Are you a foreigner living in China Mainland, planning to visit Chinese Taipei soon but do not qualify for visa exemption? If so, then you’ll need to apply for a Chinese Taipei visa.
But don’t worry – the process is simpler than you might think! In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a Chinese Taipei visa as a foreigner in China Mainland.
From the application requirements and documents needed to tips on how to increase your chances of approval – we’ve got it all covered! So grab a cup of tea (or boba) and let’s get started on your journey toward exploring beautiful Chinese Taipei.
Introduction
It can be quite a challenge to obtain a visa to Chinese Taipei if you are living in mainland China – but it is possible. In this guide, we will take you through the process step by step, so that you know exactly what to do and what to expect.
First of all, it is important to note that there are two types of Chinese Taipei visas:
- Resident Visa
- Visitor Visa
The former is for those who intend to stay in Chinese Taipei for more than six months, while the latter is for shorter stays of up to three months.
If you are unsure which visa you need, you can check with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong S.A.R. China.
Now let’s take a look at the application process for each type of visa.
For the Resident Visa, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A completed application form filled out online (https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw)
- Your passport (valid for at least six months from your planned date of arrival in Chinese Taipei)
- A recent passport-size photo
- Proof of financial means (e.g. bank statements or a letter from your employer)
- A copy of your flight itinerary or travel plans
- Any other documents that may be required by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong S.A.R. China (such as proof of medical insurance)
For the Visitor Visa, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A completed application form filled out online (https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw)
- Your passport (valid for at least six months from your planned date of arrival in Chinese Taipei)
- A recent passport-size photo
- Proof of financial means (e.g. bank statements or a letter from your employer)
- A copy of your flight itinerary or travel plans
- An invitation letter from a host in Chinese Taipei, if applicable
- Any other documents that may be required by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong S.A.R. China (such as proof of medical insurance)
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you will need to submit them to Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong S.A.R. China.
The processing time for both types of visas is usually one working day but it can take longer depending on the workload or if an interview is required.
It is also important to note that visa fees vary depending on the type and duration of the visa requested, so make sure you check with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office before applying.
What Types of Visas Exist to Visit Chinese Taipei?
There are two types of visas for Chinese Taipei:
- Resident Visa
- Visitor Visa
The Resident Visa allows you to stay in Chinese Taipei for up to six months, while the Visitor Visa allows you to stay for up to 30 days.
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for Applying for a Chinese Taipei Visa
In order to apply for a Chinese Taipei visa from mainland China, you must first meet the following requirements and eligibility criteria:
- You must have a valid passport from your country of citizenship.
- You must have a valid Chinese visa or residence permit.
- You must have proof of financial stability, such as a bank statement or employment letter.
- You must have a completed application form and supporting documents, including photos and an itinerary.
How to Apply for a Chinese Taipei Visa If You Are A Foreign Resident In China Mainland?
The process of applying for a Chinese Taipei visa from China mainland is not as complicated as one might think. However, there are certain requirements that need to be met in order to successfully obtain a Chinese Taipei visa.
The following is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Chinese Taipei visa from China mainland:
1) The first step is to gather all the required documents. These include a passport-sized photo, your passport, a completed application form, and other supporting documents such as an invitation letter or proof of financial stability.
2) Once you have all the required documents, the next step is to submit them to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong S.A.R. China.
3) After submitting your application, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office will review your documents and make a decision on whether or not to issue you a visa. If your application is successful, you will be issued a visa that allows you to stay in Chinese Taipei for up to 90 days.
Important Documents to Prepare
When applying for a Chinese Taipei visa as a foreigner in China mainland, it is important to prepare the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration and at least two blank pages. If you are using an old passport, please also include a copy of the most recent entry/exit stamp.
- One completed and signed the Chinese Taipei visa application form. Please be sure to answer all questions truthfully and legibly. Incomplete or inaccurate forms will result in delays or denial of your visa application.
- One color passport-style photograph taken within the past six months, against a white background. The photograph should be 2 inches by 2 inches (5 cm by 5 cm). Please do not staple or attach the photograph to the application form.
- Documentation demonstrating your purpose of travel to Chinese Taipei, such as a letter of invitation from a host organization or individual, proof of hotel reservations, or a detailed itinerary. If you are traveling for business purposes, please provide an official letter from your company stating the nature of your business in Chinese Taipei and confirming your financial ability to cover all expenses during your stay.
- Evidence of financial means, such as bank statements or pay stubs, showing that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Chinese Taipei. Credit cards are not accepted as evidence of financial means.
Processing Times and Fees
If you are applying for a Chinese Taipei visa from mainland China, there are some processing times and fees that you should be aware of.
The standard processing time for a Chinese Taipei visa is one working day (excluding October 10, Hong Kong public holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays) after submission of the completed application form with the full required documents.
However, if you are applying for a visa with special circumstances (such as an expedited or emergency application) or if an interview is required, the processing time may be different.
There is also a non-refundable processing fee for all Chinese Taipei visa applications.
The fee is currently:
- Single Entry Visitor Visa: HKD400
- Multiple Entry Visitor Visa: HKD800
- Single Entry Resident Visa: HKD530
Please note that there is a Reciprocal handling fee for U.S. Passport holders as follows:
- Visitor / Resident Visa – HKD1,280 (for U.S. passport holders only)
- Visitor / Resident Visa – HKD1,640 (for U.S. passport holders with Investors Status only)
Fees are subject to change at any time.
When applying for a Chinese Taipei visa, it is important to have all of the required documents and information ready.
Be sure to check the requirements list on the website of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong S.A.R. China (http://www.tecos.org.hk/visadirectory/) before beginning your application.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start your application as early as possible. The earlier you start, the better your chances of being approved.
- Make sure you have all the required documents. Check the requirements list carefully to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
- Organize your documents in a clear and concise way. This will make the application process smoother and increase your chances of being approved.
- Write a clear and concise personal statement explaining why you want to visit Chinese Taipei and what you hope to gain from the experience.
- Be honest in your answers to questions on the application form. Lying on the application form is grounds for automatic denial of the visa.
- Pay close attention to detail when filling out the application form and include all required information. Incomplete applications are often automatically denied.
- If you are applying for a work visa, make sure you have a detailed job offer from a company based in Chinese Taipei before starting the application process
Conclusion
We hope this guide has been useful for those of you who are interested in applying for a Chinese Taipei visa from China mainland. The process may seem complicated at first, but with enough research and preparation, it can certainly be done.
Remember to double-check all the requirements before submitting your application, as well as have all the necessary documents ready.
Good luck with your visa application!