Taiwan Visa RequirementsFor Switzerland passport holders
Swiss citizens can stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days without a visa. Taiwan's accessibility, safety, and vibrant culture make it a top Asian destination for Swiss travelers.
Great news! Switzerland passport holders can enter Taiwan without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa required for stays up to 90 days. Swiss passport holders need only a valid passport; no prior registration required. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. For work or longer stays, a visa is required from Taiwan's representative office.
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
Switzerland to Taiwan: What You Need to Know
Taiwan and Switzerland maintain strong unofficial bilateral relations, given Switzerland does not formally recognize Taiwan diplomatically (a common position among countries with ties to both sides). However, trade, cultural, and people-to-people ties are robust. Swiss pharmaceutical, watchmaking, and engineering companies have ties with Taiwanese technology and manufacturing sectors. Taiwan's Taipei Liaison Office in Bern handles bilateral affairs. Taiwan offers visa-free access to Swiss nationals in a spirit of reciprocal openness.
How to Get There
Fly ZRH or GVA to TPE (Taipei Taoyuan) with China Airlines or EVA Air via one stop, or via Gulf carriers, typically 14-16 hours. EVA Air and China Airlines have good connections from European hubs to TPE. Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in 1.5 hours.
Money & Banking
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). ATMs widely available; cards accepted in major establishments but cash is needed at night markets and smaller vendors. Taiwan is very affordable; budget TWD 1500-3000 (EUR 45-90) per day.
Practical Tips
The EasyCard (or iPass) is essential for Taipei's MRT, YouBike bike-sharing, and convenience store payments. Night markets (Shilin, Raohe) are essential food experiences; go at dinner time. The Alishan Forest Railway and scenic east coast are best explored by rental scooter or train. TPASS gives unlimited metro and bus travel for a day fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Swiss citizens need a visa for Taiwan?
No. Swiss citizens can visit Taiwan for up to 90 days without a visa, under a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement.
Is Taiwan safe to visit given tensions with China?
Taiwan is very safe for tourists. The political relationship between Taiwan and China is complex, but daily life and tourism are entirely normal. There is no active conflict affecting visitors.
What are Taiwan's top experiences?
Taipei 101 (briefly world's tallest building), the National Palace Museum (one of the world's great art collections), the Jiufen mountain village, the Taroko Gorge, and the night markets (Shilin, Raohe).
What currency does Taiwan use?
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). ATMs are widespread. Cards increasingly accepted but night markets and small vendors are cash-preferred.
How long is the flight from Switzerland to Taiwan?
Flights from ZRH or GVA to TPE (Taipei Taoyuan) take approximately 14-16 hours with one stop via Gulf hubs, Singapore, or Hong Kong. EVA Air and China Airlines operate via European hub connections.
Is Taiwanese food different from Chinese food?
Yes. Taiwanese cuisine is its own distinct tradition, blending Fujianese, Japanese, and indigenous influences. Beef noodle soup, scallion pancakes, oyster vermicelli, and stinky tofu are uniquely Taiwanese specialties.
What is the Taiwan High Speed Rail?
The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan in 90 minutes at up to 300 km/h. It covers the western coast cities including Taichung and Tainan. Passes for tourists are available.