Visitors entering Taiwan are required to declare online

Starting from October 1, 2025, all travelers entering Taiwan will be required to complete an online arrival declaration, replacing the paper-based forms previously in use. This policy applies to all nationalities, including travelers from Vietnam, and will be implemented through the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) system. This is a digital platform developed to streamline entry procedures and enhance the efficiency of border management.

According to the new regulation, travelers must submit their declaration within three days before their scheduled arrival. Required information includes personal details such as full name, passport number, arrival date, flight information, address of stay, and purpose of travel. Upon submission, users will receive a confirmation email with a reference code that may be requested at immigration checkpoints. The TWAC system supports multiple languages including Vietnamese and offers features such as passport photo scanning for automatic data entry, group declarations for up to 16 individuals, and the ability to edit submitted information before arrival.

This transition to a fully digital system reflects Taiwan's broader efforts to modernize its border control and adapt to the growing demands of international travel. In the post-pandemic context where travel demand is rebounding and airport operations are under pressure, digital procedures are expected to reduce administrative burdens, increase processing capacity, and improve the overall traveler experience. For travelers, completing entry forms online before departure offers convenience and avoids the hassle of handwriting forms at the airport after a long flight.

For Vietnamese tourists, this policy introduces significant changes to travel planning behaviors, especially for those accustomed to last-minute bookings. Travelers to Taiwan often include short-stay visitors, family travelers, and shoppers. These groups will need to adopt more structured planning, ensure declarations are completed in advance, and keep confirmation details accessible throughout their journey. Regularly checking email and storing the TWAC confirmation code will become a standard part of trip preparation.

Despite improvements in the user interface and language options, challenges remain for certain traveler segments. Elderly individuals or those with limited digital literacy may find the process confusing. While the platform allows for corrections prior to arrival, unintentional errors in critical fields such as passport numbers or travel dates may still disrupt immigration procedures. If travelers are unable to produce a valid TWAC code, they may be required to complete the declaration on-site which could result in delays or unnecessary stress.

On the business side, this change presents an opportunity for travel agencies and service providers to upgrade their support offerings. Tour companies and booking agents can integrate TWAC instructions into their customer communications, offer to assist with submissions, or create localized content such as step-by-step guides in Vietnamese. Those who move quickly to implement these tools will likely improve client satisfaction and strengthen their competitive positioning in the travel services market.

From an operational perspective, digital declarations contribute to smarter tourism management. The elimination of paper forms helps reduce environmental waste while enabling the collection of more accurate and timely travel data. Information captured via TWAC can assist authorities in tracking visitor flows, forecasting peak periods, and responding swiftly to public health or security incidents. Centralized data allows for more informed policy decisions and resource allocation at border entry points.

For the Vietnamese travel industry and its stakeholders, the implementation of this rule highlights the growing importance of real-time updates and proactive communication. While some travelers are experienced and well-prepared, others still rely on word-of-mouth or last-minute advice. To avoid misunderstandings or compliance issues, official channels must play a stronger role in informing the public. Airlines, tour operators, and airport authorities should coordinate efforts to deliver accurate, accessible guidance through physical signage, digital platforms, and on-site assistance.

Vietnamese international airports could take proactive measures by offering TWAC kiosks at departure terminals, providing reliable internet access for form completion, and designating support staff to assist passengers who need help. These enhancements would reduce pressure on immigration staff and help travelers feel more confident and prepared. Early investment in such infrastructure also signals a national commitment to smoother and smarter global travel experiences.

Looking ahead, this policy marks a regional shift toward standardized, tech-driven immigration systems. As countries in Asia compete to attract post-pandemic travelers, those that adopt digital-first strategies are likely to lead in both safety and service. Taiwan’s move serves as a model, and other destinations are expected to follow. Vietnam, as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing outbound markets, must also modernize its approach to remain globally competitive and ensure that its citizens are equipped for new international travel norms.

This shift is not a barrier but an opportunity to build better habits and improve preparedness. With appropriate support from the public and private sectors, the online arrival declaration process will become a routine step in international travel. More importantly, it reflects Vietnam’s evolving readiness for digital transformation, its openness to global standards, and its potential to lead responsibly in a rapidly changing travel landscape.