Taiwan Arrival Card for New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand passport holders entering Taiwan must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) before arrival — every trip, no exceptions. This page covers exactly what New Zealand citizens need to know: whether the TWAC applies to you, visa-free entry conditions, what to prepare, and how to submit it correctly.

Does New Zealand Need a TWAC?

New Zealand citizens must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card before traveling to Taiwan. The TWAC applies to nearly all foreign nationals entering Taiwan — including those on visa-free entry — and New Zealand passport holders fall squarely into that category.

The TWAC is not a visa. It's a digital entry declaration run by Taiwan's National Immigration Agency (NIA). Submitting it doesn't grant you permission to enter — it records your trip details so immigration officers can process your arrival efficiently. Even if you've never needed a Taiwan visa, the TWAC is still mandatory.

Taiwan Arrival Card and Visa-Free Entry Rules for New Zealand Passport Holders

New Zealand citizens qualify for visa-free entry to Taiwan.

Visa-free entry is not automatic clearance — immigration officers can still ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation bookings, and sufficient funds (the general benchmark is NT$2,000–3,000 per day). Your TWAC must be completed before your flight. Arriving without one creates unnecessary delays and risks boarding denial.

What to Prepare for Your Taiwan Arrival Card

Have the following ready before you open the TWAC form — gathering documents first makes the process faster and reduces errors:

• Passport — your valid New Zealand passport, open to the photo page
• Flight details — airline name, flight number, arrival date, and port of entry (e.g., Taoyuan International Airport)
• Accommodation address — the full street address of your hotel, guesthouse, or Airbnb; if staying with family or friends, you'll need their full name, Taiwanese address, and a local phone number
• Purpose of visit — tourism, business, transit, or visiting relatives
• Email address — your QR code confirmation is sent here immediately after submission
• Occupation and phone number — both required fields on the form

Double-check that every name field matches your passport exactly. A nickname or abbreviated surname is one of the most common reasons submissions cause problems at immigration.

How to Fill Out the Taiwan TWAC — Quick Steps for New Zealand Travelers

The TWAC form takes roughly 5–10 minutes from start to finish. Here's the sequence:

1. Go to the official portal — twac.immigration.gov.tw — and select English as your language
2. Verify your email — enter your address and confirm via the code sent to your inbox
3. Enter traveler information — full legal name, date of birth, nationality (New Zealand), passport number, and expiry date
4. Add your itinerary — flight number, airline, arrival date, port of entry, and your planned departure date
5. Enter accommodation details — hotel name and full address, or host contact details if staying privately
6. Review and submit — check every field against your passport before confirming
7. Save your QR code — the confirmation email arrives immediately; save it to your phone or print a copy

If you're traveling as a family or group, one person can submit for up to 16 travelers in a single session. Each traveler receives their own individual QR code.

For a detailed step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots, see the full process guide on this site.

When to Submit Your Taiwan Arrival Card

The TWAC submission window is 7 days before your arrival date. This window was extended from 3 days to 7 days in June 2026, giving New Zealand travelers more flexibility to prepare ahead of a long-haul flight.

Practical timing advice:

• 7–3 days before — ideal; leaves time to fix any errors without pressure
• 48–24 hours before — still fine, but cuts into your buffer if something needs correcting
• Day of flight — possible, but some airlines verify TWAC completion at check-in, and last-minute submissions leave no room for mistakes

The QR code generated after submission is sent to your email immediately and remains valid. If your plans change after submitting, you can update your TWAC at any time before arrival — flight number, accommodation address, or arrival date can all be amended.

Kiosks for on-arrival TWAC completion exist at Taoyuan (TPE) and Kaohsiung (KHH) airports, but queues can be long and some airlines will deny boarding to passengers who haven't submitted in advance. Completing the form before you leave is the only reliable approach.

FAQ: Taiwan Arrival Card for New Zealand Citizens

Do New Zealand citizens need to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card even on visa-free entry?

New Zealand citizens on visa-free entry must still complete the TWAC before arrival. Visa-free status and the TWAC are two separate requirements — one determines whether you need a visa, the other is the mandatory entry declaration all eligible foreign nationals must submit regardless of how they enter.

How long can New Zealand passport holders stay in Taiwan visa-free?

New Zealand citizens qualify for visa-free entry to Taiwan. The permitted length of stay should be verified against the official NIA portal at twac.immigration.gov.tw before your trip, as entry conditions can change. Do not assume a fixed duration without checking current rules.

Is the Taiwan Arrival Card free for New Zealand travelers?

The TWAC is completely free to submit at the official government portal — there are no NIA fees at any stage. Third-party websites may charge a fee for assisted submission, but the form itself costs nothing.

Can I update my TWAC after submitting it?

You can edit your Taiwan Arrival Card at any point before you arrive in Taiwan. If your hotel changes, your flight number updates, or you made a typo in your passport number, log back into twac.immigration.gov.tw and use the update function. Your QR code will reflect the latest version.

What happens if I arrive in Taiwan without a completed TWAC?

Arriving without a TWAC creates problems at multiple points. Some airlines check for TWAC completion before allowing boarding. At the airport, self-service kiosks are available at TPE and KHH, but queues can be significant and the process adds unnecessary stress to the end of a long flight from New Zealand. Completing the form before departure is strongly recommended.