| ACADEMIA SINICA
 

 

 

 

 

Home > General Information > Travel and Transportation

Travel and Transportation

 

Travel Information:

1. Visa

Visa Type Visa-Exempt Entry
Foreign nationals eligible for visa-exempt entry 1. Nationals of the following countries are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 90 days: Andorra, Australia (effective from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017), Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Honduras*, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan*, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Poland, Paraguay, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America*, and Vatican City State.

2. Nationals of the following countries are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 30 days: Belize*, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Malaysia, Saint Christopher and Nevis*, Saint Lucia*, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Singapore.

3. Nationals of the Kingdom of Thailand (effective from August 1, 2016, to July 31, 2018), except those holding diplomatic or official/service passports, are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 30 days.

4. Nationals of Brunei* (effective from August 1, 2016, to July 31, 2018), except those holding diplomatic or official/service passports, are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 30 days. In addition, effective from December 1, 2016, to July 31, 2018, those holding a Brunei Certificate of Identity are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 30 days.

5.Nationals of Philippines (effective from November 1, 2017, to July 31, 2018), except those holding diplomatic or official/service passports, are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 14 days.
Requirements 1. A passport with remaining validity of at least six months as of the date of entry

   ‧ Visa-exempt entry only applies to foreign visitors holding formal passports (i.e., ordinary, official/service, and diplomatic passports). Those holding emergency, temporary, or other informal passports or travel documents are ineligible, with the exception of those holding a Brunei Certificate of Identity.

   ‧ Holders of Belizean, Saint Christopher and Nevis, and Saint Lucian passports with place of birth recorded on the passport data page as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, the People’s Republic of China, Syria and Yemen are ineligible for the visa exemption. Holders of Honduran passports with place of birth recorded on the passport data page as the People’s Republic of China are also ineligible for the visa exemption.

   ‧ Japanese nationals who possess a passport valid for the intended period of stay are eligible for visa-exempt entry.

   ‧ US nationals who possess a passport, including emergency passports, valid for the intended period of stay are eligible for visa-exempt entry.

   ‧ Holders of emergency or temporary passports (except those from the United States) should apply for a visa at an ROC overseas mission or a landing visa after arriving in the ROC.

2. A confirmed return air/sea ticket or air/sea ticket and a visa for the next destination, and a confirmed seat reservation for the departure flight; and

3. Not determined by immigration officers at ports of entry in the ROC to be otherwise ineligible.
Ports of entry Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei Songshan Airport, Taichung Airport, Chiayi Airport, Tainan Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport, Taitung Airport, Hualien Airport, Kinmen Airport, Magong Airport, Keelung Harbor, Taipei Harbor, Taichung Harbor, Kaohsiung Harbor, Hualien Harbor, Shuitou Harbor, and Fu’ao Harbor.
Duration of stay 1. The duration of stay starts from the day after arrival and is not extendable. Foreign visitors must depart by the end of the said duration. Please click here for more information on penalties for overstay.

2. Visa-exempt entry cannot be converted to visa-based stay, unless any of the following applies:

   A. Foreign nationals entering the ROC on a visa exemption may only apply for conversion to a visitor visa within the permitted duration of stay at the Bureau of Consular Affairs or MOFA branch offices in the event of situations that prevent them from leaving the ROC, such as severe acute illness, natural disaster, or other force majeure reason. In addition, white-collar professionals who have obtained a work permit within their permitted duration of stay(Brunei, Philippines and Thailand are not included) may apply for a work visa together with their spouse and minors (under age 20) who entered the ROC at the same time.

   B. For Canadian and UK passport holders, please refer to the Notice for British & Canadian Passport Holders Who Enter Taiwan Visa-Free and Apply for an Extension of Stay. (pdf file)
Remarks 1. Those who have entered Taiwan visa-free for purposes that do not require a permit—such as engaging in tourism, visiting friends or relatives, attending social events, conducting business, attending exhibitions, and engaging in fact-finding missions or international exchanges—who then intend to engage in activities that, according to the laws and regulations of relevant agencies, do require a permit must still obtain such a permit. Those who intend to enter Taiwan for purposes that require qualifications, such as religious work, must obtain a visa from an ROC overseas mission before entering Taiwan.

2. According to Article 14 of the Regulations for Exit of Draftees, a draftee who has maintained his household registration in Taiwan must enter into and depart from Taiwan with his ROC passport; a person who is subject to conscription and enters into Taiwan with a foreign passport will be restricted from departing Taiwan.

3. Before arriving in Taiwan, please complete an online immigration arrival card on the website of the National Immigration Agency.

For conscription law, please visit the following website: http://www.immigration.gov.tw



Type Landing Visas
Countries eligible for Landing Visas 1. Holders of Turkish passport with validity of more than six months.
2. Holders of Macedonian passport with validity of more than six months.
3. Holders of emergency or temporary passports with validity of more than six months for nationals of those countries(except for US) eligible for visa-exempt entry.
Requirements 1. a confirmed return air/sea ticket or an air/sea ticket and a visa for the next destination, and a confirmed seat reservation for departure.
2. fill out an application form with two photos.
3. visa fee of NT$ 1,600 (citizens of the countries with reciprocal agreements shall be issued visas gratis) plus a handling fee of NT$ 800. No fee will be charged for Turkish citizens.
4.no criminal record or not prohibited by the local authorities.
Method of Lodgement 1. Passengers entering the Republic of China through the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport may apply for a landing visa at the Visa Office of Consular Affairs Bureau at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

2. Passengers who enter the Republic of China through the Taipei SongShan Airport, the TaichungAirport and the Kaohsiung International Airport shall apply for "temporary entry permit" at Border Affairs Corps of National Immigration Agency . The holder of this permit should apply for a visa as soon as possible at the Bureau of Consular Affairs or at any of the branch offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taichung, Chiayi, Kaohsiung or Hualian. The holder will need to submit his/her passport, temporary entry permit when applying for the visa.

3. In the event of a long national holiday, the holder may apply for a visa at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TIA) Visa Office, Bureau of Consular Affairs. The holder is not allowed to depart from the airports until he/she has applied for a visa.
Ports of entry Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei SongShan Airport, Taichung Airport, KaohsiungInternational Airport.
Duration of stay 1. The 30-day duration of stay starts from the next day of arrival and is not extendable.
2. The above-said landing visa cannot be converted to visitor or resident visa under normal circumstances.
Remark 1.Nationals who have entered Taiwan on Landing Visas for purposes that do not require a permit – such as tourism, visiting friends or relatives, social visits, conducting business, attending exhibitions, fact-finding missions, and international exchanges – who then intend to engage in activities that, according to the laws and regulations of relevant agencies, do require a permit must still obtain such a permit. Nationals who intend to enter Taiwan for the purposes that require qualifications – such as religious work – must obtain a visa from the R.O.C. overseas missions before entering Taiwan.

2.Before arriving in Taiwan, Please complete online immigration arrival cards at National Immigration Website.

2. Climate and Clothing

The early September is still hot and wet. The average temperature is around 28°C (83°F), it is very often over 30°C. However, as most of the buildings are air-conditioned, it is suggested to bring a light jacket for long sittings. September is also the typhoon season and rains occasionally. Bringing an umbrella is suggested.

Please visit Central Weather Bureau, Taiwan to find out the latest Taipei weather forecast.


3. Currency and Credit Card

The currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). The denominations of notes and coins are as follows:
Notes: NT$2,000 NT$1,000 NT$500 NT$200 NT$100 Coins: NT$50 NT$10 NT$5 NT$1 Hotels, department stores, airlines and major restaurants accept international credit cards which include VISA, American Express, JCB and Mastercard.


4. Currency Exchange

For exchange rates, please visit the Currency Converter. Currency exchange services are available at most banks in Taiwan. However, at Academia Sinica only US dollars and New Taiwan dollars are available for exchange. Due to the tight schedule of the conference, we suggest you consider exchanging money upon arrival at the airport. For information about the locations and business hours of currency exchange counters at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, please visit airport websites:
http://www.taoyuan-airport.com/english/store3_1/1103


5. Language
The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin, though other dialects are also spoken. Many people can speak some English, but taxi drivers generally speak only Mandarin. Taking name cards of the Academic Activity Center, Academia Sinica written in Chinese is recommended


6. Electricity
The electric power is 110 volts, 60 cycles, AC. Electric sockets in the rooms of the Academic Activity Center, as the following image shows, are compatible with N. American plugs, which have two parallel flat blades. So, please check to see if you need a power converter, plug adapter or both.
Electricity


7. Water
It is not recommended to drink tap water directly in Taipei. Bottled water is easily available at the convenient stores and supermarkets. Every floor of the Academic Activity Center is equipped with a hot and cold purified water dispenser.


8. Tipping
Tipping is optional. However, tips are usually given for restaurant services and to hotel porters. A 10% service charge and a 5% value-added Tax are already added to room rates and meals.


9. Tax
Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods at a standard rate of 5% and is included in the price of merchandise. No extra sales tax will be charged to consumer.



 

Transportation Information:

1. From Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Academia Sinica:

By Metro Taoyuan:
Off at Taipei Main Station, transfer for BL Line to Nangang Exhibition Center Station. Then take taxi to Academia Sinica.
By Taxi:
Airport taxis queues outside the arrival halls of both terminals, T1 and T2, provide 24 hour service. Taxi fare is based on the meter plus a 15% surcharge and applicable highway tolls. Typical fare to Academia Sinica is around NT$ 1,700.
By Bus:
Several bus lines provide frequent services between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and downtown Taipei. The following 4 bus lines are more convenient to go Academia Sinica:
a.
Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport (Nangang Bus Station Line 1843) Get off at Nangang Exhibition Center and take a taxi to Academia Sinica. Fair is NT$110 and taxi charge is around NT$100.
b.
Evergreen (5201):
Get off at MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station and take MRT (BL line) to terminal stop "Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station". Walk out the station and take a taxi to Academia Sinica for around NT$100. Bus fare is NT$124 and MRT ticket is NT$25.
c. CitiAir Bus (1960):
Get off at MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station and take MRT (BL line) to terminal stop "Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station". Walk out the station and take a taxi to Academia Sinica for around NT$100. Bus fare is NT$145 and MRT ticket is NT$25.
d.

Free Go Bus 5502:
Get off at MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station and take MRT (BL line) to terminal stop "Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station". Walk out the station and take a taxi to Academia Sinica for around NT$100. Bus fare is NT$140 and MRT ticket is NT$25.


Ticketing and service location information

Ticketing: Tickets sold at bus counters.

Terminal 1 bus pickup point: Bus pickup zone at B1 Arrivals.

Terminal 2 bus pickup point: Bus pickup zone at the northeast arcade of the 1st floor Arrivals lobby.

For more information about other bus lines from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei and other places, please visit airport webpage at http://www.taoyuan-airport.com/english/Buses

   

2. From Taipei SongShan Airport to Academia Sinica
By Taxi:
Take a Taxi outside Taipei SongShan Airport to Academia Sinica for around NT$300.
By MRT (Mass Rapid Transit):
Take MRT and get off at "Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station". Then take a taxi to Academia Sinica for about NT$100.
   

3. From Taipei to Academia Sinica

 


MRT Map
Download the map

The most convenient way to travel around Taipei City is taking the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). There are five main lines in MRT services:

 

BR

R

G

O

BL


The nearest MRT station to Academia Sinica is Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station, which is on both BL line and BR Line. Exit "Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station" and then take a taxi to Academia Sinica for about NT$100. Or take connecting buses to Academia Sinica. For MRT route map, please visit the website at:

http://english.metro.taipei/ct.asp?xItem=1056373&CtNode=70241&mp=122036


   

 

Copyright © 2017 Academia Sinica. 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan