Traveling to Taiwan as a Filipino is now easier and greener thanks to the Taiwan Digital Arrival Card. Since paper-based arrival cards will be fully phased out by October 1, 2025, this online form has become a key requirement for many short-term visitors.
If you’re planning to enter Taiwan for vacation, business, or to see your loved ones, here’s everything you need to know to avoid delays at the airport.
Who Needs to Fill It Out
The Taiwan Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for most Filipino travelers who don’t hold long-term residency in Taiwan.
Required for:
- Filipino passport holders entering without an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), Resident Visa, or Diplomatic ID
- Tourists, business travelers, and short-term visitors
- Filipinos using the 14-day visa-free entry privilege
- Those with a visitor visa or eVisa
Not required for:
- Holders of an ARC, Resident Visa, or diplomatic ID
- Taiwanese nationals with household registration
- Certain Hong Kong, Macau, or Mainland China residents who already hold valid Taiwan permits
In short: If you’re a Filipino going on a short visit to Taiwan, you’ll almost certainly need to fill this card.
When and How to Submit
You can complete the Digital Arrival Card within three (3) days before your arrival in Taiwan. This gives immigration officers time to verify your details and smoothens your entry.
Where to Apply
The form is available on the official Taiwan Arrival Card Portal. Always use the legitimate website to avoid scams.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Enter your email — you’ll receive a code for verification.
- Fill in personal details — passport information, occupation, and contact number.
- Provide travel details — flight number, airline, and your accommodation in Taiwan (hotel booking or host’s address).
- Review and submit — after confirmation, you’ll receive an email copy.
Tip: You can fill out the form at the airport using free Wi-Fi, but completing it before your flight will save time and reduce stress.
What You’ll Need to Prepare
Before starting, keep these details on hand:
- Valid passport (ensure it’s not expiring soon)
- Email address for confirmation notices
- Occupation and phone number
- Flight details (airline and flight number)
- Taiwan address (hotel booking or relative’s residence)
Having these ready ensures you won’t get stuck midway through the process.
Why the Digital Arrival Card Matters
Some travelers mistakenly think the Digital Arrival Card is optional — it’s not. Here’s why it’s important:
- Mandatory: Immigration requires it; failing to submit could delay your entry.
- Faster processing: Since your information is pre-encoded, officers spend less time on manual checks.
- Free of charge: Unlike some travel documents, it doesn’t cost a single peso.
- Eco-friendly: Taiwan is phasing out paper forms by October 2025, helping reduce waste and streamline processes.
What This Means for OFWs
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Taiwan, the shift to the Digital Arrival Card is more than just a technical change — it impacts your travel routines too.
- Returning from vacation: If you’re coming back from a short trip to the Philippines, Hong Kong, or another country, you’ll need to submit the card before re-entering Taiwan unless you already hold an ARC. Forgetting to do so could slow down your re-entry.
- Family visits: Many OFWs invite relatives to Taiwan for short stays. Your family members will need to complete the card as part of their entry process. Guiding them ahead of time can help them avoid confusion.
- Group submissions: The option to submit details for up to 16 travelers makes it easier for OFWs traveling with family or kababayans. One person can take charge of the entire group’s application.
- Transition to paperless: As Taiwan moves toward full digitalization, OFWs benefit too — less paperwork to carry, no risk of losing arrival cards, and quicker immigration queues after long flights.
In practice, this means smoother, less stressful arrivals, especially for OFWs balancing tight schedules and limited vacation days.
Pro Tips for Pinoy Travelers
Here are practical tips that can save you time and hassle:
- Save or print your confirmation email. Immigration rarely asks for it, but it’s best to keep a copy handy.
- Group submissions: Traveling with family or barkada? One person can submit details for up to 16 travelers in a single form.
- Double-check your details. Mistakes in your passport number or flight info can lead to delays at immigration counters.
- Submit early. Don’t wait until you land. Complete it 2–3 days before departure to travel with peace of mind.
- Stay connected. If you don’t have mobile data upon arrival, rely on Taiwan’s free airport Wi-Fi to check your email confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Taiwan Digital Arrival Card required for all Filipinos?
Yes, unless you hold an ARC, Resident Visa, or diplomatic ID. - Can I submit the form for my family members?
Yes. One person can register details for up to 16 travelers. - What if I forget to fill it out before my flight?
You can still complete it upon arrival at the airport using free Wi-Fi, but it may delay your entry. - Do I need to pay for the Digital Arrival Card?
No. It’s free of charge. - Will Taiwan still accept paper arrival cards after 2025?
No. Paper forms will be fully phased out starting October 1, 2025.
Watch: Taiwan Arrival Card 2025 | Step-By-Step Guide
Rae Julian walks travelers through the Taiwan Arrival Card process, showing how to complete it online without falling into common traps.
She warns viewers about misleading websites that charge unnecessary fees and stresses the importance of using the official government portal.
The video breaks down each step—from entering your email to uploading your passport and travel details—with clarity and ease.
Rae also shares practical reminders like submitting the form within three days of arrival and double-checking your information to avoid delays.
Her guide helps tourists breeze through immigration with confidence and peace of mind.
Closing Thoughts
The Taiwan Digital Arrival Card is a small but important step in making your travel experience smoother. For Filipino travelers, especially those entering under visa-free entry, this card ensures quicker processing and aligns with Taiwan’s push for eco-friendly, paperless systems.
If you’re flying soon, make it a habit to submit the form early. It takes less than 10 minutes, and it could save you from the stress of long lines or questioning at immigration.
Travel smart, travel prepared — and let your Taiwan trip start on the right note.