Taiwan

Use Normal Level of Caution

Taiwan is an island situated in East Asia located off the southeastern coast of mainland China and north of the Philippines. The population is about 23 million people. The government of Taiwan is a multiparty democracy. A president is chief of state elected by popular vote. A premier is the head of government.

In 1949 a civil war in mainland China ended in victory of the Communists over the Nationalists. Chiang Kai-shek, leader of the Nationalists, as well as 2 million Nationalists, fled to Taiwan. They established a government and declared Taipei to be the provisional capital of Nationalist China. The political status of Taiwan remains disputed, and there has been long-standing tension with mainland China.

Taiwan's rapid economic growth in the years after World War II led to an advanced economy, with Taiwan known as one of Asia's “Four Tigers.” The economy is an advanced, high-income and export-driven economy. Taiwan is known for its manufacturing and production and also its technological advances.

Visitors to Taiwan can enjoy the many museums, temples, shrines, night markets, and Taipei 101 (tallest building in the world until 2010 with 101 floors above ground).

Currency	TWD: New Taiwan dollar
Language	Mandarin Chinese
Capital	Taipei City
Recent Alerts	3
Latest Alert	July 22, 2021 - Tropical Typhoon IN-FA Threatens China and Taiwan - Update

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Taiwan. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Japanese encephalitis In Taiwan, outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur sporadically throughout the country. Human cases among residents of Taiwan are rare due to routine vaccination and natural immunity, however, visitors to Taiwan may be at higher risk for infection. Extensive outdoor activity in rural areas will increase this risk.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Taiwan, and the risk to travellers is significant.
Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Taiwan through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Taiwan.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Rabies Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Taiwan.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Vaccination is recommended for travellers with itineraries that include rural or rice growing areas with extended outdoor activities from the months of April to October.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Taiwan.

None required.

Safety and Security in Taiwan

Emergency Numbers

110

119

0800-024-111 General information 24-hours. English speaking operators available

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low and travellers rarely experience safety and security problems in Taiwan. However, petty crime or other theft can occur anywhere. Always be alert to your surroundings and personal safety. Ensure that personal belongings and travel documents are kept safe at all times, especially in transportation hubs, tourist areas, and crowded streets.

Taiwan is at risk for typhoons and monsoons, which may cause torrential rainfall and flooding in many areas of the country. If travelling to Taiwan during the rainy season (generally from May to June), monitor local weather and news reports and follow the advice of local authorities if any extreme weather does occur.

You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Taiwan. On arrival, take your passport, IDP and a passport photograph to a Vehicle Registration Department to apply for a driver’s license visa. Driving while over the legal alcohol limit (0.03% blood alcohol concentration) can bring heavy fines and imprisonment. Passengers may also be fined.

There are severe penalties, including the death penalty, for possession, use of, trafficking or smuggling illegal drugs, including marijuana.

There may be penalties for possessing prescription drugs, including long prison sentences and heavy fines. You may be required to apply for permission and certification to bring certain medications into Taiwan. You may need to prove your prescription is for your personal use. Cannabis oil and any cannabis-derived medication will not be permitted, even with a legal prescription from your country.

Book taxis on the internet or through your hotel or use radio taxis.

Political Unrest

Strikes and demonstrations can sometimes occur in Taiwan. Minimize safety risk by avoiding public and political gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful protests can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent.

Get A Free Account!

Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

Plan A Trip

Updated: July 22, 2021