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Country Facts
Capital
Taipei City
Size
36,197 km2 (13,976 sq mi)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Population
3,950,214
Currency
The New Taiwan dollar
Taiwan
Taiwan is an increasingly popular destination for tourists, offering a rich mix of cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and vibrant urban experiences. Here’s an overview of what makes Taiwan a fantastic travel destination:
Top Attractions in Taiwan:
- Taipei:
- Taipei 101: Once the tallest building in the world, it offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
- National Palace Museum: Home to one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts, showcasing Taiwan’s historical ties with China.
- Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall: A national monument dedicated to the former president, offering a deep dive into Taiwan’s modern history.
- Night Markets: Taipei’s night markets, like Shilin and Raohe, are legendary for street food, offering local specialties like beef noodle soup, oyster omelets, and stinky tofu.
- Taroko Gorge: One of Taiwan’s most famous natural wonders, this stunning marble gorge features hiking trails, waterfalls, and the scenic Taroko National Park. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers.
- Sun Moon Lake: A picturesque lake surrounded by mountains, Sun Moon Lake is perfect for cycling, hiking, and boat tours. It’s also home to temples and the indigenous Thao people’s culture.
- Alishan: Known for its tea plantations and scenic train rides, Alishan is a mountainous area famous for sunrise views, cherry blossoms, and hiking trails through ancient forests.
- Kenting National Park: Located in the southern part of Taiwan, Kenting offers beautiful beaches, water sports, and nature trails, making it a popular destination for sun-seekers and adventure lovers.
- Jiufen Village: A historic mining town perched on the mountainside, Jiufen offers narrow alleyways filled with teahouses, street food, and souvenir shops. Its old-world charm is a favorite among tourists.
- Penghu Islands: An archipelago off the west coast, Penghu is famous for its pristine beaches, historic temples, and wind-carved rock formations. It’s a great spot for snorkeling and water sports.
Cultural Highlights:
- Temples: Taiwan is home to thousands of temples, with Taipei’s Longshan Temple and Tainan’s Confucius Temple being among the most significant. These temples offer a glimpse into the island’s religious diversity, primarily a mix of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
- Festivals: Taiwan hosts numerous colorful festivals, such as the Lantern Festival (with spectacular displays of lanterns), the Dragon Boat Festival (featuring traditional boat races), and Chinese New Year, where streets come alive with fireworks, parades, and traditional performances.
Adventure and Outdoor Activities:
- Hiking: Taiwan offers excellent hiking opportunities, from the lush trails of Yangmingshan National Park near Taipei to the more challenging Yushan (Jade Mountain), the highest peak in East Asia.
- Cycling: Taiwan is considered one of the best destinations in Asia for cycling enthusiasts, with the Taiwan Cycling Route No. 1 circumnavigating the island.
- Hot Springs: Taiwan is famous for its many hot spring resorts, particularly in areas like Beitou, Jiaoxi, and Wulai, where visitors can relax in thermal baths surrounded by nature.
Cuisine:
Taiwan is known for its vibrant street food culture, which can be experienced in the numerous night markets. Dishes like beef noodle soup, xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), pineapple cakes, and the world-famous bubble tea originated here. Taiwanese food blends influences from mainland China, Japan, and indigenous cultures, making it diverse and flavorful.
Best Time to Visit Taiwan:
- October to April: This is the best time to visit Taiwan due to cooler, pleasant weather, making outdoor exploration and sightseeing comfortable.
- Summer (May to September): Taiwan is hot and humid during the summer, with frequent typhoons, especially between July and September. However, it’s a good time to visit for beach activities in places like Kenting and Penghu.
Getting Around:
- Taiwan has an excellent public transportation system, including a high-speed rail (THSR) that runs along the west coast, making it easy to travel between major cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
- In cities, MRT systems, buses, and taxis are easily accessible, and many tourists opt to rent scooters for exploring smaller towns and rural areas.
Cultural Etiquette:
- Respect for local customs and traditions is essential. When visiting temples, modest dress and respectful behavior are expected.
- Taiwanese people are generally friendly and helpful to tourists, and many speak some English, particularly in urban areas.
Taiwan offers an ideal mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern amenities, making it a diverse and exciting destination for travelers of all types. Whether you’re interested in city exploration, historical landmarks, outdoor adventures, or simply savoring its famous cuisine, Taiwan has something for everyone.
Reasons to visit Taiwan:
- Stunning Landscapes: Taiwan is known for its diverse natural beauty, from lush mountains and hot springs to dramatic coastal cliffs. Taroko Gorge, Alishan, and Sun Moon Lake are some of the most iconic destinations.
- Rich Culture and History: Taiwan has a unique blend of Chinese traditions, indigenous heritage, and modern influences. Historical sites like Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, temples like Longshan, and indigenous cultural experiences offer a rich historical and cultural tapestry.
- Night Markets and Street Food: Taiwan is a food lover’s paradise. Night markets, such as Shilin and Raohe, offer an array of street foods like bubble tea, beef noodles, and stinky tofu. The food culture is a significant draw for visitors.
- Modern Cities and Technology: The capital, Taipei, is a bustling metropolis where visitors can explore world-class museums, shopping districts, and Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world.
- Hot Springs and Wellness: Taiwan is renowned for its many hot springs, including those in Beitou and Jiaoxi, perfect for relaxation.
- Festivals and Events: Taiwan celebrates a range of festivals throughout the year, including the vibrant Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and the Lunar New Year, offering unique cultural experiences.
- Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, cycling, and water activities are popular, especially in areas like Kenting National Park for beaches, Yushan for mountain climbing, and Penghu islands for water sports.
Preparing For A Trip To Taiwan?
Visa Information / Entry requirements to Taiwan
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Taiwan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Taiwan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Taipei Representative Office in London or the Taipei Representative Office in Edinburgh. Entry procedures are being regularly reviewed, so may change at short notice.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Taiwan.
Epidemic prevention period
When you arrive in Taiwan, the authorities advise that you observe a 7-day self-initiated epidemic prevention period, but you no longer need a negative test result before going out. The authorities are no longer providing free rapid test kits on arrival. You can use your booked accommodation and you can move freely during the 7 days.
This self-health management scheme is provided as guidance by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), and members of the public are free to decide whether to follow it. Please consult the Centres for Disease Control website for the latest guidance.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Taiwan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can spend up to 90 days in Taiwan without a visa. You can extend this by a further 90 days once you have arrived in Taiwan. You can get more information on entering Taiwan without a visa (‘visa-exempt entry’) from the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs. This applies if you travel:
- as a tourist
- to visit family or friends
- to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
If you plan to stay in Taiwan for longer than 180 days, you must have a visa before you arrive. If you stay beyond the time given on your visa, you will get a fine and risk being deported from Taiwan.
There are specific rules for naturalised British citizens born in the People’s Republic of China and holders of British National (Overseas) passports wishing to enter under the visa waiver scheme.
You should contact the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs or Taiwan National Immigration Agency for further information.
Applying for a visa
If you are in the UK and need a visa, apply at your nearest Taipei Representative Office. If you are in Taiwan, apply through the Taiwan National Immigration Agency.
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Tourism Health Information – Taiwan
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 119 and ask for an ambulance.
Unlike in the UK, an ambulance crew will not usually include a paramedic.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Taiwan
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Taiwan.
There has been a significant increase in cases of dengue fever in the south of Taiwan (including the cities of Kaohsiung and Tainan). Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. See key updates from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
If you’re bringing any prescribed medicine into Taiwan, bring the prescription issued by your doctor, hospital or clinic that shows the medicine is for your personal use. The amount of medication you bring must be consistent with the amount stated on the prescription. You cannot bring cannabis oil or cannabis-derived medication into Taiwan, even if it’s legally prescribed elsewhere.
For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, contact the Taipei Representative Office in London.
Healthcare facilities in Taiwan
Taiwan’s health and dental facilities offer a range of routine, emergency and outpatient services. Some have English-speaking staff. Hospitals operate on a ’pay as you use’ basis. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment in Taiwan including possible repatriation.
FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Taiwan.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Taiwan.
COVID-19 healthcare
Taiwan Centers for Disease Control says that if you test positive for COVID-19 and have mild symptoms you do not need to report your case or self-isolate. You should rest at home and wear a mask when outside. Seek medical care if you experience severe symptoms. You can contact the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control helpline on 1922.
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Weather & When To Go To Taiwan
Read More On Visas
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