(TAIWAN) Taiwan has rolled out a sweeping set of visa policy relaxations in 2025 to bring in more global talent, boost tourism, and deepen ties with key regional partners. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in mid-July that it will extend visa-free entry for visitors from Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines for another year, from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, while the National Immigration Agency will shift to a fully digital arrival card on October 1, 2025.
In parallel, a special e-visa scheme for high-end group tourists from six Southeast and South Asian countries will run through December 31, 2026, and Taiwan has eased residency rules for foreign professionals and their families through adjustments to the Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) and Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). These moves align with Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, which aims to build closer links with Southeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, and New Zealand through talent mobility, tourism, education, and trade.
Goals and balance of the reforms
Officials say the changes reflect a careful balance: opening more doors to visitors and skilled workers while keeping clear checks to protect border security. Key goals highlighted by authorities are:
- Strengthen people-to-people ties
- Support tourism and related industries
- Keep Taiwan attractive to qualified visitors who may later apply for study or work visas
For travelers, the headline benefit is visa-free entry for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines on a trial basis through July 31, 2026. Stays are generally limited to up to 14 days, and visitors must show proof of lodging, contact details for a host or sponsor in Taiwan, and evidence of sufficient funds.
Digital arrival card (TWAC): faster, paperless entry
Starting October 1, 2025, all foreign nationals must submit the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) online within the three days before landing. The digital card replaces the paper form previously handed out on flights and ferries and carries no fee.
- Benefits:
- Faster processing at immigration counters
- More accurate data for border officers
- Ability to update details if flights change
- Practical note:
- Complete the TWAC within three days of arrival
- The TWAC portal is available at the official site: Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)
The digital TWAC aims to shorten queues, reduce errors from handwritten forms, and give authorities cleaner datasets for risk checks.
High-end group e-visa: extended to end-2026
The “Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries” has been extended through December 31, 2026. It covers groups from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Key elements:
– Groups must include at least five travelers
– Travel must be arranged through an accredited travel agency
– Groups apply for an electronic visa as a unit
This program targets premium travelers and event groups that bring higher-spend bookings to hotels, restaurants, and conference venues.
APRC / ARC residency adjustments for skilled workers and families
Taiwan has reduced some stay-period burdens tied to long-term certificates, making it easier for foreign professionals to settle and for their dependents to live with them.
- Main changes:
- APRC applicants can qualify with a minimum of five years of residency
- Applicants must average 183 days per year in Taiwan
- Spouses and children under 18 can receive residency under the same conditions
These changes reduce uncertainty for families about schooling or careers and provide employers with clearer long-term hiring prospects.
Policy changes overview (quick reference)
- Visa-free extension for Thailand, Brunei, Philippines
- Trial period: Aug 1, 2025 – Jul 31, 2026
- Stay: generally up to 14 days
- Requirements: proof of lodging, host/sponsor contact, evidence of funds
- High-end group e-visas
- Eligible countries: Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam
- Group size: minimum 5 travelers
- Valid through Dec 31, 2026
- Online arrival card (TWAC)
- Mandatory from Oct 1, 2025
- Submit within three days before entry
- Official portal: Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)
- APRC / ARC rules
- Five years residency, average 183 days/year
- Family inclusion: spouses and children under 18
For official entry and visa guidance, consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA).
What travelers and stakeholders should do
Practical steps before travel:
1. Complete the TWAC online within the three days before entry at Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC).
2. Carry proof of lodging, return ticket, and funds (bank statements, credit cards, or sponsor letter).
3. Check visa-exempt rules and durations at Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA).
4. Plan longer stays early (student/work visas) and track days in Taiwan to meet APRC requirements.
Tips to avoid issues:
– Use only official portals for the TWAC and visa applications.
– Keep copies of boarding passes, entry stamps, and travel confirmations.
– Families should maintain travel records to calculate stay-day averages for APRC eligibility.
Who is affected and how
- Tourists and short-stay visitors
- Thailand, Brunei, Philippines nationals: visa-free trips up to 14 days through Jul 31, 2026
- Premium group travelers from the six eligible countries: ensure accredited agency and ≥5 people
- Business travelers and event planners
- Group e-visa useful for incentive trips and conferences; coordinate with accredited agencies
- Students and skilled workers
- Clearer path from ARC to APRC with 5-year rule and 183 days/year average
- Families (spouse and children <18) included under same residency rules
- Travel agencies
- Accredited agencies should prepare documentation and offer pre-departure briefings that include the TWAC requirement
- Employers and HR teams
- Train relocation teams on five-year and 183 days/year thresholds
- Keep travel records to streamline APRC filings
Sector and regional impacts
- Tourism and hospitality
- Expect steadier visitor flows and easier seasonal planning
- Short-stay tourists and high-end groups help fill hotels and restaurants across segments
- Education and research
- Smoother student mobility and clearer exchange pathways
- Universities updating pre-departure checklists to include the TWAC
- Public sector operations
- Airports and seaports preparing signage and staff support for the digital shift
- Assistance available from airlines, ground staff, and consular services
- Regional competition
- Taiwan’s package (visa-free access + group e-visas + APRC/ARC clarity) aims to attract both short trips and longer-term stays under the New Southbound Policy
Warnings and reminders
Overstaying can lead to fines and affect future entries. Officers may request return tickets or proof of funds at arrival.
- Always confirm the length of stay allowed for your passport (14, 30, or 90 days depending on nationality).
- Submit the TWAC only through the official portal to avoid third-party fees.
- Check MOFA and BOCA updates close to travel dates—rules may be adjusted after review.
- Keep documentation handy: hotel confirmations, invitation letters, bank statements, and travel records.
Final summary
Taiwan’s 2025 entry measures seek to:
– Maintain visa-free access for select partners to boost tourism and ties
– Speed up border checks with the TWAC going fully online on October 1, 2025
– Encourage premium group travel through the extended e-visa program until December 31, 2026
– Make long-term settlement more practical for skilled professionals through clearer APRC/ARC rules, including for spouses and children under 18
For official instructions, eligibility charts, and contact points, review the government guidance at the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) and complete the digital arrival form at the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC). Check for updates close to departure and keep documents ready. Taiwan’s policy direction is clear: smoother entry for visitors, predictable paths for talent, and stronger ties under the New Southbound Policy.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025 Taiwan implemented a package of entry and residency reforms to boost tourism, attract skilled workers, and strengthen regional partnerships under the New Southbound Policy. Measures include a one-year extension of visa-free access for Thailand, Brunei and the Philippines (Aug 1, 2025–Jul 31, 2026) with typical stays up to 14 days and basic entry requirements. The Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) becomes fully digital and mandatory from Oct 1, 2025, to streamline border checks. A high-end group e-visa scheme for six Southeast and South Asian countries has been extended to Dec 31, 2026, requiring groups of at least five via accredited agencies. Residency rules for APRC/ARC were eased: APRC applicants can qualify after five years’ residency with an average of 183 days per year, and spouses and children under 18 are included. Officials stress a balance between openness and border security. Travelers, employers and agencies should use official TWAC and BOCA channels, prepare lodging and funds documentation, and track days in Taiwan to meet residency thresholds.
