Area :36,000 square kilometers
Population: 23 million
Capital : Taipei City
Language :
Mandarin/Taiwanese/Hakka/Indigenous Languages
Religion : Buddhism/Taoism/Christian/Islam/Catholicism

Taiwan's total land area is only about 3,6000 square kilometers; it is shaped like a tobacco leaf that is narrow at both ends. It lies off the southeastern coast of mainland Asia, across the Taiwan Straits from Mainland China-- a solitary island on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. To the north lies Japan and Okinawa, to the south is the Philippines. Many airlines fly to Taiwan, helping make it the perfect travel destination.

The government has established 6 national parks and 13 national scenic areas to preserve Taiwan's best natural ecological environment and cultural sites. Take in the splendor and sheer heights of the cliffs at Taroko Gorge; take a ride on the Alishan train--one of only three mountain railways in the world--and experience the breathtaking sunset and sea of clouds; hike up to the summit of Northeast Asia's highest peak, Jade Mountain. You can also soak up the sun in Kending, Asia's version of Hawaii; stand at the edge of Sun Moon Lake; traipse through the East Rift Valley; or visit the offshore islands of Kinmen and Penghu. It's fun in capital letters as well as an awesome journey of natural discovery!

The cultural aspects also not to be missed. The blending of Hakka, Taiwanese, and mainland Chinese cultures has produced a rich plethora of cultural and social color. Whether it is religion, architecture, language, living habits, or food, it's just one big exciting melting pot! Food is the best representative of this cultural mixing and matching. Aside from cuisines from different parts of the mainland such as Zhejiang, Hunan, Guangdong, Yunnan, Shanghai, Beijing, Sichuan, and others, there is also the local Taiwanese cuisine as well as the local delicacies of each area.
 
Types of Visas issued in foreign passports:
 
1. Diplomatic visa
2. Courtesy visa
3. Visitor visa
4. Resident visa
The duration of the visa and length of stay, the number of entries, the purposes, the application requirements, the required documents, and other related items regarding the aforementioned types of visas are stipulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
   
Visa-Exempt Entry
-

Countries eligible for Visa-exempt entry:

  Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, *Japan, Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands , New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. and U.S.A.
- Requirements:
 
1. a passport with validity of at least six months after entry .
2. visa-exempt entry only applicable to formal passports, not including emergency,temporary or other informal passports.
3. Japanese Citizen is entitled to validity of passport at least three months,under same other requirements) (unless otherwise stipulated by treaty or agreement)
4. a confirmed return air ticket or an air ticket and a visa for the next destination, and a confirmed seat reservation for departure.
5. no criminal record.
- Duration of stay:
  30 days , The 30 days' duration of stay starts from the next day of arrival and is not extendable.
Ports of entry:
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport, Keelung Harbor, Hualien Harbor, Taichung Harbor, Kaohsiung Harbor,Taitung Airport and Taichung Airport..
   
Landing Visas
- Countries eligible for Landing Visas :
  Nationals of Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovak, Holders of USA passport with validity less than six months¡¯
- Requirements:
 
1. a passport valid for at least six months.
2. a confirmed return air ticket or an air ticket and a visa for the next destination, and a confirmed seat reservation for departure.
3. fill out an application form with two photos.
4. visa fee of NT$ 1,200 (citizens of countries with reciprocal agreements shall be issued visas gratis) plus a handling fee of NT$ 800; For U.S. citizens: see remarks 2.
5. no criminal record.
- Duration of stay:
  30 days which starts from the next day of arrival and is not extendable.
- Ports of entry:
  Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport.
Method of Lodgement
 
1. Passengers entering the Republic of China through the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport may apply for a landing visa at the Visa Office of Consular Affairs Bureau at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
2. Passengers who enter the Republic of China through the Kaohsiung International Airport shall apply for a "temporary entry permit" at the Kaohsiung Aviation Police Station for temporary permits. These passengers must change the permit to a visa at the Bureau of Consular Affairs or its Kaohsiung Office within three days, or will be subjected to administrative penalty for overstaying.
- Remarks :
  ¡¯Holders of USA passport with validity less than six months
 
1. Passengers shall apply for a visa at ROC Overseas Missions and be charged a special handling fee of equal amount US$100¡]NT$3,600¡^.
2. Passengers who apply for visas upon arrival at the ports of entry in the ROC shall be charged a special handling fee of equal amount US$100¡]NT$3,600¡^plus an additional fee of US$24¡]NT$800¡^.A single entry visa of which duration of stay is no more than 30 days may be granted.
   
- Duty exemption :
 
1. Personal belongings and household articles carried by inbound passengers may be granted duty exemption as follows :
a. Each person, 20 or over in age, may bring in alcoholic beverage 1,000 c.c., plus 200 cigarettes, or 25 cigars or 1 pound of tobacco.
.b. Articles (excluding controlled or restricted articles) owned and used by the passenger, and their customs value not exceeding NT$10,000 for each piece (set).
c. Other articles for personal use (not including the articles mentioned above) if their total customs value not exceeding NT$20,000 for each passenger.
   
2. Samples carried by inbound passengers may be granted duty exemption if the total customs value not exceeding NT$12,000.
- Additional regulation:
 
1. Please declare honestly according to the instruction on Customs declaration form.
2. Once the declaration form has been handed over to the Customs officer, no additional declaration will be accepted.
3. Those carrying dutiable articles, controlled or restricted articles without correct declaration shall not be allowed to pass through the Green Lane.
   
  Transportation is highly convenient in Taiwan, for both international and domestic travel.
 
1. Airlines: Taiwan's international air routes are served by 36 airlines that fly to 56 major cities throughout the world. Seven carriers operate domestic routes that reach to all of the island's main cities and offshore islands.
2. Bus: Scheduled buses run from the airports to all major cities. Island-wide and regional bus companies also operate inter-city services that cover the whole island. Tour bus operators offer buses for charter.
3. Railway: Trains on the round-the-island rail network provide extremely convenient services. Tickets may be purchased three days in advance.
4. Car rental: Cars can be rented at service counters in major airports as well as downtown locations. They may also be rented at international and tourist-class hotels, as well as from taxi companies.
5. Marine transport: International passenger ships call at Keelung, Kaohsiung, and Hualien harbors. Passenger ships also support the airlines in offering passenger services between Taiwan and outer islands, including Kinmen and Mazu.
   
 

The Republic of China's unit of currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$), which has five denominations in paper money and five in coins. Paper money comes in NT$2000, NT$1000, NT$500, NT$200, and NT$100 denominations. Coins come in NT$50, NT$20, NT$10, NT$5 and NT$1 denominations.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at government-designated banks and hotels. Receipts are given when currency is exchanged, and must be presented in order to exchange unused NT dollars before departure.

Major credit cards such as American Express, Master Card, Visa, and Diners Club are accepted and traveler's checks may be cashed at foreign-exchange banks, some tourist-oriented businesses, and (by room guests) most international tourist hotels.
   
  Taiwan is a subtropical to tropical island with average annual temperatures of 21.
 
  Note: This is an average. During the months of January & February, temperatures may fall below 10C¢X .
   
 

Tourism Bureau, Republic of China (TAIWAN)

Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)

Directorate General of Customs

Central Weather Bureau Web Site

Taiwan Taoyuan Int'l Airport