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Taiwan Arrival Card: A New Digital Era for International Travellers

Starting October 1, 2025, Taiwan will officially discontinue the traditional paper-based arrival card. In its place, a digital version known as the “TWAC” (Taiwan Arrival Card) will become a mandatory requirement for most foreign travelers. This transition marks a significant step toward improving border management efficiency.

According to Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA), all international tourists must complete the digital TWAC online before entering the country.

In this post, we’ll explore the details of this major change — including what it means for travelers, how to fill out the new digital form, and how this shift reflects Taiwan’s broader goals for modernizing travel and border control.

This blog will serve as a comprehensive guide to understanding the digital Taiwan Arrival Card and what international visitors can expect going forward.

Taiwan Arrival Card

The Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC): What is it?

Previously, travelers entering Taiwan were required to fill out a traditional paper arrival card. However, this process is being phased out in favor of a digital alternative — the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC). Starting October 1, 2025, all foreign nationals visiting Taiwan will be required to complete the TWAC online prior to boarding their flights or ships bound for the country.

The shift to a digital system reflects a broader global trend of modernizing border entry procedures. Across Asia, countries like Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand have already adopted similar systems — such as MDAC, e-Arrival, and TDAC — to enhance efficiency. Taiwan’s decision to implement the TWAC is part of this regional effort to streamline immigration processes while also minimizing environmental impact.

Why Is Taiwan Switching to a Digital Arrival Card?

Taiwan’s move to adopt the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)—a digital replacement for the traditional paper-based form—comes after thoughtful consideration of traveler convenience, environmental responsibility, and border control efficiency. Here’s why this transition is taking place:

  1. Faster Immigration Processing
    By collecting traveler information ahead of time, immigration officers can pre-screen arrivals, speeding up entry procedures and reducing long queues at airports and seaports.
  2. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
    The elimination of paper forms helps Taiwan lower its environmental impact, supporting broader sustainability goals through reduced paper usage.
  3. Alignment with Global Trends
    In line with global post-pandemic practices, many countries are digitizing entry forms to improve tracking, accuracy, and the overall passenger experience. Taiwan is joining this modern approach to border management.
  4. Simplified Process for Travelers
    With TWAC, there’s no need to search for paper forms or complete paperwork at the last minute. Travelers can easily fill out the form online—at home or even on the go—making the process seamless and stress-free.

How to Complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)?

Completing the TWAC is a simple, online process designed for traveler convenience. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide to help you complete the Taiwan Arrival Card before your journey:

1. Visit the Official Website
Head to the official TWAC portal at twac.immigration.gov.tw. The platform supports multiple languages, including English, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian for user accessibility.

2. Enter Your Personal & Travel Information
Fill in essential details such as your passport number, arrival date, flight or ship information, and the address of where you’ll be staying in Taiwan. These fields mirror the traditional paper version and are required for immigration processing.

3. Upload Your Passport
One of the convenient features of the TWAC is the ability to upload your passport image. This allows the system to extract key data automatically, reducing manual entry errors and saving time.

4. Submit Your Form
After providing all required information, submit your form online. Although it’s possible to complete it at the airport using Wi-Fi, Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA) recommends submitting the form at least three days before your scheduled arrival for a smoother experience.

What Information Will the TWAC Require?

The digital Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) collects the same essential information previously requested on the traditional paper version. Travelers will need to provide the following key details:

  • Passport Information: Full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth.
  • Travel Details: Flight or vessel number, along with the expected date of arrival in Taiwan.
  • Local Contact Information: Address and contact number where you will be staying during your visit.
  • Purpose of Visit: Indicate the reason for your travel—such as tourism, business, or other personal matters.

Who Needs to Complete the Digital Taiwan Arrival Card?

The introduction of the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) will mainly impact foreign visitors entering Taiwan for short-term stays. This includes tourists, business travelers, and other temporary visitors who do not hold residency status. Individuals who possess an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), Resident Visa, or diplomatic credentials are exempt from filling out the TWAC.

When Should You Fill Out the TWAC?

Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency recommends submitting the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) at least three days before your departure. This ensures a smooth entry process and minimizes last-minute issues. If you’re unable to complete it in advance, you can still fill out the TWAC upon arrival at the airport, as long as you have access to a Wi-Fi connection.

Benefits of the Digital TWAC for Travelers

  1. Faster Processing: Submitting the TWAC online allows immigration authorities to pre-screen data, making arrival procedures quicker and more efficient.
  2. Convenient & Easy: The digital form is straightforward and user-friendly, eliminating the hassle of filling out paper forms at the airport.
  3. Secure Data Handling: Your personal and travel details are processed securely, reducing the risk of mistakes or misuse of information.

Potential Challenges Travelers Might Face with TWAC

While Taiwan’s move to a digital arrival system offers many advantages, some travelers may encounter a few hurdles:

  • Internet Access: Not all travelers have reliable internet access or are comfortable using online forms. It’s best to complete the TWAC before leaving for Taiwan.
  • Device Compatibility: Completing the TWAC requires a smartphone, tablet, or laptop with internet connectivity, which might be inconvenient for some.
  • Language Limitations: Although the form is available in multiple languages, travelers whose native language isn’t supported may find the process difficult.

How Taiwan Benefits from the Digital Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)

The shift to a digital entry process benefits Taiwan in several key ways:

  • Faster Immigration Processing: Real-time access to traveler data helps immigration officers speed up entry procedures and better manage arrivals.
  • Improved Visitor Experience: Eliminating paper forms makes for a smoother and more convenient arrival, enhancing Taiwan’s image as a tourist-friendly destination.
  • Environmental Responsibility: The reduction in paper use aligns with Taiwan’s sustainability goals and helps reduce travel-related environmental impact.
  • Enhanced Global Image: Embracing digital border control systems positions Taiwan as an innovative and tech-forward destination in the region.

For detailed info on immigration trends and visa requirements, click now.

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