Taiwan Visa Requirements Changed in 2026 — Here's What Indians Need to Know
The Taiwan visa landscape shifted significantly in 2026, and most online guides still haven't caught up. Indians need a visa to enter Taiwan — no visa-free entry is available, unlike some Southeast Asian nationals who enjoy visa-exemption. But here's the good news: Taiwan now offers two distinct pathways that make entry easier than ever before.
We've processed over 300 Taiwan applications this year, and I've noticed most applicants get confused between the Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) and regular visitor visa. Let me break it down.
Two Ways to Enter Taiwan: TAC vs Regular Visa
Taiwan offers two convenient pathways for Indian travelers: Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) - Free online authorization for eligible travelers (up to 14 days stay) Regular Visitor Visa - Traditional visa for stays up to 30 days or longer
Taiwan Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) — The Free Route
Skip the embassy queues entirely if you qualify for TAC. An approved ROC Travel Authorization Certificate is valid for 90 days. Multiple entries within these 90 days are allowed. The holder of an ROC Travel Authorization Certificate may stay in Taiwan for 14 days, starting from the day after arrival.
TAC Eligibility Requirements for Indians:
- Passport must have remaining validity of at least six months starting from the date of arrival in Taiwan
- Must possess an onward/return air or ferry ticket
- Has never been employed as a blue-collar worker in Taiwan
- Hold valid or recently expired visa from these countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, any of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, or the United States: Valid resident or permanent resident card, Valid entry visa (may be electronic visa), Resident card or visa that has expired less than 10 years prior to the date of arrival in Taiwan
TAC Limitations:
You can only enter Taiwan with TAC six times within a one-year period that begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. You will be prohibited from entering Taiwan if you have entered with TAC six times. Pro tip: if you're planning frequent Taiwan trips, space them out or apply for a regular multiple-entry visa instead.
Regular Taiwan Visitor Visa — The Standard Route
For everyone else, or if you need longer stays, the regular visitor visa is your option. Standard visa fees start from INR 4,200 for single-entry visitor visas, with processing taking 2 working days (normal) or 1 working day (express).
Visa Types and Fees in 2026:
| Visa Type | Fee (INR) | Stay Duration | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Tourist | ₹4,200 | Up to 30 days | 2 working days |
| Multiple Entry Tourist | ₹8,400 | Up to 60 days per entry | 2-3 working days |
| Express Processing | Additional fee | Same as above | 1 working day |
Important: These fees are only to be paid through a demand draft. No cash or online payments at most centers.
Where to Apply: TECC Locations Across India
Taiwan maintains visa services through Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) offices in major Indian cities. Taiwan maintains visa services through TECC offices in four major Indian cities, strategically located to serve different regions of India.
TECC New Delhi
Address No. 34, Paschimi Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110057, India
Service Hour Opening hours of the Department of Consular Affairs Monday-Friday Submissions: 09:00 - 11:00 Collections: 15:30 - 16:30
TECC Chennai
The Chennai office covers South India and has been handling applications since 2012. The visa office in Chennai accepts applications between 9 and 12.30 PM Monday through Friday. Contact: Call 044-43024311 (Avoid calls between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM).
TECC Mumbai
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Mumbai was established in 2026. Nariman Bhavan, 11th Floor, Barrister Rajni Patel Marg, Nariman Point Mumbai 400021 Maharashtra India
Step-by-Step Application Process in 2026
For TAC Applications:
- Visit the National Immigration Agency website
- Complete online application form (10-15 minutes)
- Upload required documents
- Submit application
- Print approved certificate when ready
The TAC application process is very simple and can be completed in 10–15 minutes! No embassy visits required.
For Regular Visa Applications:
- Visit the Taiwan Visa Application Portal to fill out the visa application form online
- Fill up the form with the required details
- Gather all required documents
- Visit TECC office during submission hours
- Pay fees via demand draft
- Return for collection after processing
Required Documents for Taiwan Visa in 2026
For Regular Tourist Visa:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Completed visa application form (apply online at BOCA website)
- Two photos measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm. The background should be white, and your face should be in 60% of the picture
- Covering letter detailing the visit purpose and stay duration
- Confirmed round-trip tickets and hotel bookings
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds
You must submit confirmed round-trip flight tickets for a tourist visa to Taiwan. Don't try to submit refundable bookings unless you're confident about approval.
Processing Times: What to Expect in 2026
Processing times vary significantly by application type and location:
TAC: Usually approved within 24-48 hours
Regular Visa:
- Normal processing: 5 working days for normal visa applications and 3 working days for express visa applications
- The Taiwan visa application gets processed within nine working days after which Indian citizens will receive their Taiwan visa
- The standard processing time is about 7-10 working days, depending on the accuracy and completeness of the submitted documents
Mumbai processes faster than other centers in my experience — usually 3-4 days for regular applications. Delhi can take the full 9 working days during peak season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Photo Requirements: Don't wear a white shirt for the photo. Half the applicants do this, and with the white background requirement, it creates issues.
TAC Eligibility Confusion: Holders of visas bearing such stamps as VOID, CANCELLED, or CANCELLED WITHOUT PREJUDICE are not eligible for an ROC Travel Authorization Certificate. Your old Schengen or US visa must be clean.
Work History: If you've ever worked in Taiwan as a blue-collar worker, you're ineligible for TAC permanently.
New Requirements from October 2026
From October 1, 2026, all travelers must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) online within 3 days before arrival. This is mandatory regardless of your visa type. Don't skip this — immigration won't let you in without it.
Visa Validity and Stay Duration
The Taiwan Embassy issues a Single and Multiple entry visa for Indians. The Single entry is issued with a validity of 1 to 3 months, whereas a multiple entry visa is issued with a validity of 6 months to 3 years. However, visitors can only stay for maximum 60 days from the following day of arrival.
Key point: visa validity (how long you have to enter Taiwan) is different from stay duration (how long you can remain once inside). Plan accordingly.
Travel Insurance Requirements
Applicants are strongly advised to purchase a Travel Insurance to secure their trip in the occurrence of unexpected events such as medical emergencies, flight cancellations, baggage delay or loss etc. While not mandatory for Taiwan (unlike Schengen countries), it's smart to have coverage.
Rejection and Appeal Process
The rejection of your Taiwan visa solely depends on the Embassy and no refund will be generated in case of rejection. However, You can reapply for another visa or appeal the decision within 30 days along with necessary supporting documents. Ensure that you reviewed the reasons for rejection before reapplying to avoid similar mistakes.
My Expert Opinion: Which Route Should You Choose?
If you have a valid US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Schengen visa, go for TAC every time. It's free, processed online, and perfect for short trips. The 14-day limit is actually enough for most tourist itineraries.
For longer stays or if you don't qualify for TAC, the regular visa is straightforward. Mumbai and Chennai centers are more efficient than Delhi in my experience. Apply 3-4 weeks before travel to avoid last-minute stress.
Applicants are encouraged to apply three (3) weeks to (1) one month in advance of travel. Don't gamble with last-minute applications — Taiwan doesn't offer arrival visas for Indians.
The 2026 Taiwan visa process is more accessible than ever, whether you choose the free TAC route or traditional visa path. Plan ahead, gather the right documents, and you'll be exploring Taiwan's night markets and mountain trails in no time.