Taiwan visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Taiwan

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Taiwanese Visa.

  • One completed and signed visa application form.
  • A passport valid for up to 6 months after exit from the country.
  • Bank statement not older than 3 months showing sufficient flow of funds for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Two copies of recent passport-sized photograph taken with a white background.
  • Flight tickets with entry and exit dates clearly stated.
  • Information showing that you have the incentive to return to your home country.
  • Proof of accommodation for the intended duration.
  • Valid travel insurance.

Taiwan Visa for South Africans

Facts about Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the most underrated tourist attractions in the world. The country’s landscape is colorful and attractive. In the country, there are national parks, museums, and mountains around the country. Tourists can go hiking at the various mountain sites and learn about ancient Taiwan history in museums. The country promises so much for everyone visiting the country. Taiwan is the 22nd largest economy and is also among the most educated countries in the world.
 
Tourism plays a major role in the Taiwan economy. Taiwan was home to about 10 million tourists who stayed in the country for an average of 6.63 nights in 2015. The number of tourists visits in the country has taken an upward trend ever since.
 
Possession, use, and trafficking of drugs is illegal and could attract severe jail sentences and in some case death penalty.

Foreigners in Taiwan should try as much as they can to remove their shoes before entering someone’s home. Avoid physical contact with strangers, Taiwanese are very superstitious. It is advised that you have a translator because very few Taiwanese understand English.

Types of Taiwan Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 days 90 days
Business visa 15 days 90 days
Transit visa 3 working says 24 hours

General Requirements for Taiwan Visa

  • One completed and signed visa application form.
  • A passport valid for up to 6 months after exit from the country.
  • Bank statement not older than 3 months showing sufficient flow of funds for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Two copies of recent passport-sized photograph taken with a white background.
  • Flight tickets with entry and exit dates clearly stated.
  • Information showing that you have the incentive to return to your home country.
  • Proof of accommodation for the intended duration.
  • Valid travel insurance.
Taiwan Tourist visa Taiwan Business visa Taiwan Transit visa

Taiwan Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Taiwan tourist visa allows travelers to visit the country for the purpose of tourism and leisure.
  • Those applying for this visa can also make visits to friends and relatives.
  • The visa application form should be downloaded online and printed. It should be correctly filled.
  • A credit/debit card or a Paypal account is required when applying for the visa.
  • A bank statement dating up to 3 months or more is to  be submitted to the embassy. Note that the officer in charge can ask for more than the general requirements for a bank statement.  
  • Minors are expected to have a signed consent letter  from their parents and the original copy of their birth certificates.
  • Previously used passports are to be submitted with all the other documents. 
  • A 35mm  x 45mm passport photo taken on a white background is required. 
  • The photo should be taken within three months and the applicant must have a neutral expression. 
  • A letter of invitation containing necessary details of your host must be submitted.
  • This letter must be signed and approved before it is submitted.
  • If the applicant does not have a host, there should be proof of confirmed accommodation. or hotel reservation for the duration of stay.
  • The receipt of your paid visa application fee should be provided during the application process.
  • All travelers are required to have a valid medical insurance.
  • Travelers should take a couple of vaccinations when preparing for their visit to Taiwan.
  • Applications would only be processed when all required documents have been submitted.
  • Foreigners on this visa are not allowed to take up any employment while in the country.
  • Note that tickets should not be bought before the the visa is issued because the embassy will not take any responsibility for non-refunded fees. 

Taiwan Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Taiwan business visa is issued to those who want to travel to the country for business meetings, negotiation and signing of contracts with partner companies.
  • Holders of this visa can also attend conferences, trade fairs and business lectures while in the country.
  • A letter of invitation stating the duration and purpose of the visit is required from the business organization in Taiwan.
  • A letter from your current employer stating that he is aware of your business leave must also be tendered. This letter should contain the address of the company as well as the duration of the visit.
  • The certificate of employment from your  employer in South Africa is required.
  • The company you are meeting with in Taiwan should provide you with their certificate of business registration.
  • Non citizens of South Africa are to present a copy of their South African stay permit during the visa application process.
  • Proof of paid visa application fee is to be presented.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate should also be made available.
  • It is illegal to take up paid or unpaid employment while you are in the country as a business visa holder.

Taiwan Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The transit visa serves as a short stay visa.
  • The visa enables travelers to transit through Taiwan to join a connecting flight from an airport in Taiwan to your destination country.
  • This visa is valid for 24 hours.
  • You are requested to exit the country before the expiration of your visa.
  • Foreigners with this visa are not allowed to visit the tourist attractions in the country.
  • You are also not allowed to meet up with friends and relatives while in the country.
  • Minors should ensure they have the original copy of their birth certificate.

Taiwan Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

100.00 (USD)

Business visa

100.00 (USD)

Transit visa

100.00 (USD)

Taiwan Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

1147 Francis Baard Street, Hartfield, Pretoria.

https://www.taiwanembassy.org/ZA

southafricatlo@gmail.com

+27 12 430 6071

Cape Town

10th Floor, Main Tower, Standard Bank Centre, Foreshore, Cape Town.

mayadurand66@gmail.com

+27 21 418 1188

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tourists visit Taiwan each year?

About 10 million tourists visit Taiwan each year.

What is the best month to visit Taiwan?

The best time to visit Taiwan is between September – November and March – May.

What is the coldest month in Taiwan?

January is the coldest month in Taiwan.

Which month is typhoon season in Taiwan?

June to October is the typhoon season in Taiwan.

How much cash can I bring to Taiwan?

The cash limit is $10,000.

What are the health guides to follow when in Taiwan?

Avoid drinking tap water while in the country, it may be dangerous to your health.  Applicants are advised to take a vaccine for Hepatitis A  because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Taiwan regardless of where you are eating or staying. Generally, travelers are advised to get  vaccination for different types of diseases before going into Taiwan.