Taiwan Travel Guide - Entry Rules, Visas, and What to Do

February 18, 2026

9 mins to read
Complete Taiwan travel guide covering visa requirements, must-see attractions, wellness experiences, and a sample 5-day health & travel itinerary.
Taiwan Travel Guide - Entry Rules, Visas, and What to Do - Health information for international visitors in Taiwan

Visa-Free Countries

Taiwan has very friendly visa rules that make travel easy for many people. Over 70 countries can enter Taiwan without a visa and stay up to 90 days. This reflects Taiwan’s strong support for international visitors. For official visa information, see the National Immigration Agency (Taiwan).

U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for 90 days, which is ideal for long trips or medical visits. Canadians also get 90 days. Australians and New Zealanders can stay up to 90 days. Many European Union countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, also enjoy 90-day visa-free access.

Many Asian countries have the same privileges. Japan and South Korea enjoy 90-day stays. Singapore and Brunei also allow 90 days. Malaysia provides 90 days as well. Residents from Hong Kong and Macau have special rules, allowing stays of 90 and 180 days, respectively.

Some Middle Eastern countries, such as Israel, UAE, and Qatar, enjoy visa-free entry. South American nations like Chile and Peru allow 90-day visits, while Panama offers 180 days. African countries like Mauritius and Seychelles offer 90-day stays.

To enter visa-free, travelers need a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds for their trip. Immigration officers may request hotel bookings or travel plans, but the process is typically quick and straightforward. Some countries still require visas, such as mainland China, India, and certain Southeast Asian nations. Taiwan’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system allows eligible travelers to apply online for quick approval.


Must-See Attractions

Taiwan offers a wide variety of attractions in a compact area, allowing visitors to see temples, skyscrapers, natural parks, and cultural landmarks in one trip. The efficient transportation system makes exploring multiple sites easy.

  • Taipei 101: Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 offers panoramic city views. Its adjoining mall features international brands and fine dining.
  • National Palace Museum: Houses one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese art, spanning 5,000 years of history.
  • Night Markets: Shilin Night Market, Raohe Night Market (famous for pepper buns), and Ningxia Night Market offer vibrant street food and entertainment experiences.
  • Yangmingshan National Park: Known for hiking trails, volcanic landscapes, and hot springs, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Sun Moon Lake: Offers peaceful scenery with temples and Indigenous cultural experiences around the lake.
  • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Grand architecture and ceremonial changing of the guard.
  • Longshan Temple: The oldest and most famous temple in Taipei.
  • Songshan Cultural Park and Huashan 1914 Creative Park: Modern cultural hubs with art exhibitions, shops, and cafés.
  • Maokong Gondola: Scenic ride to tea farms and mountain tea houses, ideal for relaxation.

Wellness and Spa Experiences

Taiwan is also a top destination for wellness and relaxation. Hot springs, tea culture, and modern spa centers help travelers recharge.

  • Beitou Hot Spring: Traditional Japanese bathhouses and modern spas with mineral-rich water for relaxation and health benefits.
  • Jiaoxi, Yilan: Famous for hot spring resorts, wellness retreats, and outdoor baths surrounded by bamboo forests.
  • Maokong Tea Culture: Experience tea-making, oolong tea tasting, and serene mountain tea houses for mindfulness and relaxation.
  • Modern wellness centers: Offer massages, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and spa treatments blending Eastern and Western methods.
  • Medical wellness: Combine health screenings at facilities like New Dawn Health with spa or yoga experiences for a full healing journey.

Taroko Gorge (12).png

Sample 5-Day Health & Travel Itinerary

This example itinerary balances sightseeing, wellness, and medical care for travelers:

  • Day 1: Arrival and Taipei Orientation
    Arrive at Taoyuan Airport and transfer to central Taipei. Check into a hotel in Ximending, explore shops and culture, and visit a night market for street food. Rest early to adjust to the time zone.
  • Day 2: Cultural Exploration and Health Screening
    Morning visit to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Afternoon health screening at New Dawn Health (MRI, blood tests, consultation). Evening spa or tea house relaxation.
  • Day 3: Natural Beauty and Wellness
    Trip to Yangmingshan National Park for light hiking and hot springs. Return to Taipei for a museum visit or wellness treatment. Traditional Taiwanese dinner in the evening.
  • Day 4: Modern Taipei and Relaxation
    Morning visit to Taipei 101. Afternoon shopping or arts at a creative park. Evening cultural show or reflection on health results.
  • Day 5: Final Wellness and Departure
    Morning tai chi, spa, or tea ceremony. Free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping before airport departure.

This itinerary allows visitors to experience Taiwan’s nature, culture, and wellness offerings while balancing rest and health care.

With easy visa-free entry and rich attractions, Taiwan is ideal for travelers seeking adventure, cultural experiences, and wellness. Partnering with New Dawn Health ensures a smooth medical and travel experience, combining sightseeing with comprehensive health check-ups.

 

FAQ

Taiwan allows citizens from over 70 countries to enter without a visa for up to 90 days.

Examples include:

  • North America: United States, Canada

  • Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

  • Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain

  • Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia

  • Others: Israel, UAE, Qatar, Mauritius

To enter visa-free, travelers need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return or onward ticket, and enough money for their stay. Some travelers can also use Taiwan’s online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Taiwan has a mix of nature, culture, and modern sights. Popular highlights include:

  • Taipei 101: Iconic skyscraper with observation deck and shopping mall

  • Night Markets: Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia for street food and games

  • Temples & History: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple

  • Nature: Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, Yangmingshan National Park

  • Culture & Art: Songshan Cultural Park, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Maokong Gondola

These sites are easy to reach thanks to Taiwan’s fast transportation system.

Yes. Taiwan is great for wellness tourism, with hot springs, tea culture, and modern spas.

  • Hot Springs: Beitou (Taipei) and Jiaoxi (Yilan) for relaxation and mineral baths

  • Tea & Mindfulness: Maokong tea farms and mountain tea houses

  • Spa & Healing: Massage, acupuncture, yoga, meditation

  • Medical Wellness: Health screenings at centers like New Dawn Health can be paired with wellness activities

Visitors can plan a balanced trip with nature, culture, and health care, ensuring both adventure and relaxation.

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