Taiwan Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days. Taiwan has rapidly emerged as one of East Asia's most exciting destinations for NZ travellers, renowned for its world-class night markets, warm hospitality, and stunning mountainous terrain.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter Taiwan without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for NZ citizens for stays up to 90 days. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the main entry point, with connections via Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and EVA Air from Auckland. Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) in the south is an alternative entry. NZ passport holders proceed through immigration without a visa. The stay is typically stamped for 90 days.
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
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Taiwan, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in Taiwan.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in Taiwan.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Strongly recommended for all international travel, covering medical emergencies.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Taiwan: What You Need to Know
Taiwan offers an exceptional travel experience for New Zealand visitors. Taipei is a vibrant, modern city with extraordinary food culture: the Shilin Night Market, Din Tai Fung (world-famous soup dumplings), bubble tea (invented in Taiwan), and beef noodle soup are all legendary. Beyond Taipei, Taiwan has dramatic Pacific-facing cliffs (Taroko Gorge), hot spring resorts (Beitou, Wulai), the scenic Alishan Forest Railway, the beaches of Kenting National Park, and the Penghu island archipelago. The country is very safe and English signage is widespread.
How to Get There
Air New Zealand does not fly direct to Taipei; Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong), and EVA Air (direct from Auckland, approximately 11h) serve the route. From Taipei, the HSR connects major west coast cities. Domestic flights (UNI Air, Mandarin Airlines) reach Kinmen, Penghu, and east coast destinations. Taiwan pairs naturally with Japan: Tokyo to Taipei is 3.5 hours by plane.
Money & Banking
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). Currently around 20-22 TWD per NZD. Taiwan is very affordable. A bowl of beef noodle soup costs TWD 120-200. An original bubble tea from a chain costs TWD 50-100. Night market food is extremely cheap: expect TWD 50-150 per dish. Mid-range hotels in Taipei cost TWD 2000-4000/night. Card payments are increasingly accepted but carry TWD cash for night markets and street food.
Practical Tips
The EasyCard is essential for public transport in Taipei: it works on the MRT (metro), buses, YouBike (bike-share), and many convenience stores. The Taipei MRT is clean, efficient, and English-friendly. High-speed rail (HSR) connects Taipei to Kaohsiung (1.5h). Night markets: Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia are Taipei's best. The 101 building observatory offers panoramic views. Taroko Gorge (east coast, 4h from Taipei) is a must: book a tour or rent a scooter for the gorge road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for Taiwan?
No. NZ citizens can visit Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days. Entry is by passport presentation at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). No advance application is needed.
What makes Taiwan's food culture special for NZ visitors?
Taiwan is often cited as having Asia's best food culture. It invented bubble tea (boba). Night markets (Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia in Taipei) serve extraordinary street food: stinky tofu (an acquired taste), oyster omelette, pineapple cake, scallion pancakes, lu rou fan (braised pork rice), and beef noodle soup. Din Tai Fung (world-famous xiao long bao soup dumplings) originated in Taiwan.
What is Taroko Gorge and how do I visit it from Taipei?
Taroko Gorge is a marble gorge on Taiwan's east coast, one of Taiwan's most spectacular natural landscapes. From Taipei, take the THSR (high-speed rail) or regular train to Hualien (3.5h or 2h respectively), then rent a scooter or hire a driver for the gorge road. Trails include the Shakadang Trail and the Zhuilu Old Road (permit required). Allocate at least 2 days.
How safe is Taiwan for NZ tourists?
Taiwan is exceptionally safe by international standards. Crime affecting tourists is very rare. Natural disasters (typhoons and earthquakes) are the main risks: typhoon season runs June-November. Monitor Taiwan Central Weather Administration bulletins and follow government evacuation orders if a typhoon approaches.
What is the EasyCard and how does it work in Taiwan?
The EasyCard is a rechargeable smart card that works on Taipei MRT, buses, YouBike (bike-share), and at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart). Buy at Taoyuan Airport MRT station or any MRT station. Load NT$300-500 to start. It can be used across Taiwan on various transport systems and is the most convenient way to get around.
Can NZ citizens get a working holiday visa for Taiwan?
Yes. Taiwan and New Zealand have a working holiday agreement. NZ citizens aged 18-30 can apply for a Working Holiday Visa allowing a 12-month stay with work rights. Application is via the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland. This is very popular with NZ travellers who want to extend their Asia adventure.
What is the political status of Taiwan and does it affect NZ visitor travel?
Taiwan operates as a self-governing democracy separate from mainland China, though China claims sovereignty. For NZ visitors, this has no practical impact on tourism. Taiwan has its own passport, currency, and government. NZ citizens visit under Taiwan's separate visa-free arrangements, not through China's system. Entering Taiwan does not affect your ability to visit mainland China on a separate trip.