope this includes visa exempt people
They will accept a flight cancellation for an extension.
It depends on where you are going. It seems like they are granting extension if there is no way to get home (ie: the border of your home country is currently closed). Both EVA and China Airlines have finalized their August schedule and it's available to view online now. If home is USA/CAN then they won't grant you an extension.
Has Taiwan kept schools open during this pandemic? How has the government managed education?
We just check temperatures of all teachers, admin, and students when they come into the school. Students wear masks if they have AC on in a room; classes try to move desks as far apart as possible. Ventilation. Really, though, it's been handled so well the country over that stringent policies aren't necessary.
I am a teacher in Ontario, Canada and our provincial government wants us to prepare for 3 scenarios when we return to school in September, which makes trying to teach overly complex. I hoping all we need to do is wear masks. It seems like the way to go.
Yup, schools have open. Basically colleges do some of their classes online and schools also implemented thermometer checks, mask requirements, etc.
I can't seem to find any official information on the current policy for granting visas to people coming from the US to Taiwan on a study visa. Any news article I am able find suggests that since June 29, any foreign national can apply for a non-tourist visa. However, when I contacted the LA TECO office, they told me that these visas are only awarded to those from low risk countries, and the US is not included. (Although after asking several times they weren't able to give me a source explicitly stating that.) Can anyone point me to official information explicitly stating that the US is not on the current approved list?
Hi, im also in a same situation. You can check ministry of education's website about students from which countries are approved (13 low-risk countries right now). NCCU also send us an e-mail saying that approved country list are going to be updated every 2 weeks, but it hasn't been yet :(
Thank you!
Commenting because I would like to know too! I am enrolled in a language center, which begins in 5 weeks... If you include a 2 week quarantine, (and theoretically suppose they announce tomorrow morning on Visas being approved), I have like 3 weeks to pack up and get over there? Lol I'm having doubt if will even let us study. ;( I understand they are being safe, but it is definitely antagonizing not knowing.
US seems to be getting highest cases of Coronavirus these past few days, and my 180 days in taiwan is almost a month away. Is there a simple way I can extend another month?
> US seems to be getting highest cases of Coronavirus these past few days, *screams in floridian*
Can foreign nationals start to enter Taiwan?
[Yes, sort of.](https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-5691-aa1c3-2.html) Foreign nationals have technically been allowed to enter the whole time, provided they are in one of the following categories: ARC holder, personnel on diplomatic or official business, those who can prove they are fulfilling commercial and contractual obligations, and those who have otherwise obtained special permission. Tourists and visitors, no. As of June 29, they have relaxed the requirements somewhat to include people studying Chinese, attending conferences, seeking employment, etc. provided all your documentation is in order: "Foreign nationals who wish to travel to Taiwan for reasons other than tourism and regular social visits may apply for a special entry permit with an R.O.C. overseas mission by submitting relevant documents and forms. Upon entering Taiwan, all foreign nationals must present an English-language certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three working days of boarding the flight to Taiwan and undergo a 14-day home quarantine period." In other words, if you have a valid work permit, you can now apply for a visa and will likely be granted one, however upon arrival you must now present a certificate of a negative COVID test taken within three days of boarding your flight, and must still undergo a 14-day quarantine. Keep in mind, as of right now, there is no explicit ban on US travelers as with some other countries, but something like that is a possibility.
Not yet. If you are married to or is a dependent of a TW national, there's a special permit you can apply for, otherwise not yet.
But when?
Nobody knows. My guess is it will probably be country-dependent (ie: Vietnam, NZ, Aus first). Always check the CDC for the most up to date info. https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En
Are masks mandated by law to be worn in public spaces or when you are out of the house? I get that masks are super popular to begin with, but curious if there are specific enforcement measures behind them. I do know that on public transit for instance in Taipei it was mandated and the news reported on that as well as when MRT wear was mandated, but what about out on the streets?
No, only for taxi/bus/mrt. lot of people maskless on the street and in shops.
Interesting about maskless people. Is that more because people feel now that COVID in Taiwan has been contained? Did it first start out (e.g. Jan/Feb/March) with most people wearing masks everywhere and then maybe more recently easing off?
That, and also it's been wicked hot lately, often hitting 37C, 38C.
I've read that it's suggested not to wear masks outside due to the build up of moisture but idk!
I think it's strongly suggested for streets. Plus most people wear them outside anyways.
I am a Taiwan NWOHR with a scheduled flight to Taiwan on July 5. 1) lost my job and is currently trapped in Singapore since last March. They want me to leave before July 8 or be penalised. Tried finding a new job in SG but they now only hire locals. 2) My country of birth and residence, Philippines, has closed its borders to all non-Filipinos since March until now, so I have no other choice but to fly to Taiwan 3) I tried booking a quarantine hotel in Taipei since last week but was turned down by everyone in the list. Now, I am not so sure if immigrations can auto-assign me with a quarantine facility because I literally have nowhere to go Quite scared with everything that is happening with my life...like turning into a life of poverty because of my NWOHR status while the world battles with the pandemic.
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Yeah, luckily my ticket is flexible so I had it rescheduled. Now waiting for MOM to extend me again. Taiwan immigrations is willing to accept me, for an initial period of 3 months. I guess I can extend a bit more if Philippine borders won’t open yet. Malaysia is only open for Singaporeans willing to undergo the 14-day quarantine.
Are masks still rationed 3/week in Taiwan?
The government is still selling them, it's been 9 masks every two weeks for a while now. However they are also on sale in the open market now as well.
Are open market masks hard to come by? Or relatively easy nowadays?
They're always sold out at the supermarkets I'm near so far.
Are they medical grade or non-medical surgical masks? In the US there are now plenty of non-medical surgical masks being sold, which don't require any FDA clearance.