Swiss passport holders must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) before entering Taiwan β no exceptions, even on visa-free entry. The TWAC is a free digital entry declaration managed by Taiwan's National Immigration Agency. It takes 5β10 minutes to complete, costs nothing, and must be submitted up to 7 days before your arrival date.
Do Swiss Citizens Need a TWAC?
Every Swiss national traveling to Taiwan must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card β this applies whether you're entering on a visitor visa or through visa-free entry. The TWAC is not a visa and has no bearing on your right to enter. It's an entry declaration, separate from Taiwan's visa framework entirely.
Swiss citizens who hold a valid Taiwan Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) are exempt. Everyone else β tourists, business travelers, transit visitors β must submit one.
Taiwan Arrival Card and Visa-Free Entry Rules for Swiss Passport Holders
Swiss citizens qualify for visa-free entry to Taiwan. \[VERIFY: Confirm exact length of stay against twac.immigration.gov.tw before publishing β do not assume 90 days without official confirmation.]
Key conditions that apply to your visa-free entry:
- Your Swiss passport must be valid for the duration of your stay
- You must hold a confirmed onward or return ticket
- You must be able to show proof of accommodation and sufficient funds (the general benchmark is approximately NT$2,000β3,000 per day)
- The TWAC must be completed before you board β some airlines verify this at the departure gate
The TWAC does not extend or modify your visa-free allowance. It simply registers your arrival details with Taiwan's National Immigration Agency ahead of landing.
What to Prepare for Your Taiwan Arrival Card
Before you open the form at twac.immigration.gov.tw, gather the following:
- Swiss passport β your full legal name, passport number, and expiry date. The name must match your passport exactly; a nickname will cause problems at immigration
- Flight details β airline name, flight number, arrival date, and port of entry
- Accommodation address β hotel name and full address, or your host's name, Taiwanese mobile number, and address if staying with someone
- Email address β your QR code confirmation is sent here immediately after submission
- Occupation and phone number β required fields in the form
No document uploads are needed. Physical documents are checked at immigration on arrival, not during the TWAC submission.
How to Fill Out the Taiwan TWAC β Quick Steps for Swiss Travelers
The form follows a straightforward five-step process:
- Email verification β enter and confirm your email address to begin
- Traveler information β full legal name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and expiry
- Itinerary β flight number, arrival date, port of entry, purpose of visit, departure date
- Accommodation β hotel or host details, full address in Taiwan
- Review and confirm β check every field, then submit
Once submitted, your QR code arrives by email immediately. Save it to your phone or print a copy before you leave for the airport. The form is editable anytime before you arrive, so if your hotel changes, you can update it without starting over.
For a full walkthrough with screenshots, see our step-by-step guide to completing the TWAC.
When to Submit Your Taiwan Arrival Card
The submission window opens 7 days before your arrival date. Submit early β it gives you room to fix any errors before you're standing at a departure gate.
| Timing | Status |
|---|---|
| 7β3 days before arrival | Ideal β time to correct any mistakes |
| 2 days before | Good β still workable |
| 24 hours before | Acceptable, but tight |
| Day of flight | Risky β some airlines check at check-in |
| After landing | Avoid β airport kiosks exist at TPE and KHH, but queues can be long |
The TWAC is valid for a single entry. Each trip to Taiwan requires a fresh submission β there's no reuse across visits.
arrivalcardtw.com is an independent guide, not Taiwan's official government portal. To submit your TWAC directly, visit the National Immigration Agency at twac.immigration.gov.tw.
FAQ: Taiwan Arrival Card for Swiss Citizens
Do Swiss citizens need a Taiwan Arrival Card for a short stay?
Swiss nationals must complete the TWAC regardless of how long they plan to stay β a weekend trip and a six-week visit both require the same submission. The length of stay does not affect the requirement.
Is the Taiwan Arrival Card the same as a Taiwan visa for Swiss travelers?
The TWAC and a Taiwan visa are entirely separate. Swiss citizens eligible for visa-free entry only need the TWAC β no visa required. Travelers who do require a visa must obtain that visa first and then complete the TWAC as well.
How much does the TWAC cost for Swiss citizens?
The Taiwan Arrival Card is completely free. Taiwan's National Immigration Agency charges no fee for submission. Third-party services may charge for assistance, but the form itself costs nothing at twac.immigration.gov.tw.
Can a Swiss traveler update the TWAC after submitting it?
Yes. The TWAC can be edited at any time before you arrive in Taiwan. If your accommodation changes or you spot an error, go back to the official portal and select the update option. Changes take effect immediately.
What happens if a Swiss traveler arrives in Taiwan without completing the TWAC?
Some airlines may deny boarding if the TWAC hasn't been completed before departure. Self-service kiosks are available at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) for travelers who arrive without one, but queues can be significant during busy periods. Completing the form before you leave home is strongly recommended.
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