Taiwan Visitor Visa - Definitive Guide

A visitor visa for Taiwan is issued for those foreigners who are looking forward to travelling to Taiwan to visit their relatives and friends. This permit is similar to the tourist type except for the purpose of the visit. On this permit, the holder is allowed all kinds of leisure activities that are permitted to the tourists. However, the visitor wouldn’t need a permit for the first 90 days, all you need is a 6 months valid passport. With a visa, the stay granted per visit on this visa is for 30 to 60 days as per the requirement. The validity is for about 3 months which can be extended if required. It is normally a single-entry permit.

The process for the application of a visitor visa for Taiwan is mainly offline. Burt before that, you need to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the same. The steps for the process are given as follows:

1. You can start by visiting the official website of  Taiwan Immigration.
2. You can then fill out the Taiwan visitor visa application form.
3. When the form has been filled out correctly, download and print the form.
4. Attach the photographs as per the photo specifications.
5. Attach the supporting documents as per the list of documents provided.
6. Submit the form to the Embassy.
7. Pay the required visa fee and wait for the final verification.

At the time of filling out the form, you need to make sure that you provide all the correct information and it must be verifiable by the concerned authorities. The information must match the details in the documentary proof. If any of the information is found to be false or incorrect, there are chances that your application may get rejected. Therefore, it is important that you acquire professional assistance from a reliable visa agency to avoid visa rejection.

To apply for the permit, you need first need to be eligible for the same. The criteria to obtain a visitor visa for Taiwan are given as follows:

You must possess proof of purpose of visit

• If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Taiwan.
• You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.

You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Taiwan.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.

You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Taiwan.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).

You must have sufficient funds

• You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Taiwan.
• Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are different kinds of documents required for Taiwan visitor visa. A list of important documents is given as follows:

• Original passport with validity at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel
• Completely filled visa application form
• Two photos as per the photo specifications
• Travel Itinerary
• Invitation Letter
• Proof of confirmed travel dates - Air tickets
• Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Taiwan - ITR, Bank Statement
• Proof of accommodation - Invitation letter, Hotel reservation, etc.
  

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 2 inches x 2 inches.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 60-70% of the frame - 32mm x 36mm.
• Head should well-centred.
• A gap of 2mm to 6mm must be kept between the top of the head and the frame.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The time for the processing of the documents and the Taiwan visitor visa application depends on certain factors. Generally, it takes about 3 to 5 days for the processing but it may differ from case to case. Other factors that affect the processing time include the rush at the embassy, availability of the documents, verification of the passport and other documents, and a few more.

The fee to get a visitor visa for Taiwan is to be paid to the Consulate at the time of submission of the documents. There are certain factors that affect the estimation of the fee, which include - the number of entries permitted, service charges if required, international charges and others.

At the time of submission and after the submission of the application form and other documents, there are a few things that you need to remember. These are listed as follows:

• The documents to be submitted must be in good condition and there is no need for an appointment for the submission. 
• The completely filled and signed visa application form can be submitted to the visa application centre or directly to the Consulate. 
• You can submit the documents to your nearest branch of the visa application centre. The application form must be submitted in person. 
• If in case you are more than 200 miles (300 km) away from the Consulate, or if you do not have access to a nearby visa application centre, you can mail the documents through a registered courier service. 
• If you are mailing the documents, you must make sure to mail them in a special envelope and the parcel must be self-addressed and prepaid so that you can get your documents and passport back safely.
• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the embassy/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application.
• The visa fee is generally not refundable.

The status of your Taiwan visitor visa can be checked online as well as offline. To check the status online, you can visit the website of the visa agency you have applied through and enquire about the status of your permit. Else, you can contact the Consulate offline and know how far has the processing of your Taiwan visitor visa application has reached.

When the processing is done and your passport is stamped, you can collect your passport. Once you have your visitor visa for Taiwan, you must note a few things -

Before you travel

• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Taiwan within the validity of your visa to be able to cover the stay of 60 days.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while leaving the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.

At the Border

• Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
• Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.

When you enter Taiwan

• Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
• The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
• Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.