Taiwan Tourist Visa: My DIY Application Experience - Let's Get You There!
Hey everyone! After successfully navigating the Taiwan tourist visa application process myself, thanks to all the amazing reviews out there, I'm super excited to share my experience. Hopefully, this breakdown helps make your visa journey a breeze! <3
What Documents Do You Need? Here's the Checklist:
- 1. Tentative Travel Plan: Dream It, Plan It!
Seriously, go all out! The more detail, the better. Think of it as crafting your dream itinerary.
- List all your activities and must-see spots.
- Include details for fellow travelers: Full name, DOB, passport/ID number, and visa status (applying, approved, e-visa).
- Print e-visas or visa copies for those already approved and add them to your application.
- Include flight confirmations if booked.
- Estimate your budget.
- 2. Round-Trip Flight Booking (Temporary): Just in Case!
Book a flight with a "pay later" option. I went with Vietnam Airlines, which automatically cancels after 24 hours if not confirmed. Print the booking confirmation email – it's gold!
- 3. Hotel Booking Confirmation: Sweet Dreams are Made of These!
Book refundable hotels on platforms like Agoda. Print the booking confirmation and add it to your documents.
- 4. Leave Approval Letter: Permission Granted!
Get that official leave approval letter from your company, complete with the company's official stamp (red seal!).
- 5. Employment Contract: Show Me the Job!
Original + a photocopy (no notarization needed). If it's an indefinite contract, include copies of all addendums.
- 6. Confirmation of Employment: Proof You're Employed!
Get a confirmation letter from your HR department stating your current employment status with the company, sealed with that awesome red company stamp.
- 7. Health and Social Insurance: Staying Covered!
This is where your VssID app comes in handy!
- BHYT (Health Insurance): Open the app, go to "BHYT Card," screenshot, and print ALL your contribution history. Include the info page with your photo too.
- BHXH (Social Insurance): Same drill! Open the app, go to "BHXH," screenshot, and print your contribution history.
- Be ready to show your VssID app during submission – they might want to verify.
- 8. Bank Savings Book: Show Me the Money!
They only accept physical savings books (not online statements). Minimum balance of 80 million VND, and the account should be at least 3-6 months old. Photocopy the entire book (A4 size).
- 9. Bank Account Balance Confirmation: Extra Security!
Some applicants get asked for this, others don't. Better safe than sorry – get it just in case!
- 10. Online Visa Application: Get Clicking!
- Head to: https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw/BOCA_EVISA/
- For a detailed guide, check this out: https://visana.vn/khai-visa-dai-loan/ (Super helpful!)
- 11. Passport Photos (2): Smile!
Two 4x6 cm white background photos. Attach BOTH photos to the visa application form in the upper left corner. Don't cut them; just stick them over the frame – it's fine!
- 12. Passport: Your Ticket!
Valid passport + a photocopy. Fill out the information on the last page in pencil. Make sure page 3 has your signature and full name!
- 13. Visa Fee: Cash is King!
$50 USD (standard) or $75 USD (express). Pro-tip: Bring crisp, clean bills! They rejected mine because of a tiny ink stamp. I heard they prefer two $20 bills and one $10, but they accepted my $50 without issue.
Important Notes: Get everything in English or bilingual (English/Vietnamese). Print/photocopy on one side of A4 paper.
Submitting Your Application: The Real Deal
Day 1: Appointment Booking - The Early Bird Gets the Visa!
- After compiling all documents, head to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office at 336 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Ward 4, District 10, HCMC.
- It's a zoo! Get there EARLY (I'm talking 5 AM!) and line up on the LEFT side of the gate (near the bus stop). The right side is for marriage-based applications.
- Park at "Dì Mai's" drink stall on the corner next to the consulate, or across the street.
- A visa service guy usually gets the #1 spot for his clients. That's okay; he earns it. But don't let other services cut in line – they often arrive late and try to jump ahead, especially after the first service agent.
- Someone might rent out chairs. Around 7:30 AM, people start moving towards the entrance, waiting for the consulate to open.
- Mask up before you even step onto the consulate grounds!
- Inside, show your visa application, passport, and ID to the receptionist. They'll stamp your application with your submission appointment date (mine was 7 days later).
Day 2: Application Submission - Show Time!
- Arrive at 5 AM again! Seriously, go early. The later you go, the longer you'll wait. If you're close to lunchtime and miss something, you'll have to resubmit in the afternoon.
- The receptionist will check your appointment date and give you a number. Wait for your number to appear on the screen (I submitted at window #6).
- If everything's in order, they'll give you a bill to pay the fee and tell you when to pick up the results.
- If you're missing documents, there's a photocopying service, but they might direct you outside. Prepare everything carefully to avoid running around, especially if you're not from HCMC.
- They keep the photocopies and your passport, returning the original documents.
Day 3: Result Collection - The Grand Finale!
- My result collection date was 7 days after submission.
- The pick-up time was 1:30 PM, but I still lined up at 11:30 AM – it's always crowded. Bring a jacket, hat, fan, or mini fan because it gets hot in the afternoon.
This was my first time applying for a visa on my own, and it was a bit stressful at first. Getting time off work and those early mornings were tough. If you use a visa service, they'll handle the appointment booking, and you only need to line up on the submission day. They'll also pick up your passport. But, of course, they charge a fee, which varies depending on the agency.
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