Taiwan
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Latest updates: The Natural disasters and climate tab was updated - removal of information on typhoon Nesat.
Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Taiwan - Exercise normal security precautions
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Taiwan . Exercise normal security precautions.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Crime
The crime rate is relatively low. Petty crime (such as pickpocketing and purse snatching) occurs, usually at airports and train stations, on public transportation, and in main tourist shopping areas, hotel lobbies, and crowded streets. Bags left unattended are likely to be stolen. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.
Women’s safety
Women should exercise caution at all times and should avoid travelling alone in taxis at night when possible. Consult our publication entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide for travel safety information specifically aimed at Canadian women.
Demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations occur from time to time on short notice. Exercise caution, avoid areas where demonstrations are being held and avoid confrontations with protestors.
World University Games (Universiade)
Taipei will host the 2017 World University Games (Summer Universiade) from August 19 to 30, 2017. Expect higher volumes of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, street closures, delays in transportation and limited availability of accommodations in the lead-up to and during the Games. There will be enhanced security measures. If you are attending the events, be aware of your surroundings and don’t leave belongings unattended.
Road safety
Traffic congestion is severe in urban areas.
Driving habits in Taiwan are often more erratic and reckless than in Canada. Driving or riding motorcycles is dangerous and should be avoided, even by experienced motorcyclists. Mountain roads are narrow, winding, and poorly banked. Substandard road conditions and local disregard for traffic laws result in frequent accidents. Several foreigners have been involved in accidents that caused serious and even fatal injuries. Motorcycles and scooters weave in and out of traffic. Pedestrians should always exercise caution when crossing the road. Be aware of your surroundings at all times if you plan to drive a vehicle in Taiwan.
As taxi drivers tend to speak little or no English or French, you should have your destination written in Chinese.
Air travel
The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the authorities of Taiwan and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office for up-to-date information.
Passport
Canadians must present a passport to visit Taiwan, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Visas
Canadian passport holders do not require tourist or business visas for stays of up to 90 days. Once in Taiwan, they may extend their stay for an additional 90 days by placing a request with the Taiwanese Bureau of Consular Affairs. Canadians planning to stay in Taiwan for more than 180 days should obtain a visa before they arrive.
Tourist visa: Not required (for stays of up to 90 days)
Business visa: Not required (for stays of up to 90 days)
Student visa: Required
Working visa: Required
Important requirements
An onward or return ticket is required to visit Taiwan.
Passengers are requested to undergo non-invasive temperature screening upon arrival at international ports and airports. Passengers with flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, lethargy and sore throat) will be sent to the hospital for further checks and treatment.
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.
Yellow fever
See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.
Health
Health
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is low for most travellers. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to mosquito bites (e.g., spending a large amount of time outdoors) while travelling in regions with risk of Japanese encephalitis.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- This territory has not stated its yellow fever vaccination certificate requirements.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in East Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in East Asia. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher for children, travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives or travelling for a long period of time. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care provider about vaccination.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Eastern Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, malaria, and tick-borne encephalitis.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Dengue fever
- Dengue fever occurs in this country. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
- The risk of dengue is higher during the daytime, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in Eastern Asia, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that mainly affects infants and children. Travellers are at increased risk if visiting or living in overcrowded conditions. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against this disease.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care provider.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
Medical facilities are adequate for routine and emergency medical procedures. Some medical clinics or hospitals may have English speaking staff. Up-front payment is often required before treatment.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.
Illegal activities
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict and include the death penalty.
Foreigners involved in litigation are forbidden from leaving Taiwan until the dispute is settled. Litigation is often a lengthy process and local authorities will not accept bonds or deposit to guarantee court appearances.
Driving
An International Driving Permit is recommended. The use of cellular phones while driving is strictly prohibited.
Teaching English
Contracts to teach English (arranged by recruiters in Canada) should be carefully reviewed before being signed. Ensure all terms and conditions of employment are clearly stated in the contract before accepting an offer. Written contracts are usually binding documents. Verbal agreements may in certain circumstances take precedence over written agreements. English teachers should always ensure to obtain proper work permits prior their arrival in Taiwan. Consult our publication entitled Teaching English in Taiwan for more information.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Taiwan. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a/ Taiwanese citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a/ Taiwanese passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.
Men between the ages of 18 and 45 who hold a Taiwanese passport or who were born in Taiwan may be subject to compulsory military service. It is imperative that such persons contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Ottawa before visiting Taiwan. Dual citizens who visit Taiwan on their Canadian passport may also be required to perform compulsory military service. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.
Money
The currency is the New Taiwan dollar (TWD). Credit cards are accepted in many shops, restaurants and hotels in major cities, but are not widely accepted elsewhere. Foreign currency and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at most major banks and hotels.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Earthquakes
Taiwan is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes.
Typhoon and monsoon season
The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to June. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides. Typhoons usually occur between May and November. These storms can result in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, and can hamper the provision of essential services.
Consult our Typhoons and monsoons page for more information.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 110
- medical assistance: 119
- firefighters: 119
Consular assistance
Taipei - Trade Office of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.