Taiwan opens e‑visa for Russians: how to apply and what to consider

What changed

Starting on 7 July 2026 Taiwan launched a pilot e‑Visa service for Russian citizens. The scheme runs for a year and may be extended if demand and processing prove successful. The biggest change from the old rules is that you no longer have to hold a valid US, Schengen or UK visa. A regular passport is enough, provided it stays valid for at least six months after the intended entry date.

How to submit an application

The application is filed through the official portal of Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) and must be completed in English. The steps are straightforward:

1. Fill out the online form with your personal details and travel information.
2. Upload a scan or photo of the passport page. Extra documents are requested only in rare cases, and the system tells you immediately.
3. After the review, the application is approved and, within a few days, you receive a PDF visa by e‑mail.

Print the visa and show it both at check‑in and at passport control in Taiwan. The visa is single‑entry and valid for up to 30 days – perfect for most tourist itineraries.

Cost and payment methods

The total fee for the e‑visa is about US $55, which translates to NT $1,600‑1,700. That amount already includes a small payment‑gateway commission of roughly NT $45. Accepted cards are the international brands Visa, Mastercard and JCB; UnionPay and the Russian “Mir” system are not supported.

If you don’t have a suitable card, travel agencies can act as intermediaries: many tour operators have their own payment gateways and can process the fee for you.

Electronic Arrival Card (TWAC)

Besides the e‑visa, you also have to fill out an electronic arrival card – TWAC. The form is on the official website, offers several language options and takes only a few minutes. After submission you receive a PDF with a unique code, which you’ll need to present at boarding and again on arrival.

How to get there

There are no direct flights from Russia to Taiwan, but the island is reachable via major Asian hubs. The most common transfer points are Seoul (Asiana, Korean Air), Tokyo, Hong Kong and large Chinese airports.

• From Moscow, a one‑stop itinerary usually lasts about 13‑14 hours, including the layover.
• For residents of the Far East and Siberia, departing from Vladivostok is far more convenient: the flight takes roughly 5‑6 hours with a single connection, making Taiwan a realistic option.

Practical tips

• Passport check. Make sure your passport stays valid for at least six months after the planned departure. Without that, the visa will be rejected.
• Save the PDFs. Keep both the visa and the arrival card on your phone and also printed – some airlines still ask for a hard copy.
• No “Mir” payments. If you only have a Russian card, arrange payment through a tour operator in advance or get an international card.
• Processing time. Approvals normally arrive within a few days, but filing the request two to three weeks before travel gives you a safety margin.
• Layovers. When you pick a route, factor in connection time, especially at big hubs where security checks can eat up a lot of minutes.
• Seasonality. Tourist peaks in Taiwan fall in spring and autumn, when the weather is most pleasant. Flights are pricier then and planes tend to be fuller.
• Tour operators. For group trips or to cut bureaucracy, turn to reputable agencies – they often handle the visa paperwork and may offer bundled rates.

Taiwan in 2026 is much closer to Russian travelers, especially those living in the Far East. The electronic visa removes the need to visit a consulate and speeds up the whole permission process. With the right preparation the paperwork takes minimal effort, and the island’s distinctive culture, food and scenery open up new possibilities for short getaways or longer stays.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.