Do Taiwan passport holders need a visa for Japan, South Korea, and Europe?

No visa is required. Taiwan passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Japan (up to 90 days), South Korea (90 days), and all EU Schengen countries (90 days within 180 days) including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. The UK also grants visa-free entry for up to 6 months. These are among the most popular destinations for Taiwanese travelers.

Can I visit the USA with a Taiwan passport? Do I need a visa?

Taiwan passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) called ESTA to visit the United States. While not visa-free, ESTA allows stays up to 90 days for tourism or business without a traditional visa. You must apply online before travel. The same eTA requirement applies to Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam.

Which countries require Taiwan passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Taiwan passport holders must obtain visas in advance for 58 countries including major destinations like China, Hong Kong, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, Russia (eVisa available), India (eVisa available), Saudi Arabia, and all Central Asian republics except Kyrgyzstan. Venezuela, Cuba (eVisa), and several African nations also require advance visas.

Is military service mandatory for Taiwan passport holders? Can I travel abroad during service age?

Yes, mandatory military service applies to male Taiwan citizens. As of 2024, service duration is 12 months for those born after January 1, 2005. Males aged 18-36 must complete service or obtain exit permits for overseas travel exceeding 4 months. Dual citizens and those with overseas residency may qualify for alternative service or exemptions. Check with Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior before extended travel.

Can Taiwan passport holders work in other countries visa-free?

Visa-free or eTA access does NOT grant work rights. Taiwan passport holders generally need separate work permits or work visas to be legally employed abroad, even in visa-free countries. Exceptions include Working Holiday Visa agreements Taiwan has with countries like Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, and several EU nations, allowing temporary work for young people (typically ages 18-30).

Do I need a visa for Australia, Canada, or New Zealand with a Taiwan passport?

You need electronic travel authorization (eTA), not a traditional visa. For Australia, apply for an eVisitor (subclass 651) or ETA online. For Canada, apply for an eTA before flying. For New Zealand, obtain an NZeTA online. All are simpler than visa applications but must be approved before travel. Stays are typically limited to 90 days (Australia/NZ) or 6 months (Canada) for tourism.

Which Southeast Asian countries can Taiwan passport holders visit without a visa?

Taiwan passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Singapore (30 days), Malaysia (30 days), Thailand (30 days), Philippines (30 days), and Brunei (90 days). Indonesia and Cambodia offer visa on arrival. Vietnam, Myanmar, and Laos require eVisas or visas in advance. This makes Southeast Asia highly accessible for Taiwanese travelers.

Has Taiwan's passport ranking improved or declined in recent years?

Taiwan's passport showed significant improvement from 2006 (rank 55, 42 visa-free) to its peak in 2014 (rank 24, 132 visa-free) and 2018 (rank 29, 148 visa-free). However, it has gradually declined to rank 37 with 136 visa-free destinations in 2025. The recent drop is attributed to changing global visa policies and geopolitical factors affecting Taiwan's international standing.

Can Taiwan passport holders transit through China or Hong Kong without a visa?

For mainland China, Taiwan residents can apply for a Taiwan Compatriot Permit (Tai Bao Zheng) for entry, or obtain a visa on arrival at certain ports under specific conditions. For Hong Kong, Taiwan passport holders previously enjoyed visa-free access but now require a visa in advance as Hong Kong is listed under visa-required destinations. Always verify current regulations before travel as cross-strait policies change frequently.

Taiwan Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 136 Countries

📖About Taiwan

The Taiwan passport ranks 37th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 136 destinations worldwide. This represents a significant improvement from its 55th ranking in 2006 with only 42 visa-free destinations, demonstrating Taiwan's enhanced diplomatic relations and international standing. The passport provides strong travel mobility for Taiwanese citizens, particularly throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas, making it a valuable document for business and leisure travel. Taiwan passport holders benefit from relatively streamlined entry procedures to major economic and tourist destinations globally.

Mobility

Region

ASIA

Destination	Maximum Stay
Japan	up to 90 days
South Korea	up to 90 days
Singapore	up to 30 days
Thailand	up to 30 days
Malaysia	up to 30 days

Destination

Maximum Stay

up to 90 days

up to 90 days

up to 30 days

up to 30 days

up to 30 days

📈Historical Ranking Trend

Taiwan's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 18 positions from 2006 to 2025

❓Frequently asked questions

As of 2025, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) passport holders can access 136 destinations visa-free or with visa on arrival/eTA. The passport ranks 37th globally on the Henley Passport Index. This includes visa-free access to major destinations like Japan, South Korea, the EU Schengen Area, UK, Singapore, and Malaysia. Note that the visa-free count decreased from 143 in 2024 to 136 in 2025.

Taiwan Passport

Visa requirements

📖About Taiwan

Free One-Page Travel Guide

✈️Top Visa-Free Destinations for Taiwan Citizens

📈Historical Ranking Trend

Taiwan's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Official Taiwan Resources

❓Frequently asked questions

How many countries can Taiwan passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do Taiwan passport holders need a visa for Japan, South Korea, and Europe?

Can I visit the USA with a Taiwan passport? Do I need a visa?

Which countries require Taiwan passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Is military service mandatory for Taiwan passport holders? Can I travel abroad during service age?

Can Taiwan passport holders work in other countries visa-free?

Do I need a visa for Australia, Canada, or New Zealand with a Taiwan passport?

Which Southeast Asian countries can Taiwan passport holders visit without a visa?

Has Taiwan's passport ranking improved or declined in recent years?

Can Taiwan passport holders transit through China or Hong Kong without a visa?

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