Complete Guide to Applying for the ROC Travel Authorization Certificate Taiwan Without the Hassle

The ROC Travel Authorization Certificate Taiwan is a mandatory document for Indonesian citizens who want to travel to Taiwan without the complicated visa process. Since the Taiwan visa waiver program was launched, Indonesians can stay up to 30 days in the Republic of China (Taiwan) simply by completing a free online registration in about 10 minutes. This article explains the requirements, step-by-step application process, and practical tips to help ensure your application is approved without rejection.

What Is the ROC Travel Authorization Certificate?

The ROC Travel Authorization Certificate Taiwan (also known as Taiwan Travel Authorization or TAC) is an electronic entry permit issued by the National Immigration Agency (NIA) of Taiwan for citizens of certain countries, including Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. It is part of Taiwan’s visa waiver program, designed to simplify short-term tourism visits without requiring applicants to apply for a traditional visa at an embassy.

Benefits of the Travel Authorization Certificate

Handling visa applications can often be the most exhausting part of planning a trip. Long queues at embassies and expensive fees can easily drain your enthusiasm before the journey even begins. Fortunately, traveling to Taiwan offers a much easier alternative called TAC, which makes the process far more convenient. This facility is perfect for travelers who want a fast and simple application process.

Here are some of the key advantages you can enjoy before flying to Taiwan!

• Free – no application fees
• 100% Online – apply from home without visiting the embassy
• Fast Process – approval within 1–2 business days
• Multiple Entries – enter and exit Taiwan multiple times within 90 days
• 30-Day Stay per Entry – plenty of time to explore all of Taiwan at a relaxed pace

Complete Requirements for Applying for the ROC Travel Authorization Certificate

Don’t let your travel plans be delayed because you missed something important. Make sure the following three basic criteria are ready before filling out the registration form!

Valid Passport – Minimum 6 Months

Your Indonesian passport must have at least 6 months of validity from the date of arrival in Taiwan. If your passport expires in 5 months, renew it first before applying for the TAC.

Return/Onward Ticket

You must have a return ticket to Indonesia or a connecting ticket to your next destination. Refundable or temporary (dummy) tickets can be used, but there is a risk if immigration officers find invalid information.

No History as a Blue-Collar Worker in Taiwan

If you have previously worked in Taiwan as a blue-collar worker—performing manual or physical labor in manufacturing, construction, or domestic services—you are not eligible for the TAC. In this case, you must apply for a regular visa through the official Taiwan representative office.

Additional Requirement: Hold Visa/Resident Card from Eligible Countries

This is the most crucial requirement that often confuses applicants! In addition to the three basic criteria, you must hold at least one of the following documents:

Option 1: Valid Visa or Resident Card from an Eligible Country

You must have a valid document from one of the following countries:

• United States (USA visa or green card)

• Canada (Canada visa or permanent resident card)

• Japan (Japan visa or Japan Visa Waiver Registration)

• South Korea (South Korea visa or ARC)

• Australia (Australia visa or permanent resident card)

• New Zealand (New Zealand visa or resident visa)

• United Kingdom (UK visa)

• Schengen Countries (Schengen visa issued by EU countries)

IMPORTANT: for Indonesian Citizens: If you have a Japan Visa Waiver Registration (free e-visa for Indonesian e-passport holders), you are eligible for the Taiwan TAC! This is the fastest and easiest way to obtain entry permission to Taiwan.

Option 2: Expired Visa/Resident Card Within the Last 10 Years

If your visa or resident card from the countries above has expired but less than 10 years have passed since the expiration date, it can still be used to apply for the TAC.
Example: Your Schengen visa expired in 2020 and it’s now 2026 (6 years ago) → You can still use it to register for TAC.

Option 3: Previously Held a Taiwan Visa Within the Last 10 Years

If you previously had a Taiwan visa (visitor visa, eVisa, or resident card) within the last 10 years and have no immigration or legal violations in Taiwan, you are eligible for TAC.
Exception: Visas with codes FL (migrant worker), X (others), or P with a note “Special permission from MOFA” are not eligible.

How to Apply for the ROC Travel Authorization Certificate

The TAC application process is very simple and can be completed in 10–15 minutes! Here is the complete step-by-step guide:

Preparation Before Applying

1. Scan Passport (Bio-Data Page): Scan the page with your photo and personal information (JPG or PNG, max 1 MB).

2. Scan Eligible Document (Visa/Resident Card): Scan a visa or resident card from an eligible country you have. Expired visas are okay as long as it hasn’t been more than 10 years.

3. Special for Japan Visa Waiver: Take a screenshot or PDF of the approval email from the Japanese JAVES system.

4. Flight Ticket: Have your return ticket or onward ticket ready (can be refundable or dummy ticket).

5. Active Email: Needed to receive the TAC approval confirmation.

Step 1: Access the Official NIA Taiwan Website

Go to https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/nia_southeast/ in your browser. This is the official portal of Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA) for applying for TAC.

Step 2: Select Language

Change the language from Chinese to English or Indonesian by clicking the language button at the bottom of the page.

Step 3: Read Terms and Conditions

Scroll down, read everything carefully, then check the box “I have read and agree to the terms and conditions” and click “Continue” or “Next.”

Step 4: Fill in Personal Data

Enter your details exactly as written in your passport:

• Family Name (Last name as in passport)

• Given Name (First name as in passport)

• Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY)

• Gender (Male/Female)

• Nationality (Indonesia)

• Passport Number (no spaces)

• Passport Issue Date

• Passport Expiry Date

• Passport Issuing Country

Step 5: Upload Passport Scan

Click “Browse” or “Choose File” to upload your passport scan. Make sure:

• File format is JPG or PNG

• Max size is 1 MB

• Scan is clear, no glare, no shadows

Step 6: Choose Supporting Document Type

Select the category of document you will use for TAC eligibility:

• Active Visa: Valid visa from eligible countries

• Active Resident Card: Valid resident card from eligible countries

• Expired Visa/Resident Card: Expired but less than 10 years

• Previous Taiwan Visa: Visa held in the last 10 years

Step 7: Fill in Supporting Document Details

Enter complete information of your chosen document:

• Visa or Card Number

• Issue Date

• Expiry Date

• Country/Agency that issued the document

Step 8: Upload Supporting Document Scan

Upload your visa/resident card scan. Same rules as passport: clear, no blur, max 1 MB.

Step 9: Fill in Travel Plan

Provide your Taiwan arrival details:

• Arrival Date

• Flight/Ship Number (e.g., CI 678, BR 123)

• Purpose of Visit: Tourism, Family/Friends, Business, or Other

• Address in Taiwan: Hotel name or full address

• Phone Number & Email: Active contact for receiving approval

Step 10: Review All Data

Click “Review” or “Preview” to check all entered information. Even small typos can cause rejection, so make sure everything matches your documents.

Step 11: Submit Your Application

Once you’re sure all information is correct, click “Submit” or “Apply.”
The system will generate an Application Number. Save it or take a screenshot for future reference—this is useful if you want to check the status or reapply later.

Step 12: Wait for Approval (1–2 Days)

Your application will be processed by the system. Usually, approval comes within 1–2 business days.
If approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the TAC certificate attached.

Step 13: Download and Print Your TAC Certificate

Open the email from Taiwan NIA, download the PDF file of your TAC certificate, and print a copy. It’s also recommended to save it on your phone as a backup.
The TAC certificate contains key information:

• Full Name

• Passport Number

• Validity Period (valid for 90 days from issuance)

• Application Number

• QR Code for scanning by Taiwan immigration officers

Done! You’re now ready to travel to Taiwan hassle-free!

TAC Validity: How Long It Lasts and How Many Times You Can Use It

Before planning your trip, it’s important to understand the validity period of the ROC Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) so you don’t run into issues at Taiwan immigration. Many travelers are still confused about how long it’s active and whether it can be used multiple times. Here’s the full explanation:

Validity Period: 90 Days (Multiple Entries)

Once approved, your TAC is valid for 90 days from the issuance date. During this 90-day period, you can enter and exit Taiwan multiple times without reapplying.

Example: TAC issued on 1 March 2026 → valid until 29 May 2026 (90 days). Within this period you could:

• Trip 1: Arrive 10 March, stay 30 days, leave 9 April

• Trip 2: Arrive 15 April, stay 25 days, leave 10 May

• Trip 3: Arrive 20 May, stay 9 days, leave 29 May (before TAC expires)

Length of Stay

Each entry allows a maximum stay of 30 days, counted from the day after arrival. This is usually enough to explore Taiwan comfortably.

How to calculate: Arrive 1 March → Day 1 starts 2 March → must leave by 31 March.
Note: This stay cannot be extended; plan your itinerary carefully.

Annual Entry Limit

Even though TAC allows multiple entries within 90 days, there’s a limit of 6 entries per calendar year (1 January – 31 December). If you reach the limit, you’ll need to wait for the next year or apply for a regular visitor visa.

Reapplying TAC

If your TAC is about to expire but you need it for another trip, you can reapply at least 7 days before expiry. The process is the same as the initial application.

Tips to Increase Approval Chances

While approval is not guaranteed (NIA has the final say), following these steps can minimize errors and increase your chance of a smooth process:

1. Double-check all data: Typos in name, passport number, or dates can lead to instant rejection. Review carefully before submitting.

2. Upload clear files: Scans of your passport and supporting documents must be sharp, readable, and free from shadows or glare.

3. Ensure supporting documents are valid: Expired visas or resident cards must not be older than 10 years. Older documents cannot be used.

4. Apply at least 1 week before travel: Even though processing is quick (1–2 days), applying 1–2 weeks in advance gives buffer time for issues or resubmission.

5. Use an active email: All TAC approval notifications will be sent here, so check it regularly.

6. Bring original documents when traveling: Immigration officers will check your physical visa or resident card. If you’re using a visa from an old passport, bring both the old and new passports.

Taiwan Awaits with Easy TAC Access!

The ROC Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) Taiwan is a practical alternative for Indonesians who want to visit Taiwan without dealing with embassy visas. It allows up to 30 days stay per entry, free online registration, and fast approval in 1–2 business days.

The main requirement is having a valid or recently expired visa/resident card from eligible countries such as the USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, UK, or Schengen countries. For Indonesian travelers, the easiest path is usually via Japan Visa Waiver Registration, which is also free and can be applied online for e-passport holders.