Taiwan Visa : Taiwan  

Taiwan Visa - Travel guide

Taiwan

Visa

Tourist visas for the Republic of China or letters of recommendation that can be exchanged for visas can be obtained from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney . Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and several other countries in Europe holding passports valid for at least six months and onward or return tickets are allowed visa free entry to Taiwan at any of its major international airports and harbors for a period of 30 days. (This visa is non extendable.)

Letters of recommendation can be exchanged for visas (30 days non extendable) upon arrival at Chiang Kai-shek International Airport in Taoyuan or at Hsiaokang International Airport in Kaohsiung. These are the only points of entry where such letters can be exchanged for visas.

Foreign nationals may obtain a tourist visa if they hold foreign passports or travel documents valid for more than six months and wish to stay less than six months in the Republic of China for purposes of sightseeing, business, family visits, study or training, medical treatment or other legitimate activities.

Visa requirements include one completed application form, inbound and outbound travel tickets (or a letter of confirmation from a travel agency), three photos, documents verifying the purpose of the visit (except for transit or sightseeing) and a letter of guarantee (in some cases).

Tourist visas for single or multiple entries allow stays in the ROC for periods from two weeks to 60 days. Unless restricted to two weeks, holders of tourist visas may apply for a maximum of two 60-day extensions for a total stay up to six months. Holders of tourist visas are not permitted to undertake employment in the ROC without authorisation.

A normal Visitor Visa valid for a one or two month visit can be obtained through the following visa offices:
Canberra - telephone (02) 6273 3344
Sydney - telephone (02) 9223 3233
Melbourne - telephone (03) 9650 8611

+ More information on ROC visas: Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
+ More information on visa extensions: Foreign Affairs Department, National Police Administration
+ More information on visa renewals: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Australian youth eligible for working holiday visas in Taiwan

One of the best ways to understand a country and its people is by actually living and working in the nation. Australian youth can now participate in a new programme that provides the oppotunity to live and work in and travel around the island nation of Taiwan.

A memorandum of understanding between the Australian Commerce and Industry Office, Taipei and the Tiapei Economic and Cultural Office, Australia announcing the granting of visas for working holidays was signed in July. The agreement comes into effect on November 1, 2004.

Visas issued to Australians aged between 18 and 30 and possessing vaild passports will be vaild for one year and allow mutiple entries into the island nation.

The visa will initially be endorsed for a period of 180 days. This may be renewed for up to another 180 days, however.

The intention of the new legislation is that work is secondary to the holiday in Taiwan and it is not envisaged that visa holders will work for the full 12 months of their stay.

There is no restriction on the type of employment working holiday makers may undertake. Employment in a profession in Taiwan, however, is dependant upon qualifications and any rules of registration for practice in the relevant profession.

Those on working holiday will not be permitted to undertake any formal courses other than Chinese language courses. Instruction may not take longer than three months.

As well, dependent children may not accompany applicants. A spouse would need to independently apply for a visa.

Applicants will be required to show evidence of $5,000 and either a return ticket or confirmation of sufficient funds for a return or onward flight.

Additionally, an applicant may be interviewed when necessary to determine their eligibility for a visa.

In total, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices in Australia will facilitate the issue of up to 1,000 visas a year for youth seeking a working holiday in Taiwan.

Young Australians can apply for working holiday visas to Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices (TECOs) located in major centres in Australia.