In a major step toward enhancing travel efficiency and tightening border control, Taiwan will launch a fully digital Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) system for all international travelers beginning October 1, 2025. This mandatory online form will replace the current paper-based arrival card, modernizing the country’s immigration process and positioning Taiwan among Asia’s leaders in smart border management.
The initiative, led by the National Immigration Agency (NIA) and supported by the Ministry of the Interior, is designed to reduce paperwork, accelerate clearance times at airports, and reinforce Taiwan’s commitment to digital innovation in tourism.
What Is the TWAC and Who Must Use It?
The Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is a digital immigration form that must be completed online before entry by all foreign nationals without resident or diplomatic status. This includes short-term visitors arriving for tourism, business, academic exchange, and family visits.
TWAC is required for:
- Tourists
- Business travelers
- Short-term visitors
- Non-resident foreign nationals
TWAC is not required for:
- Permanent residents
- Temporary residents
- ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) holders
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
The move replaces the paper arrival card previously distributed on flights or at immigration counters, eliminating redundant manual input and aligning with growing global demand for contactless, paperless travel systems.
How to Complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)
Travelers must submit the TWAC online within 72 hours of their scheduled departure to Taiwan. The digital form is available on the official NIA immigration platform, with support for multiple languages including English, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Required information includes:
- Full passport details
- Flight or vessel number
- Arrival date and port of entry
- Accommodation address in Taiwan
- Purpose of visit
Group submissions are available for up to 16 travelers, a feature especially useful for families, tour groups, or business delegations.
After Submission: What to Expect
Upon completing the TWAC, travelers receive a QR code via email as confirmation. At immigration checkpoints, officers will scan the passport and retrieve the traveler’s pre-submitted details from the TWAC system, significantly reducing entry time.
For travelers who forget to submit the form before departure, Taiwan’s international airports, including Taoyuan International Airport, will provide self-service kiosks and staff assistance to help complete the form on arrival. However, travelers are strongly encouraged to complete the form in advance to avoid delays.
A Leap Toward Modernized Border Control
This digital transformation is part of a broader national strategy to streamline Taiwan’s travel infrastructure, especially as the country continues to welcome rising numbers of international visitors in the post-pandemic era.
According to the National Immigration Agency, the TWAC system enhances:
- Travel efficiency: Reduced processing time and shorter queues
- Border security: Improved accuracy of arrival data and tracking
- Sustainability: Elimination of paper forms aligns with eco-friendly travel policies
- User experience: Multilingual, intuitive platform for global travelers
By digitizing arrival records, Taiwan can process large volumes of travelers more efficiently while upholding high security standards.
TWAC Reflects Asia’s Regional Travel Trends
Taiwan joins other digitally progressive countries in Asia—such as Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan—that have adopted smart travel tools to improve border control and traveler convenience. These technologies play a critical role in managing health, safety, and entry logistics in a rapidly evolving travel landscape.
As border management continues to evolve, digital systems like TWAC represent the future of immigration processing—blending efficiency with safety.
Practical Travel Tips for TWAC Users
- Complete TWAC early: Submit your form within 72 hours of departure for seamless processing.
- Save your QR code: Store a copy digitally or print it for backup.
- Stay connected: Airport Wi-Fi is available in case last-minute updates are needed.
- Use group registration: Families and tour groups can save time with bulk submissions.
- Don’t skip TWAC: Submission is mandatory. No TWAC, no entry clearance.
What Happens If You Forget to Submit the TWAC?
If you arrive without a completed TWAC, you won’t be denied entry—but you will experience a delay. Immigration staff will direct you to a kiosk or support station where you can fill out the form on-site. While this ensures accessibility, the government advises completing the TWAC beforehand to ensure the smoothest possible arrival experience.
Taiwan’s Position as a Smart Travel Leader
The introduction of TWAC reinforces Taiwan’s vision of becoming a regional hub for efficient and tech-enabled tourism. With over 11 million inbound travelers expected in 2025, the system will play a crucial role in easing airport congestion and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Taiwan’s tourism authorities are also working closely with airlines, tour operators, and hotels to raise awareness of the TWAC rollout and assist travelers in adapting to the new digital requirement.
Looking Ahead: A Future-Ready Border Experience
Taiwan’s digital immigration transformation reflects a growing emphasis on smart travel, sustainability, and operational resilience. As the TWAC system becomes fully operational in October 2025, it is set to redefine the arrival experience for millions of travelers, offering faster, safer, and more convenient access to one of Asia’s most dynamic destinations.
Whether you’re planning a cultural adventure in Taipei, a business trip to Kaohsiung, or an island escape to Taitung, remember to complete your Taiwan Arrival Card before boarding. The future of travel in Taiwan is paperless—and it begins at the border.
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