Portuguese passport holders must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) before traveling to Taiwan — full stop. The TWAC is a free, mandatory online entry declaration run by Taiwan's National Immigration Agency. It is not a visa, and being visa-exempt doesn't get you off the hook: even travelers entering without a visa must submit one.
Do Portuguese Citizens Need a TWAC?
Portuguese nationals are required to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card regardless of how they enter — whether on a visitor visa or through visa-free entry. The TWAC applies to virtually all foreign nationals who aren't permanent residents of Taiwan.
Two groups are exempt: Taiwanese citizens with full household registration and holders of a valid Taiwan Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). If you hold a Portuguese passport and neither of those applies to you, the TWAC is required.
Taiwan Arrival Card and Visa-Free Entry Rules for Portuguese Passport Holders
Portugal is on Taiwan's visa-exemption list, meaning Portuguese citizens can enter Taiwan without applying for a visa in advance.
A few conditions apply to visa-free entry regardless of nationality:
- Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay
- You must hold a confirmed onward or return ticket
- You'll need proof of accommodation for your time in Taiwan
- Sufficient funds for your stay are expected at the border (approximately NT$2,000–3,000 per day as a general benchmark)
The TWAC is separate from these entry conditions — it's an entry declaration, not a permission to enter. Portuguese travelers who already hold a Taiwan visa must also complete the TWAC in addition to their visa.
What to Prepare for Your Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)
The form takes roughly 5–10 minutes when you have everything ready. Gather the following before you start:
- Valid passport — your name on the TWAC must match your passport exactly; no nicknames or shortened versions
- Flight details — airline name, flight number, and arrival date
- Port of entry — the airport or seaport where you'll be landing
- Full accommodation address — hotel name and address, or if staying with someone, their full name, address, and a Taiwanese mobile number
- Purpose of visit — tourism, business, visiting family, etc.
- Email address — your QR code is sent here immediately after submission
- Occupation and phone number
- Visa number and expiry date (only if you hold a Taiwan visa)
If you're traveling as a group, one person can submit a single TWAC for up to 16 travelers.
How to Fill Out the Taiwan TWAC — Quick Steps for Portuguese Travelers
The submission process runs through five stages at the official portal twac.immigration.gov.tw:
- Email verification — enter your email address and confirm it
- Traveler information — full legal name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number
- Itinerary — flight number, arrival date, port of entry, departure date, accommodation address, and purpose of visit
- Review — double-check every field before submitting
- Confirmation — your QR code arrives by email immediately
Once submitted, the form is still editable. If your hotel changes or you spot a typo, log back in and update it before you land. For a detailed walkthrough of each field, see our step-by-step TWAC guide.
When to Submit Your Taiwan Arrival Card
The submission window opens 7 days before your arrival date. As of June 2026, Taiwan's National Immigration Agency extended this window from the previous 3-day period — so you now have more flexibility.
That said, earlier is better:
| Timing | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| 7–3 days before | Recommended — enough time to fix any errors |
| 2 days before | Fine, but leave time to correct mistakes |
| 24 hours before | Acceptable, though tight |
| Day of flight | Risky — some airlines check TWAC at check-in |
| After landing | Kiosks exist at TPE and KHH, but queues can be long |
After submission, you receive a QR code by email. Immigration officers at Taiwan's airports scan your passport to pull up your TWAC data automatically — the QR code serves as a backup confirmation. Complete your TWAC before leaving for the airport to avoid any last-minute stress at the check-in counter.
Frequently Asked Questions: Taiwan Arrival Card for Portuguese Citizens
Do Portuguese citizens need a Taiwan Arrival Card even on visa-free entry?
Portuguese nationals entering Taiwan visa-free still need to complete the TWAC. Visa-free status only means you don't need a separate visa — the arrival card is a distinct, mandatory entry declaration that applies to nearly all foreign visitors.
How long can Portuguese citizens stay in Taiwan without a visa?
Verify the current visa-free stay duration at twac.immigration.gov.tw or through Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before your trip, as allowances can change. \[Flag for verification before publishing.]
Is there a fee to submit the Taiwan Arrival Card?
The TWAC is completely free. Taiwan's National Immigration Agency charges nothing to submit the form at twac.immigration.gov.tw. Some third-party services charge an assistance fee, but the government submission itself costs NT$0.
Can a Portuguese traveler update their TWAC after submitting it?
The TWAC can be edited any time before you arrive in Taiwan. If your accommodation changes or you notice an error, return to twac.immigration.gov.tw and select the update option. Corrections to your name or passport number are especially important — these must match your travel documents exactly.
What happens if a Portuguese citizen forgets to complete the TWAC before their flight?
Some airlines deny boarding to passengers who haven't submitted a TWAC, since carriers can be held responsible for returning non-compliant travelers. Self-service kiosks are available at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), but queues can be long. Completing the form at least 24–48 hours before departure removes that risk entirely.
Need Help With Your TWAC?
Prefer to have someone check your form? Our assistance service guides you through the process — fast, accurate, and error-free.
Complete TWAC Now