The First Step to Taiwan: Complete Guide to Taiwan Entry Permit Application Requirements, Steps, and Fees

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Are you ready to head to Taiwan? Before booking flights and hotels, the most important “first step to Taiwan” is to obtain your entry permit! Taiwan has always been a popular travel destination for Hong Kong and Macau residents, with tourism numbers rapidly recovering in recent years.

Friendly Reminder: Applying for a Taiwan entry permit is actually not complicated. This guide will help you understand the various application methods, allowing you to complete the process easily and embark on your journey worry-free.

Key Points

• Hong Kong and Macau residents must obtain a Taiwan entry permit before traveling to Taiwan.
• There are three application methods for the entry permit: online application, cloud application, and landing permit.
• The online application is the fastest and free, but only applicable to those born in Hong Kong or Macau or who have previously visited Taiwan as Hong Kong/Macau residents.
• Those not born in Hong Kong or Macau should use the cloud application, which requires payment and document uploads.
• The landing permit is only for emergency situations, with higher fees, and available only at specific airports.

Applying for Taiwan Entry Permit: Comparison of Three Main Methods

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Faced with different entry permit application methods, you might feel confused about which one suits you best. Don’t worry! Currently, Hong Kong and Macau residents mainly have three ways to apply for a Taiwan entry permit: online application, cloud application, and landing permit. In recent years, Taiwan has continued to simplify entry procedures, expanding smart clearance and online application systems, making the process more convenient for travelers. Next, we will compare these three methods in detail to help you quickly choose the best option.

Online Application, Cloud Application, and Landing Permit Eligibility and Fees

To make it clear at a glance, we have organized the following comparison table to help you quickly grasp the core differences among the three application methods.

Application Method Selection Guide

Selection Tips: Choose the most suitable option based on your situation

• First-time applicant born in Hong Kong/Macau: Congratulations! Choose the “online application” directly—it’s the fastest and completely free method.
• Not born in Hong Kong/Macau: If your birthplace is mainland China or elsewhere, use the “cloud application.” Remember to allow at least one week for review.
• Family travel: If family members have different eligibilities (e.g., parents qualify for online, children need cloud application), apply separately and prepare cloud application documents early.
• Emergency departure: If you qualify for online but realize you forgot to apply just before departure, consider the “landing permit” upon arrival in Taiwan as a backup. This is the last chance to apply for a Taiwan entry permit.

Online Application Tutorial: The Fastest Free Option

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If you qualify, the online application is absolutely the top choice for an entry permit. Its biggest advantages are completely free, no document uploads required, and almost instant approval. The entire process involves filling out information online and can be completed in minutes. Next, we will guide you step by step through the application process.

Eligibility: Born in Hong Kong/Macau or BNO Applicable

Before starting, please confirm if you meet the following criteria. As long as you satisfy one, you can use this convenient free service.

• Permanent residents born in Hong Kong or Macau.
• Not born in Hong Kong or Macau, but visited Taiwan after 1983 as a permanent resident of Hong Kong/Macau.

Friendly Reminder In simple terms, if your passport birthplace is HONG KONG or MACAU, you generally qualify for the online application. This is the most common criterion.

For those holding a British National (Overseas) passport (BNO), the online application also applies, but with specific conditions:

• You must be born in Hong Kong or Macau.
• If not born in Hong Kong/Macau, you need records of visiting Taiwan after 1983 as a permanent resident of Hong Kong/Macau.
• You cannot hold passports from other nationalities besides BNO and HKSAR passport.

If this is your first application and you were not born in Hong Kong/Macau, you must use the “cloud application” and cannot use the online method.

Application Steps: Email Verification and Data Entry

Once eligibility is confirmed, you can start applying! Prepare your passport and follow these steps.

1. Visit the Official Application Website First, open your browser and go to the National Immigration Agency’s official website for “Online Application for Entry Permit by Hong Kong/Macau Residents.”

   According to Taiwan regulations, the personal information you provide will be used by the Republic of China government for visa review and related official purposes. The website has security measures to protect your information, but the government is not liable for damages due to force majeure. Continuing implies agreement to these terms.

2. Select Application Type and Agree to Terms Upon entering the site, you will see application process instructions. Read carefully, then click “I have read and agree” at the bottom to proceed.
3. Fill in Basic Personal Information This is the most critical step. Take out your passport and accurately fill in all fields as required.

   Important Reminder All entered information, including name spelling, birth date, passport number, etc., must exactly match your passport. Any minor error could lead to application failure or entry issues.
   Information to fill in mainly includes:

   • Chinese and English name
   • Passport number and validity
   • Birthplace and birth date
   • ID number
   • Parents’ names
4. Fill in Entry Information Next, the system will ask for planned entry and exit dates, arrival airport, address in Taiwan, and contact phone. If accommodation is not confirmed, you can temporarily enter a hotel you might stay at.
5. Review Data and Submit After filling everything, the system will allow final review. Carefully check every field, confirm accuracy, then submit.

Result Inquiry and Permit Printing

The best part of the online application is almost “zero delay” approval.

After submission, you will usually see the approval notice immediately on the webpage. You can also return to the official site anytime, select “Inquiry Application Result,” and enter your application number or passport number to check status.

Important Reminder: Printing and Saving

1. Print the Permit: After approval, download and clearly print the “Republic of China (Taiwan) Entry Permit” on A4 white paper. Black-and-white or color printing is acceptable.
2. Check Information: After printing, verify the personal details again.
3. Keep Safely: This document is crucial for entry into Taiwan; keep it with your passport, avoid folding or damaging the barcode.

Now, you have successfully completed the fastest entry permit application!

Cloud Application Tutorial: Applicable for Non-Hong Kong/Macau Born

If your birthplace is not Hong Kong or Macau and you cannot use the free online application, the “Online Application System for Overseas Persons” (commonly known as cloud application) is the official channel designed for you. Although it requires payment and document uploads, it has broader eligibility, allowing non-Hong Kong/Macau born permanent residents to obtain the entry permit smoothly. The entire process is fully online; prepare documents and complete it easily from home.

Eligibility and Applicable Applicants

The cloud application is mainly for holders of Hong Kong or Macau passports who do not qualify for online application.

Friendly Reminder The judgment is simple: if your passport birthplace is not HONG KONG or MACAU (e.g., mainland China or other countries), the cloud application is your correct choice.

Besides common cases of birth in mainland China, this method also applies to certain special situations, such as:

• Holders of British National (Overseas) passports obtained before 1997 for Hong Kong SAR residents.
• Holders of Portuguese passports obtained before 1999 for Macau SAR residents.

Required Documents: Passport Valid for 6 Months and Photo Specifications

Before starting the online application, prepare the following three digital files to make the process smoother.

1. Hong Kong or Macau Passport:
   • Validity must be more than 6 months (calculated from planned entry date).
   • Scan or clearly photograph the personal data page.
2. Hong Kong or Macau Permanent Resident ID Card:
   • Scan or clearly photograph front and back.
3. Personal ID Photo:
   • This photo will be printed on your entry permit, with very strict specifications. Use a photo taken within the last 6 months and meeting all requirements:
     • Background Color: Must be pure white background.
     • Photo Size: Width 35mm, Height 45mm。
     • File Format: Save as JPG or JPEG format。
     • File Size: Between 340 KB and 5 MB。
     • Image Resolution: At least 531 pixels height, 413 pixels width。
     • Color Mode: RGB 24-bit full color。

Online Application and Document Upload Process

With documents ready, follow these steps to apply.

1. Visit the Official Application Website: Go to the National Immigration Agency’s “Online Application System for Overseas Persons.” You need to register an account first.
2. Fill in Application Information: After logging in, follow system instructions to detail personal information, contact details, purpose of visit, etc.
3. Upload Documents: This is a key step in the Taiwan entry permit application. Upload the prepared passport data page, ID card front/back, and specification-compliant photo to corresponding fields.

   Important Reminder Uploaded files must be clear and identifiable; any blurry or incomplete images may require supplements or lead to failure. Ensure sufficient lighting and no reflections when scanning or photographing.

4. Online Payment: After confirming all information and documents are correct, the system will guide you to pay online. Single-entry permit fee is NT$600, payable by credit card.
5. Submit Application: After successful payment, your application is formally submitted; the system generates a case number—record it for future inquiries.

Review Progress Inquiry and Supplement Notes

Unlike the online application, the cloud application requires manual review, with official processing time about 5 working days (excluding weekends and holidays).

You can log in anytime to check real-time status using your reference ID or case number.

Review Status Explanation

• Under Review: Your application has been submitted and is awaiting officer review.
• Supplement Required: If documents do not meet requirements (e.g., photo background not pure white, passport scan unclear), the system will show pending actions. Re-upload as instructed.
• Approved: Congratulations! Application passed. Download and print your entry permit directly in the system.

Once approved, clearly print the entry permit on A4 white paper and carry it with your passport for entry into Taiwan. Also check your email (including spam) for results and supplement notices.

Landing Permit Application: Emergency Backup

Have you ever realized at the last minute before departure that you forgot to apply for the entry permit? Don’t panic! The landing permit is designed for such emergencies, allowing eligible travelers to apply on-site upon arrival in Taiwan. However, remember this is not the preferred method, as it involves fees and queuing—use only when unable to apply online in advance.

Landing Permit Eligibility and Restrictions

Landing permit eligibility is very strict—not everyone qualifies. You must fully meet the “online application” conditions.

• Eligible Applicants: Holders of Hong Kong or Macau passports born in Hong Kong or Macau.
• Special Cases: Not born in Hong Kong/Macau but visited Taiwan after 1983 as permanent resident of Hong Kong/Macau.

Important Restriction Reminder If you need the “cloud application” (e.g., born in mainland China), you cannot use the landing permit. If you don’t qualify and proceed anyway, you will be denied entry—confirm clearly before departure.

Applicable Airports and Counters

Currently, not all Taiwan airports offer landing permits. Only the following major international airports:

• Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
• Taichung Ching Chuan Kang Airport (RMQ)
• Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)

Upon arrival, before customs (passport control), look for counters marked “Landing Permit” or “Immigration Agency.” Request the application form there.

On-Site Application Process and Fees

The on-site process is straightforward, but allow extra clearance time to avoid delaying your itinerary.

1. Fill Application Form: Request the “Republic of China (Taiwan) Temporary Entry/Stay Application Form” from counter staff and complete it.
2. Submit Documents: Present valid Hong Kong/Macau passport (over 6 months validity) and return ticket.
3. Pay Fee: Landing permit fee is NT$300. Prepare cash or check if other payments are accepted on-site.
4. Receive Permit: After payment and officer approval, receive the entry permit and proceed to customs for entry.

Although the landing permit provides a backup, applying for the free online method in advance remains the most time- and cost-saving choice.

Fees and Common Questions Summary

You now understand the three main application methods. Next, we summarize fees, validity periods, and common errors to help you complete final preparations smoothly.

Overview of Entry Permit Application Fees

Entry permit fees vary by method. Here is a summary of the three main methods for quick reference.

Friendly Reminder The above fees are for common Hong Kong/Macau resident applications. For longer stays or special needs like expedited processing, additional fees like special handling or postal fees may apply.

Entry Permit Validity and Stay Duration

After successful application, note the permit’s validity and stay duration to avoid affecting your itinerary.

Can stay be extended? Generally, the 30-day stay from online, cloud, or landing permits cannot be extended. You must depart before expiration. Extensions possible only in special cases like natural disasters or serious illness.

Common Application Errors Reminder

To succeed on the first try, pay special attention to these frequent errors.

1. Information Mismatch with Passport: The most common and fatal error. English name spelling, birth date, passport number, etc., must be 100% identical to passport. Even one letter or number wrong could cause entry failure.
2. Photo Specifications Non-Compliant: For cloud applications, photo specs are strict. Use recent photo with pure white background. Casual photos, cluttered backgrounds, or poor lighting will require supplements, delaying review.
3. Wrong Application Category Selected: Carefully read options when filling forms. Some mistakenly select other visa types, leading to rejection and non-refundable fees—must reapply.

The entry permit application process is actually very simple. Just choose the method based on your birthplace and eligibility, prepare required documents.

We recommend bookmarking this article for quick reference when needed!

Now that you’ve mastered all the secrets to applying for a Taiwan entry permit, get started and prepare for a wonderful Taiwan trip! Have a pleasant journey!

FAQ

Can the entry permit be used multiple times?

No. Entry permits issued via online, cloud, or landing are single-use only. You must reapply for a new permit before each entry to Taiwan. Old permits become invalid after exit.

What if I filled in wrong information?

If already approved, you cannot modify—must reapply. If rejected or not yet paid, you can cancel and refill. Ensure submitted information exactly matches passport to avoid fees and time loss.

If I renew my passport, can I use the old entry permit?

Absolutely not. The passport number on the entry permit must exactly match the one used for entry. With a new passport, reapply using new details—the old permit is invalid.

Do children need to apply for an entry permit?

Yes. All travelers to Taiwan, regardless of age, need a valid entry permit. Prepare child’s passport, ID (if any), and specification-compliant photo; guardians apply on their behalf.