🇹🇼 Taiwan visa for Brazilians

Most nationalities get 90 days visa-free in Taiwan. Some get 30 days. A few need to apply beforehand.

Who can walk into Taiwan visa-free?

For remote workers, Taiwan is pretty straightforward if your passport is from a major Western country. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most EU nations get 90 days on arrival, no questions asked. This is usually stamped directly into your passport. It’s a single entry.

A smaller group, including citizens of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, get 30 days visa-free. This is also a single entry.

Then you have countries like India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Nigeria. These passport holders need to apply for a visa before arriving in Taiwan. The application process usually involves submitting an application form, passport photos, proof of financial means, and an itinerary to a Taiwanese representative office or embassy in their home country. Don't assume you're in the visa-free group; always check the official Bureau of Consular Affairs website for the most up-to-date list.

How long can you actually stay? And what are the traps?

That 90-day visa-free entry is your standard tourist allowance. It’s a single entry, meaning once you leave Taiwan, your stamp is gone and you’d need to re-enter under the same rules. For those on the 30-day allowance, the same single-entry rule applies.

The real trap here is overstaying. While Taiwan isn't known for being draconian, they do have penalties. Overstaying by 1 to 10 days might result in a warning or a fine of NT$2,000 (about $65 USD). Push it to 11 to 30 days and that fine can jump to NT$5,000. Overstaying for longer periods can lead to deportation and a ban on re-entry for several years. It’s not worth the risk. Don't plan your stay down to the wire; give yourself a buffer.

Working remotely on a tourist stamp: What's the deal?

Taiwan’s stance on remote work while on a tourist visa is a bit of a grey area. Officially, you're supposed to be visiting for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family. Working remotely for an overseas company isn't explicitly prohibited, but it's also not officially sanctioned. Most travellers find that as long as you’re not seeking local employment or setting up a business, immigration authorities don't scrutinize your activities too closely.

You won't be asked for proof of your remote work arrangements at immigration. The key is discretion. Don't set up an office in a public space or conduct business meetings that look overtly like you're working locally. The risk is low, but technically, you're operating on a tourist permit. If you plan on staying for longer than your visa-free period allows, you'll need to look into other visa options, like the much-talked-about Gold Card, which is for highly skilled professionals.

What's new with Taiwan's entry rules?

Taiwan has been modernizing its entry procedures. One significant development is the eVisa programme, which has been expanding. While not all countries are eligible, it offers a more streamlined application process for certain nationalities who previously required a traditional visa. It's usually for longer stays or specific purposes like study or work. The fees and processing times can vary, so checking the National Immigration Agency's portal is essential.

The Gold Card programme, aimed at attracting foreign talent, has also seen adjustments. It offers a path to residency for individuals in specific fields like technology, finance, arts, and sports. While it's not a tourist visa, it's a key route for digital nomads looking for a more permanent base. Keep an eye on official government announcements for any changes to eligibility criteria or application processes for these programmes, as they can be updated annually.