Taiwan for couples: arrival, typhoons, earthquakes and health

Taiwan tends to surprise first-time visitors: efficient public transport, excellent food, safe cities and spectacular nature a few hours from the capital. For a couple it is one of the easiest options in East Asia. Even so, it pays to know the paperwork, the natural hazards and the local rules before you go. This guide summarises the official travel advice from the UK FCDO for Taiwan (updated on 28 August 2026 and consulted on 7 November 2026). It is informational and educational for travellers: it recommends no venues, contains no explicit content and rejects every form of sex tourism or exploitation. To plan the trip, see our destination guide to Taipei.

Before you leave: passport and arrival card

Your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after the day you arrive. You must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) online, through the National Immigration Agency website, within three days before you arrive; you may be exempt if you hold a resident visa or other permits. With a British passport, the FCDO says you can enter visa-free for up to 90 days as a tourist, to visit family or friends, or to attend business meetings or cultural or sports events, and extend by a further 90 days once in the country. If your passport is from another country, check with Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs. Entry procedures are reviewed regularly and may change at short notice.

Money and customs

Declare cash or travellers cheques if they exceed NT$100,000 or US$10,000; you will get a certificate, and if you do not declare, your money can be seized when you leave. ATMs in 7-Eleven stores generally accept international cards; other ATMs may or may not. Do not bring animal products without authorisation: customs have stepped up checks over African swine fever, and the fine can be heavy. If you bring medicines, carry your doctor's prescription showing personal use; the quantity must match the prescription, and you cannot bring in cannabis oil or cannabis-derived medication, even if prescribed.

Crime and basic rules

The FCDO notes that crime rates in Taiwan are extremely low, though it recommends staying vigilant and following the police and local media. Always carry ID: the police usually accept a printed copy of the passport photo page. Drug laws are stricter than in the UK, including cannabis, and legal definitions of supply or trafficking may differ, including the quantities involved. Trafficking, possession or use can mean severe penalties and even the death penalty. Taiwan has some of Asia's most progressive LGBT+ rights policies, according to the advice, and discrimination on grounds of gender or gender identity is illegal.

Driving and getting around

To drive you need a 1949 international permit as well as your UK licence, which you must validate with your passport and a photo at a motor vehicles office; the validation lasts up to 12 months. The drink-drive limit is about a quarter of England's; exceeding it can bring a fine and even prison, and as a passenger you may also be fined. Roads and vehicles are well maintained, but scooters and motorcycles weave through traffic and vehicles may not stop at pedestrian crossings.

Typhoons, earthquakes and dengue

Typhoon season runs from May to November and there is a risk of road blockages and landslides, especially in central and southern Taiwan. Listen to alerts on ICRT, BCC and PRS radio stations and check the Central Weather Administration website. Earthquakes are a real risk: the Taipei City Government offers a digital booklet with advice on earthquakes, typhoons and other disasters. The FCDO reports a significant increase in dengue cases in the south, including the cities of Kaohsiung and Tainan: use repellent, cover up and avoid bites. It also cites altitude as a risk in some areas and mpox among the health risks to check.

Health and emergencies

Hospitals work on a pay-as-you-use basis: buy insurance covering evacuation and repatriation and keep funds accessible. Some facilities have English-speaking staff. Official numbers: ambulance and fire, 119 (the ambulance does not usually include a paramedic); police, 110; coastguard, 118; domestic abuse and sexual assault hotline, 113; and the free "Information for Foreigners in Taiwan" helpline, 0800 024 111, for any other help. Check recommended vaccines at least eight weeks ahead.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fill in the arrival card? Yes, unless you are exempt. The deadline is three days before arrival and it is done online on the official website.

Is Taiwan safe to travel to? The FCDO rates crime as extremely low; there are natural hazards such as typhoons and earthquakes to plan for.

Can I hire a car? Yes, with a validated 1949 international permit. The alcohol limit is far lower than in England.

What if a mosquito bites me in the south? Avoid bites and, if you get a fever, see a doctor. Dengue has increased in the south, according to the FCDO.

Is there a verifiable lifestyle scene? We found no venues with a verifiable official website.

This guide is not legal advice. Also read safety and privacy for lifestyle couples. Source: the FCDO travel advice for Taiwan, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/taiwan.