Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to Taiwan.

 

Advance fee frauds

 

Individuals and companies  often receive letters, faxes and e-mails, offering them large sums of money provided they send various ‘advance fees’ to Taiwanese bank accounts. Fraudsters obtain contact details from telephone or commercial directories, so recipients are not being specifically targeted.

 

 

Local travel

 

There is a risk of road blockages and landslides following typhoons, especially in central and southern Taiwan. You should check the Central Weather Bureau website and the Directorate General of Highways website before travelling.

 

Road travel

 

To drive in Taiwan you need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Once in Taiwan, you will need to take your passport, IDP and a passport photograph to the nearest Vehicle Registration Department and apply for a driver’s licence visa, which will then be secured in your IDP.

 

The current legal limit is 0.15 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath or 0.03% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Driving while over the limit can result in heavy fines and imprisonment. Passengers may also be fined.

 

Be alert crossing roads, even on protected crossings.

 

Political situation

 

Avoid large-scale political gatherings. 

 

Local laws and customs

If you are found guilty of smuggling, trafficking, possession or use of illegal narcotics you can expect to receive a severe jail sentence or, in some cases, the death penalty.

 

Money

Western Union, Moneygram and Travellers Express have offices in Taipei, but operating hours are restricted.  Bank transfers can be slow. Some branches of The Bank of Taiwan and HSBC will accept international credit cards, but you will incur handling charges. ATMs are plentiful but not all accept international bankcards (most ATMs in 7-11 convenience stores accept international cards). Designated banks will accept American Express, Citibank or Thomas Cook travellers’ cheques but you should be prepared to produce your purchase certificate or receipt as well as your passport when cashing them. If in doubt, check whether your travellers’ cheques will be accepted in Taiwan before you travel.

 

Health

Taiwan has adequate health and dental facilities to handle routine, emergency and outpatient treatment. Some have English-speaking staff. Hospitals operate on a ’pay as you use’ basis. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

There has been a significant increase in cases of dengue fever, particularly in the south of Taiwan. You should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 119 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. Unlike other countries it is not normal practice for a paramedic to accompany an ambulance.

 

Typhoons

 

The typhoon season in Taiwan normally runs from May to November, sometimes resulting in local flooding and landslides.

 

Listen to Typhoon Alerts on ICRT, BCC and PRS radio stations, or alternatively monitor the following websites:

 

Japan Meteorological Agency

Taiwan Central Weather Bureau

ICRT

 

See our tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you are caught up in a storm.

 

Earthquakes

 

Earthquakes do occur in Taiwan. 

 

Visas

 

You may spend up to 90 days in Taiwan without a visa. You can then extend this by a further 90 days once you have entered Taiwan. If you plan to stay in Taiwan for longer than 180 days you must have a visa before you arrive.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Taiwan.

 

The Taiwanese authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Medications

 

When bringing medications into Taiwan, you should bring a prescription from a hospital, clinic or doctor stating that the medicines are for the use of the individual. The amount brought in must be consistent with the amount on the prescription.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Taiwan.