Streamlined Entry: Taiwan Launches Electronic Arrival Card for Faster Immigration

Taiwan is set to implement a new electronic arrival card system (TWAC) on October 1st, significantly reducing immigration processing time for international visitors to approximately three minutes.

Taiwan is enhancing its entry procedures with the introduction of the electronic arrival card (TWAC) system, starting October 1st. This new system aims to streamline the immigration process for international visitors, making it faster and more efficient.

Currently, travelers arriving in Taiwan can fill out the Arrival Card (A card) either in paper form or online. To improve processing efficiency, the National Immigration Agency launched the new TWAC interface on May 5th. Since then, feedback has been positive. Starting October 1st, all international visitors will be required to complete the TWAC online within three days prior to their arrival in Taiwan. This will reduce the immigration process to about three minutes.

According to Secretary General of the National Immigration Agency, Lin Tse-Chien, the implementation of electronic systems has become an international trend. The new electronic A card (TWAC) has a more user-friendly interface and a simplified process, including post-submission inquiry and modification features. The declaration form can be filled out in either Chinese or English, with instructions available in seven languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian. Travelers can also upload a photo of their passport's information page, which will automatically populate their personal data, saving time.

For families or tour groups, one person can fill out the form for up to 16 travelers, simplifying the process. After completing the form, the system will send a confirmation to the traveler's email. Upon arrival, immigration officers will scan the traveler's passport, and the system will retrieve the A card information, improving both administrative efficiency and convenience.

The National Immigration Agency emphasized that Taiwan boasts beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage, renowned as a "Kingdom of Cuisine." To facilitate travel for visitors from around the world, the electronic A card (TWAC) must be completed within three days before arriving in Taiwan. QR code links for TWAC are provided to airlines and shipping companies and located at check-in counters at airports and ports. Those who have not filled out the form in advance can scan the TWAC QR code and fill it out before passport inspection upon arrival.