ETIAS for Taiwanese Citizens 2026: Do You Need It?

Last Updated: July 2026

As of July 2026, ETIAS is not yet live — and the previously confirmed Q4 2026 launch is under review, with 2027 now the likely outcome. Taiwanese passport holders currently travel to Europe with just a passport (containing the national ID card number), as before. When ETIAS eventually launches, Taiwanese citizens will need this authorisation to enter Europe’s Schengen Area. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation, not a visa — Taiwan’s visa-free access to Schengen is not being removed. The fee is €20 (~NT$740), and approval is valid for three years.

⚠️ July 2026 Update: ETIAS Q4 2026 Launch on Hold

In mid-July 2026, the EU quietly removed the “last quarter of 2026” launch target from the official ETIAS website. Financial Times reporting cited eu-LISA (the EU agency building ETIAS) as having internally concluded a 2026 launch is no longer feasible.

A revised timeline is expected after eu-LISA’s September 2026 board meeting. A 2027 launch is now the most likely outcome. For now, Taiwanese travellers head to Europe exactly as before — passport only, no ETIAS required. See our launch date tracker.

🇹🇼 Quick Answer for Taiwanese Citizens
Taiwanese citizens do not need a Schengen visa — and don’t need ETIAS yet either. When ETIAS eventually launches (2027 likely), you’ll apply online, pay €20 (~NT$740), and receive approval within minutes. One authorisation will cover all 30 ETIAS countries for three years.

Important: Your Taiwan passport must contain your national ID card number to qualify for visa-free access and ETIAS. Passports without this number do not qualify.

🛂 Visiting the UK Too? You’ll Need a Separate UK ETA

Many Taiwanese travellers visiting Europe also stop in the UK — and the UK requires its own pre-travel authorisation, the UK ETA (£20, valid 2 years). It’s separate from ETIAS and required for entry to Britain. iVisa handles UK ETA applications end-to-end, plus Taiwanese passport services, expedited processing, and any other travel document you need for your trip.

When ETIAS eventually launches, iVisa will handle ETIAS applications too.

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What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS is an automated pre-screening system launched by the EU to strengthen border security without removing visa-free travel rights for trusted nationalities. Before boarding your flight or crossing a Schengen land border, you’ll complete a short online application — similar to the US ESTA. No embassy visit, no biometrics, no paper forms required at this stage.

Your details are checked against EU and international security databases. The vast majority of applicants receive automatic approval within minutes.

The Taiwan Passport ID Number Requirement

Taiwanese citizens qualify for Schengen visa-free access — and will qualify for ETIAS — only if their passport contains a national ID card number. This requirement has been in place since Taiwan’s visa-free Schengen access was established. When applying for ETIAS, ensure your passport includes this number. If your current passport does not, contact the National Immigration Agency in Taiwan to renew or update it before applying.

Do All Taiwanese Citizens Need ETIAS?

All Taiwanese passport holders who travel visa-free to Schengen will need ETIAS once operational. Exceptions include:

  • EU/Schengen residence permit holders: A valid EU residence permit or Schengen national long-stay visa (Type D) exempts you from ETIAS for that trip.
  • Children under 18 and adults over 70: ETIAS is free for these age groups, though the application is still required.

ETIAS Cost for Taiwanese Citizens

The ETIAS fee is €20 per person, approximately NT$740 at current exchange rates. The fee is charged in euros and your bank will convert at the applicable rate on the day of payment.

⚠️ Fee Exemptions
ETIAS is free for children under 18 and adults over 70. The €20 fee applies to everyone aged 18–70.

ETIAS Validity

Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Unlimited trips to all 30 ETIAS countries are permitted within that period. A new passport requires a new ETIAS.

Which Countries Does ETIAS Cover?

A single ETIAS covers all 30 participating countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Popular Schengen destinations for Taiwanese travellers include France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic — all covered by one ETIAS.

How to Apply for ETIAS

Once operational, the ETIAS application will be entirely online via the official EU ETIAS website. The process:

  1. Complete the online form — personal information, passport details (including your ID card number), travel history, and security questions.
  2. Pay €20 (~NT$740) — by credit or debit card.
  3. Receive your decision — most applicants will receive automatic approval within minutes. Some may wait up to 96 hours or, rarely, up to 30 days.
  4. Save your ETIAS confirmation — linked digitally to your passport number. No printing required.

ETIAS vs. Current Entry for Taiwanese Citizens

Detail Before ETIAS (now) After ETIAS
Visa required? No No
Pre-travel authorisation? Not required ETIAS required
Fee Free €20 (~NT$740)
Maximum stay 90 days in 180 90 days in 180 (unchanged)
Validity Per trip 3 years / passport expiry

The 90/180-Day Rule — What Taiwanese Travellers Need to Know

ETIAS does not change how long you can stay in Europe. Taiwanese citizens remain subject to the 90/180-day rule: a maximum of 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Days in France count the same as days in Italy or Germany — it is a combined total across all Schengen countries.

For stays longer than 90 days, apply for a national long-stay visa (Type D) from a specific Schengen country before departing Taiwan.

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When Will ETIAS Launch?

The ETIAS launch is currently under review. The previously confirmed Q4 2026 target was removed from the official EU ETIAS website in mid-July 2026 following Financial Times reporting that eu-LISA had concluded a 2026 launch was no longer feasible. A revised timeline is expected after eu-LISA’s September 2026 board meeting, with a 2027 launch now the most likely outcome. Once operational, a six-month grace period is expected before full enforcement — during which travellers arriving without ETIAS will be reminded to apply rather than refused entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does ETIAS start for Taiwanese citizens?

As of July 2026, no confirmed start date exists. The Q4 2026 target that had been on the official EU ETIAS page was removed in mid-July 2026 following Financial Times reporting that eu-LISA had concluded a 2026 launch was no longer feasible. A revised timeline is expected after eu-LISA’s September 2026 board meeting, with 2027 the most likely outcome. See our launch date tracker for updates.

Does my Taiwan passport need an ID card number for ETIAS?

Yes. Schengen visa-free access for Taiwan applies only to passports containing a national ID card number. The same requirement will apply to ETIAS. If your passport lacks this number, update it before applying.

How much is ETIAS in New Taiwan dollars?

At current rates, €20 is approximately NT$740. The exact amount depends on the exchange rate at the time of payment.

Does ETIAS cover Japan or South Korea trips?

No. ETIAS is only for the European Schengen Area. Japan and South Korea have their own entry requirements.

Can I apply for ETIAS before my passport is about to expire?

You can, but your ETIAS validity will be limited to your passport expiry date. It’s better to renew your passport first, then apply for ETIAS, to get the full three-year validity.

What if my ETIAS application is denied?

Denials are rare for Taiwanese citizens. If refused, you’ll receive a written explanation and can appeal or apply for a standard Schengen visa through the relevant embassy.

Does ETIAS cover the UK?

No. The UK is not part of Schengen. The UK has a separate Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Taiwanese citizens — see our UK ETA guide for details.

There’s More to Plan Than ETIAS

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