Taiwan Visa RequirementsFor Austria passport holders
Austrian passport holders can travel to Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days under Taiwan's visa exemption program for European Union citizens.
Great news! Austria passport holders can enter Taiwan without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No application needed. Present your Austrian passport at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or other international ports. The 90-day exemption covers tourism, transit, and business. Work is not permitted. Taiwan operates its own immigration system independently from mainland China; entry to Taiwan does not affect mainland China entry.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Austria to Taiwan: What You Need to Know
Taiwan grants Austrian passport holders 90 days visa-free, reflecting the warm unofficial relations between the two territories. Taiwan is an island of remarkable contrasts: Taipei is a world-class city of night markets, temples, and museums; the east coast offers dramatic Pacific scenery; Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge are natural highlights. Taiwan has one of the world's best high-speed rail systems. The island is known for bubble tea, beef noodle soup, and oyster vermicelli at its legendary night markets.
How to Get There
From Vienna (VIE), fly to Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) with connections via Frankfurt with Lufthansa, Amsterdam with KLM, Helsinki with Finnair, or Bangkok with Thai Airways and EVA Air. China Airlines and EVA Air also offer European connections. Total travel time is 14-16 hours.
Money & Banking
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). Cards are accepted in hotels, malls, and larger restaurants; cash is preferred for night markets and local food stalls. ATMs are plentiful (7-Eleven machines reliably accept foreign cards). Taiwan is affordable: excellent meals cost EUR 3-7 equivalent. Tipping is not customary.
Practical Tips
The MRT system in Taipei is excellent; get an EasyCard (rechargeable transit card) at the airport. Night markets (Shilin, Raohe) are essential cultural experiences. High-speed rail (THSR) connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in 90 minutes. Taroko Gorge (east coast) requires a train or bus from Taipei; book the scenic Taroko Express in advance. Taiwan is very safe. Street food is extraordinary and inexpensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrians need a visa to visit Taiwan?
No. Austrian passport holders can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days under Taiwan's visa exemption program for EU citizens.
Is Taiwan part of China? Will visiting Taiwan cause entry issues with mainland China?
Taiwan operates as a separate territory with its own government, passport control, and immigration system. Visiting Taiwan does not technically affect your eligibility to visit mainland China, though the political situation is complex. There is no Taiwan stamp in your passport that would cause issues; immigration in most countries treats the two separately.
How do I get from Vienna to Taipei?
No direct flights from Vienna to Taipei. Connect via Frankfurt (Lufthansa + EVA Air or China Airlines), Amsterdam (KLM), Helsinki (Finnair), Bangkok (EVA Air), or Singapore. Total travel time is 14-16 hours.
Is Taiwan affordable for Austrians?
Yes. Taiwan is significantly cheaper than Austria. Street food at night markets costs TWD 50-150 (EUR 1.5-4.5). Mid-range restaurant meals cost EUR 7-15. Accommodation ranges from hostels (EUR 15-25) to international hotels (EUR 80-150 in Taipei). The NT dollar is weak relative to the Euro.
What are the must-see places in Taiwan beyond Taipei?
Taroko Gorge on the east coast (3 hours from Taipei by train) is spectacular. Sun Moon Lake in Nantou is serene and beautiful. Tainan is the ancient capital with the best traditional food scene. Jiufen (inspiration for Spirited Away) is a mountain village with stunning views. The Alishan Forest Railway is a unique narrow-gauge scenic journey.
What is the night market culture in Taiwan?
Night markets are a central part of Taiwanese social and food culture. Open from late afternoon to midnight, they sell snacks, clothing, games, and fresh produce. Shilin Night Market in Taipei is the most famous; Raohe Street Market is more local. Try stinky tofu (chou doufu), oyster vermicelli, and bubble tea at their point of origin.
Is Taiwan safe to travel?
Taiwan is extremely safe, with very low crime rates and a welcoming attitude toward international visitors. Natural disaster risk (earthquakes and typhoons) exists; typhoon season is July-October. Monitor weather forecasts and follow local guidance during typhoon warnings.