Australia entry requirements for travellers from Taiwan
Do Taiwanese citizens need a visa for Australia?
Yes, in the form of an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601). Taiwan passport holders are on the ETA list, so the process is a short application through the Australian ETA App with a service charge of AUD20 and no separate visa fee.
One qualification matters: official and diplomatic Taiwanese passports are excluded from the ETA. Travellers holding those documents must apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead.
Taiwan is not on the eVisitor list, which covers European passports only.
How long can you stay in Australia?
The ETA allows up to three months on each entry and remains valid for twelve months, with unlimited entries in that period.
For one longer visit, apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600), which can be granted for three, six or twelve months and costs from AUD250.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for the whole of your stay. Australia does not impose a six month validity rule, although airlines and transit points often do. Since the ETA is linked to your passport number, renewing your passport means applying again.
Proof of funds
You must be able to support yourself during the visit and pay for your departure. No minimum is published, and Taiwanese visitors are rarely questioned at the border.
Onward or return travel
A return ticket is not formally required. Airlines occasionally ask on one way bookings, and officers may ask about your plans on a long stay.
Applying for your ETA
Use the Australian ETA App, which is the only channel for an ETA. Scan your passport chip, take a photograph, answer the questions and pay the AUD20 charge. Most applications are decided immediately.
If you hold an official or diplomatic passport, or you have a criminal conviction, or the app cannot read your passport, apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) through ImmiAccount instead.
Health requirements
No vaccinations are required for entry from Taiwan. A yellow fever certificate is required only if you have been in a yellow fever risk country in the six days before arrival.
Australia and Taiwan do not have a reciprocal health care agreement, so hold travel insurance covering medical treatment and repatriation.
Other entry requirements
Complete the Incoming Passenger Card on the flight. Australian biosecurity rules are strict: dried meat and seafood, fresh fruit, seeds, herbal medicines and pineapple cakes containing egg or dairy are all commonly seized. Declare anything of this kind.
Cash of AUD10,000 or more, or the New Taiwan dollar equivalent, must be declared.
Many travellers with an ePassport can use SmartGate at the major airports.
Frequently asked questions
Are all Taiwanese passports eligible?
No. Ordinary passports are eligible for the ETA. Official and diplomatic passports are excluded and need a Visitor visa instead.
Can I apply on a website rather than the app?
No. The Australian ETA App is the only route to an ETA. The alternative is the Visitor visa (subclass 600) through ImmiAccount.
How long is the ETA valid?
Twelve months from grant or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, with three month stays on each entry.
Can I work on an ETA?
No. Business visitor activities such as meetings and conferences are allowed, but paid work is not. Working holiday arrangements are a separate visa category.
Do children need their own ETA?
Yes, including infants.
How soon should I apply?
As soon as your trip is booked. Most decisions are immediate but a minority take longer, and nothing can be fixed at the airport.