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Travel Advisory July 11, 2023

Taiwan - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Taiwan.

Read the  Taiwan International Travel Information  page for additional information on travel to Taiwan.

If you decide to travel to Taiwan:

• Follow the U.S. Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the  security report for Taiwan  from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Embassy Message

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Valid throughout duration of stay

1 page per entry/exit stamp

Not required for stay of less than 90 days

None required. Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends travelers to Taiwan be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. Vaccination information can be found here .

Declare cash amounts over 100,000 New Taiwan Dollars (NTD), foreign currencies over 10,000 USD, or over 20,000 Chinese Yuan (RMB). Customs details are here.

Embassies and Consulates

The American Institute in Taiwan, Taipei Main Office 100 Jinhu Road, Neihu District Taipei 114017, Taiwan Telephone:  +886-2-2162 2000 ext. 2306 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +886-2-2162 2000 Fax:  +886-2-2162 2239 Email:   [email protected]

The American Institute in Taiwan, Kaohsiung Branch Office 5th Floor, No. 88, Chenggong 2nd Road, Qianzhen District Kaohsiung 806618, Taiwan Telephone:   +886-7-335 5006 Emergency After-Hours Telephone   +886-2-2162 2000 Fax:  +886-7-338-0551 Email:   [email protected]

The United States maintains unofficial relations with the people on Taiwan through the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a private nonprofit corporation, which performs U.S. citizen and consular services similar to those at embassies.

Schedule routine American Citizen Services appointments online. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday except on Taiwan and U.S. holidays .

Destination Description

See the U.S. Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Taiwan for information on U.S.-Taiwan relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

If you wish to enter Taiwan as a tourist or short-term visitor (less than 90 days), you do not need a visa. No extensions or changes of status are permitted. For visa-waiver travel, your U.S. passport must be valid through the number of days you intend to stay. Six-month passport validity is not required.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days or plan to work or reside in Taiwan, you need a Taiwan visa prior to traveling. Visit the website for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States for the most current visa information.

Taiwan and the United States both allow dual nationality. If you have dual Taiwan-U.S. nationality, you must enter/exit Taiwan on your Taiwan passport and enter/exit the United States on your U.S. passport.

See our website for information on  dual nationality  or the  prevention of international child abduction .

Also see our  Customs Information page .

Taiwan does not have any specific COVID-19 entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

Safety and Security

Potential for Civil Disturbances: Taiwan enjoys a vibrant democracy, and both spontaneous and planned demonstrations occur.  Monitor media coverage of local and regional events and avoid public demonstrations.

Potential for Typhoons and Earthquakes:  During the typhoon season (May through November),  Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau  issues typhoon warnings an average of five times a year (of which, three to four normally make landfall) and heavy rainstorm alerts more frequently. Taiwan also has severe earthquakes. The most recent severe earthquakes included one that caused 2,000 deaths in 1999 and another that caused 117 deaths with widespread damage in 2016.

Disaster Preparedness:

• Follow the guidance of local authorities in the event of a disaster. See the National Fire Agency’s page for information on “ Disaster Responses .”
• See the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website  on how to prepare for an emergency.  
• See also the Crisis and  Disaster  Abroad page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
• When an emergency arises, we will post up-to-date instructions specific to the circumstances of the event on our  website  and send messages to U.S. citizens who have registered through the Department of State’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .

Crime:  There is minimal street crime in Taiwan, and violent crime is rare. Take normal safety precautions, such as avoiding travel after dark or in deserted/unfamiliar areas.  

See the U.S. Department of State's  and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should contact the American Institute in Taiwan for assistance at +886-2-2162 2000. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should also seek medical attention and report to the police as soon as possible for help.

• Dial 113 to reach the Taipei Center for the Prevention of Domestic violence and Sexual Assault.
• Dial 110 to report crimes to the local police.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See the U.S. Department of State’s website on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas , as well as AIT’s webpage for  local resources .

• assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• assist you with emergency needs that arise from the crime, such as finding shelter, food, or clothing.
• provide information to facilitate access to appropriate medical care.
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• provide a list of local attorneys.
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States .
• explain financial assistance options, such as assistance available to return to the United States.
• replace a lost or stolen passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should call 113 for emergency assistance and dial 110 for an island-wide toll-free hotline. Dial 113 to reach the Taipei Center for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may also contact the American Institute in Taiwan for assistance at +886-2-2162 2000.

Domestic violence is considered a crime in Taiwan. Report to police and keep written records of all incidents. Preserve evidence such as medical records documenting injuries, photos of injuries, police records, and damaged clothing and weapons used against you. If you have a court-issued restraining order, present this to the police for use in the arrest of the offender.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:   You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. See  crimes against minors abroad  and the  U.S. Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison authorities to notify the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) immediately. 

• The American Institute can provide a list of English-speaking lawyers .  
• Taiwan authorities typically do not permit foreigners accused of crimes to leave Taiwan while legal proceedings are ongoing. 
• Penalties for illegal drug possession, use, or trafficking are severe, with long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• Taiwan also has the death penalty for certain violent crimes and drug offenses.  
• See the U.S. Department of State’s  webpage  for further information. 

Labor Disputes:

• Avoid labor disputes by establishing all terms and conditions of employment or sponsorship in the labor contract at the beginning of your employment.
• If the dispute cannot be resolved directly with your employer, the American Institute can provide  a list of English-speaking lawyers .

Customs Regulations:  Taiwan has strict regulations on importing/exporting firearms, antiquities, medications, currency, and ivory. Contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in Washington, D.C., or the nearest Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the United States for specific information  regarding customs requirements . See also  customs regulations .

Dual Nationality and Compulsory Military Service:  Taiwan has compulsory military service for Taiwan males between the ages of 18 and 36.  This includes dual U.S.-Taiwan citizens who enter Taiwan on their U.S. passports . Before you travel, contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in Washington, D.C., or the nearest Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the United States to determine your military service status. 

Faith-Based Travelers:   See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Reports
• Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Health Screening Process:  To detect and prevent the spread of diseases, Taiwan scans the body temperature of all arriving passengers with an infrared thermal apparatus. Symptomatic passengers are required to fill out a form and may need to give an onsite specimen or see local health authorities. See also the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website .

Judicial Assistance:  Authorities on Taiwan provide judicial assistance in response to letters rogatory from foreign courts in accordance with Taiwan's "Law Governing Extension of Assistance to Foreign Courts." For further information, please go to the  American Institute in Taiwan (AIT)’s website .

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) rights events in Taiwan. Taiwan law prohibits education and employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. On May 24, 2019, Taiwan legalized same sex marriages upon registration with a local household registration office in Taiwan. Same sex marriages from other countries are recognized in Taiwan. LGBTQI+ individuals may still face lack of tolerance, particularly in areas outside the capital and largest city Taipei. See  Section 6 of our Human Rights Practices in the Human Rights Report for Taiwan  and read our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information page .

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  Taiwan law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities and sets minimum fines for violations. By law, new public buildings, facilities, and transportation equipment must be accessible to persons with disabilities. See  Persons with Disabilities in the Human Rights Report for Taiwan (2022) .

Students: See our  U.S. Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Taiwan has modern medical facilities, with state-of-the-art equipment available at many hospitals and clinics. Physicians are well trained, and many have studied in the United States and speak English. Hospital nursing services provide medication and wound care but generally do not provide the daily patient care functions found in U.S. hospitals. Taiwan requires masks in healthcare facilities and ambulances to prevent the spread of diseases, including COVID-19.

For emergency services in Taiwan, dial 119.

Ambulance services are

• widely available;
• have emergency equipment and supplies;
• and are staffed by trained medical personnel.

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Taiwan hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare to ensure the medication is legal in Taiwan.

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all routine vaccinations recommended by the U.S. CDC . Vaccinations are available at all major Taiwan hospitals.

Dengue Fever:  In recent years, Taiwan has seen cases of dengue fever, a virus common in subtropical regions that is spread through mosquito bites. There is currently no vaccine or medicine to prevent dengue. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. For information on how to reduce the risk of contracting dengue, please visit  the U.S. CDC website .

COVID-19: Major Taiwan healthcare facilities have COVID-19 testing capabilities and can administer FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The American Institute in Taiwan does not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

For further health information :

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions, lighting, and traffic safety in cities and on major highways are generally good. Roads in major cities are generally congested. Be alert for the many scooters and motorcycles that weave in and out of traffic. Motor scooters are common throughout the island. Be alert for scooters when stepping out of public buses or exiting a car. Exercise caution when crossing streets because many drivers do not respect the pedestrian's right of way. Be especially cautious when driving on mountain roads, which are typically narrow, winding, and poorly banked, and which may be impassable after heavy rains. For example, Taiwan’s central cross-island highway is meandering and often has poor visibility. Exercise caution when driving on highways.

Please see AIT’s website for more details on  Driving in Taiwan .

Traffic Laws:  Passengers in all vehicles, including taxis, are required by law to wear seatbelts. When exiting a vehicle, you are legally required to ensure that no motor scooter, bicycle, or other vehicle is approaching from behind before opening the door. You will be fully liable for any injuries or damages if you fail to do so. Do not turn right on a red traffic signal. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free kit in Taiwan. The legal limit for alcohol in the bloodstream of drivers in Taiwan is 15 mg per 100 ml of blood (0.03% BAC). This limit is strictly enforced. It is useful to have proof of car insurance and proof of ownership of the vehicle. On-the-spot fines are very common for minor traffic offences in Taiwan and are fixed for each offense. You will be told where to pay the fines and within what period of time. For more serious driving offenses, you will receive a court appearance.

Standard international driving laws apply with a few exceptions:

• You must have a warning triangle in your car to use if you break down or are involved in an accident.
• You cannot turn on a red light unless indicated.
• Many drivers run red lights, especially just after they change.

In an emergency:

• If you have a problem with your car, call the number on the rental documents or attached to the windscreen of your car.
• In the event of an accident, you should call the police “110” and medical assistance “119.” Provide the police with all the important information including the type of accident, details of vehicles involved and if there are any injuries or fatalities. The second call you should make is to your insurance company.
• You will need a police report for your insurance company. While waiting for the police, take photographs of the scene and take the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses. Do not move the vehicles unless it is necessary for safety reasons.
• Police will not ask for bribes.
• Police will ask parties involved in the traffic accident to do an alcohol test. This is standard operating procedure.
• If riding a motor scooter, you must wear a helmet.

For specific information concerning Taiwan’s driver’s permits, vehicle inspection road tax, and mandatory insurance, contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in Washington, D.C., or the nearest Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the United States.

Public Transportation:  Public transportation is cheap, convenient, and generally safe. Uber is widely available for use. Taxis and buses may swerve to the side of the road to pick up passengers with little notice or regard for other vehicles.

Please refer to our  Road Safety  page for more information. Refer also to Taiwan’s  Road Traffic Safety Portal .

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Taiwan's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Taiwan should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI) web portal. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard Homeport website , and the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Navigational Warnings website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Taiwan . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 119 and ask for an ambulance.

Unlike in the UK, an ambulance crew will not usually include a paramedic.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Taiwan guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

There has been a significant increase in cases of  dengue fever in the south of Taiwan (including the cities of Kaohsiung and Tainan). Take  precautions to avoid mosquito bites . See key updates from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control .

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

If you’re bringing any prescribed medicine into Taiwan, bring the prescription issued by your doctor, hospital or clinic that shows the medicine is for your personal use. The amount of medication you bring must be consistent with the amount stated on the prescription. You cannot bring cannabis oil or cannabis-derived medication into Taiwan, even if it’s legally prescribed elsewhere.

For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, contact the  Taipei Representative Office in London .

Healthcare facilities in Taiwan

Taiwan’s health and dental facilities offer a range of routine, emergency and outpatient services. Some have English-speaking staff. Hospitals operate on a ’pay as you use’ basis. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment in Taiwan including possible repatriation.

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Taiwan .

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Taiwan .

COVID-19 healthcare

Taiwan Centers for Disease Control says that if you test positive for COVID-19 and have mild symptoms you do not need to report your case or self-isolate. You should rest at home and wear a mask when outside. Seek medical care if you experience severe symptoms. You can contact the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control helpline on 1922.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

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Pay attention to carrying controlled drugs into and out of a country

• Data Source： Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare
• Created： 2023-05-18
• Last Updated： 2023-05-18

As COVID-19 epidemic eases and countries reopen borders, people travel abroad more frequently for tourism or business. However, pharmaceutical regulations vary from country to country, to avoid penalty for breaking the law, nationals carrying controlled drugs for personal use need to comply with the regulations of the country of entry. The Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare (TFDA) reminds travelers to carry a certificate of diagnosis or a copy of the prescriptions from a medical institution for customs inspection.

    For nationals who have received treatment abroad and returned to Taiwan with controlled drugs, according to the customs declaration instructions, the medicine is limited to treating illness of the passenger his/her self, a medical institution certificate is required, the amount cannot exceed that on the prescription, and the medicine should be carried, send by mail or express delivery is not allowed.

    Controlled drugs include addictive narcotics and psychotropic drugs (e.g., sleeping pills) which are strictly regulated by all countries in the world, commonly used sedative hypnotics such as zopidem, triazolam, and flunitrazepam, as well as addictive narcotics of morphine and fentanyl are all controlled drugs, and can only be used for medical and scientific purposes. If the source of the controlled drugs is unknown or used illegally, that would be regarded as illegal drugs and regulated by the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.

    TFDA reiterates its call to nationals travel abroad for tourism or business, to also carry a diagnostic certificate or a copy of prescription from the attending physician if carrying medicines for personal use. If the medicines belong to schedule 1 to 3 controlled drugs (the controlled drugs list can be found on TFDA website ( http://www.fda.gov.tw ), you can send to TFDA a declaration and medical diagnostic certificate to apply for a certification document according to article 18 of the Enforcement Rules for the Controlled Drugs Act. Before travel abroad, you can also check at Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website at ( http://www.boca.gov.tw ), to find out if there are any particular regulations to avoid violating the law of the country of entry.

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Drug Application for Personal Use

Application of the regulation

【Update Date： 2020-11-19 】 unit：藥品組

In accordance with Article 22 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, consent of the Administration shall be obtained before drugs may be imported. For travelers bringing drugs into Taiwan, Article 2, Subparagraph 4; Article 4; Article 6; and Article 14 of the Regulations on Management of Medicament Samples and Gifts apply. In addition to filling out the Application for Import Certificate (as attached), the following materials shall be attached:

I. A copy of your passport(ID)

II. Customs claim paper (not required, if you apply before the products be sent)

III. Doctor's prescription

IV. Assurance Statement of Drug Application for Personal Use

V. Application Form . ( Application for import certificate )

VI. Your medicine (drug) products instructions (an instruction leaflet accompanying medicine sold).

Where the sample applied for is a prescription drug or medical device, the diagnosis certificate and prescription issued by a domestic medical institution or the diagnosis certificate and prescription issued by the original foreign medical institution recognized by the central health competent authority shall also be submitted.

In addition to the materials prescribed in the preceding two paragraphs, the Administration may request that the applicant submit the product-related information and Certificate for Foreign Government issued by the country of origin of the medicament for review.

Thus, when applying, fill out the application form and attach a photocopy of the applicant's ID card or passport, a photocopy of the customs bill of lading, a package insert (including product ingredients) or instructions, and an original copy of affidavit of personal use, and send them along with the Application to No. 161-2, Kunyang Street, Nangang District, Taipei City 11561 Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare. The Administration will process the application as soon as possible after receipt.

The Administration will send the Import Certificate to the correspondence address provided by the applicant so that the applicant can use it for Customs clearance.

• Application Form (docx.)
• Application Form (PDF.)
• Assurance Statement of Drug Application for Personal Use (docx.)
• Assurance Statement of Drug Application for Personal Use (PDF.)
• For online Application Platform

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Mon, Jun 26, 2023 page3

Travelers urged to heed limits on drug imports.

• By Chang Hsieh-sheng and Jason Pan / Staff reporters

Travelers returning from abroad may only bring 36 containers of medication or health supplements into Taiwan, health officials said on Saturday, as people prepare to travel overseas during the summer break.

The types of containers include bottles, packets and paper wrappers as stipulated by the Regulations Governing the Declaration, Inspection, Duty and Release of Personal Luggage or Goods of Inward Passengers, health officials said.

The weight limit for traditional herbal medicines is 12kg. The medication may not include more than 12 kinds of ingredients or plants.

An assortment of Japanese medications is pictured on Saturday.

Photo: Chang Hsieh-sheng, Taipei Times

“Taiwanese tend to buy souvenirs and pharmaceutical products when traveling abroad, usually cold medication, powders and pills for indigestion or stomach ache, painkillers, cough medicines, anti-itch creams and eye drops,” the Nantou County Public Health Bureau said in a statement.

“These are bought either for personal use or as gifts for family and friends,” it said.

Outbound travelers who are on medication need to take the prescription issued by a doctor, clinic or hospital with them, health officials said.

The amount of medicine they can carry on their person may not exceed the prescribed dosage, they said, adding that they may carry up to six months’ of medication.

When abroad, people should assess their personal needs when buying drugs or health supplements and should not buy them for friends or family, the officials said.

They should also refrain from buying too much to prevent waste, they said.

It is illegal to sell medication and health supplements brought from abroad, as they may only be brought in for personal use or for family members, the regulations stipulate. Offenders can face fines.

The officials cited the case of a naturalized Taiwanese citizen who recently brought back large amounts of pharmaceutical products from her former country and sold the unused items online.

She was fined NT$30,000 for contravening the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act (藥事法), the officials said.

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A series of bomb threats against the Presidential Office were likely sent by the same Chinese student who has since 2021 made hundreds of similar threats against transportation hubs and public offices in Taiwan, investigators said yesterday. Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) said he had asked investigators to act on the case immediately, as “any threat to endanger our society will not be tolerated.” “We are calling for an investigation to identify and track down the perpetrator, to safeguard our national security, and protect our citizens and way of life,” he said. The e-mailed threats said that explosives had been placed at airports, railway

By Chien Li-chung, Chen Chia-yi and Jason Pan

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We advise: 

Exercise normal safety precautions in Taiwan.

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Local emergency contacts

English language emergency line.

Call 0800 024 111.

Medical emergencies

Call 110 or contact the nearest police station.

Advice levels

Exercise normal safety precautions  in Taiwan.

• A 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Taiwan on 3 April. There's damage to buildings and infrastructure, with disruptions to local transport. Avoid affected areas and follow the advice of local authorities. 
• Crime rates are low, including for petty crime. Taxi drivers have sometimes assaulted passengers. However, taxis are usually safe. Use radio taxis or arrange taxis online or through your hotel.
• Extortion scams occur. These include minor car accidents and claims of sexual assault at nightclubs. Report suspicious behaviour.
• Protests happen sometimes. They're usually peaceful but can turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings.
• The typhoon season is from May to November. Flooding and mudslides are common. Businesses and government offices close on 'typhoon days'. Follow local advice to prepare for a disaster. Updates on typhoons and other severe weather are available from the  Taiwan Central Weather Administration .
• Earthquakes happen often and may disrupt  train services.  Confirm travel arrangements before travelling. Get advice on being in an earthquake-prone region. Tsunamis also happen. Know the tsunami warning signs and move to high ground straight away. Don't wait for official alerts.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Some prescription medications are illegal in Taiwan. Authorities may jail or fine you if you have them. Before you travel, check  Taiwan Customs  for limits and documents you'll need.
• Insect-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika and Japanese encephalitis occur. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Get vaccinated if vaccines are available. If you’re pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor before you travel.
• Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases, such as hand, foot and mouth disease, are common. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid ice cubes. Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
• The standard of public hospitals in major cities is good. Wait times are often long. Some hospitals have English-speaking private clinics, but these can be expensive. You may have to pay up-front, even for emergency care. Ensure your travel insurance covers all medical costs.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs, including illegal prescription medication. Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include the death penalty, life in prison, long jail terms and heavy fines.
• Taiwan recognises dual nationality. Taiwanese males older than 18 years must do military service. Some exemptions are available to overseas residents. If you're not exempt, you may have to serve when you arrive. Check Taiwan's  Department of Conscription Administration  for details. Consular services may be limited for dual nationals who do not enter Taiwan on their Australian passport.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Taiwan has a visa-exempt entry scheme for nationals of designated countries, including Australia. Refer to  Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs  website for requirements and restrictions. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest Taiwan representative office for the latest details.
• If you intend to engage in certain activities in Taiwan, for example, religious work, you'll need to obtain an approval/entry permit or visa. Contact your nearest  Taiwan representative office  for entry applications. See  T aiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs  for further information. 
• You'll be screened for high body temperature when you arrive in Taiwan. This is to guard against pandemics such as  COVID-19 ,  SARS  and bird flu ( avian influenza ). Depending on your results, you may need more medical tests.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the  Australian Office in Taipei .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Office's social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension.

Demonstrations happen sometimes but are usually peaceful.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor local media for planned or possible action
• avoid rallies and protests
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Crime rates are low, including for petty crime.

Taxi drivers have assaulted some passengers. However, taxis are usually safe.

Some Australians have become victims of extortion  scams . Examples include minor car accidents and claims of sexual assault at nightclubs.

To keep yourself safe:

• take care of your belongings, especially in crowded places
• report suspicious behaviour
• use radio taxis, or taxis booked on the internet or through your hotel

Card skimming occurs. Keep an eye on your card when making purchases.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information: 

• Kidnapping  

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

• Terrorist threats

Climate and natural disasters

Taiwan experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• earthquakes

Typhoons happen in the wet or typhoon season from May to November. Flooding and mudslides are common.

The direction and strength of typhoons can change with little warning. In some areas, shelter from a severe typhoon may not be available to everyone.

If a typhoon is approaching, be aware that:

• flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• access to ports could be affected

If a typhoon is approaching, local authorities may declare a 'typhoon day' at very short notice. This means businesses may only open for a short time and government offices may close. 

The  Australian Office in Taipei  may close on typhoon days. See  Local contacts .

Authorities announce a 'typhoon day' on local radio and television stations. This includes  International Community Radio Taipei (ICRT) , which broadcasts in English.

Updates on typhoons and other severe weather are available from the  Taiwan Central Weather Administration . You can also keep up to date by checking:

• World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre
• Joint Typhoon Warning Centre
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

To prepare yourself in case of a typhoon:

• know your hotel's or cruise ship's evacuation plans
• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities on preparing for a natural disaster

If there's a typhoon or other natural disaster approaching:

• tune your radio to FM100.7 for English-language updates
• monitor the media, other local information sources and the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• stay in touch with friends and family
• contact your airline for the latest flight information
• contact a tour operator to check if services at your planned destinations have been affected

Earthquakes and tsunamis

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Taiwan on 3 April. There's damage to buildings and infrastructure, with disruptions to local transport. Avoid affected areas and follow the advice of local authorities.  

Earthquakes often occur and may disrupt  train services.  Confirm travel arrangements before travelling. Get advice on travelling to and living in an earthquake-prone region.

Tsunamis are a risk because of frequent earthquakes in the region.

For more information check out:

• Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration’s  Seismological Center
• Taiwan's Emergency Management Information Center  全民防災e點通 (emic.gov.tw)  APP for the latest information.
• the  US Tsunami Warning Center  for information on earthquakes and tsunamis. 

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Some prescription medications are illegal in Taiwan. Authorities may jail or fine you for carrying these medications.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Taiwan. Take enough legal medicine with you for your trip.

Taiwan Customs  gives advice on limits and documents you'll need.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Dengue  occurs, especially in the tropical southern and central regions.

Cases of  Zika virus  were reported in 2016. There's no vaccine available against dengue or Zika virus.

You could also encounter  Japanese encephalitis  in Taiwan.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Speak with your doctor about getting vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel.

If you're pregnant, ask your doctor about possible Zika virus risks.

Other health risks

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)  is common. Sometimes serious outbreaks occur. Outbreaks usually start in March or April and peak in May. However, they can continue until October each year.

HFMD mostly affects children aged under 10 years. However, adult cases occur, especially in young adults.

HFMD spreads through contact with discharges of infected people.

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Sometimes serious outbreaks occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• practice good hygiene, including careful and frequent handwashing
• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

If you test positive for COVID-19 you're still advised to follow the Self-Health Management protocols. See  Epidemic Prevention Measures  for details.

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

The standard of medical facilities in public hospitals in major cities is good. However, there are often long waiting times.

The medical system can be confusing. Some hospitals have English-speaking private clinics.

Treatment at private clinics and priority care centres is expensive. You may have to pay up-front for medical and dental services, including for emergency care.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include life imprisonment and the death penalty.

Carrying certain prescription drugs can result in heavy fines and long jail sentences. See  Health .

• Carrying or using drugs

If you're involved in a legal dispute, you won't be allowed to leave Taiwan until the dispute is settled. This includes minor offences.

You may be detained on arrival if you have an outstanding arrest warrant in Taiwan.

Legal processes can be long. Local authorities won't accept bonds or deposits to guarantee court appearances.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Taiwan recognises dual nationality. Taiwanese males aged over 18 must do military service. Some exemptions are available to overseas residents, but you should check this before travelling. If you're not exempt, you may have to serve when you arrive.

If you're a Taiwanese-Australian dual national and you're male, check before you travel.

• Taipei Economic and Cultural Office
• National Conscription Agency  
• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Taiwan has restored the visa-exempt entry scheme for nationals of designated countries, including Australia. Please see  T aiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs  website for the visa-exempt entry requirements and restrictions.

You won't need a visa for Taiwan if you meet all these conditions:

• you'll only stay for up to 90 days
• you're visiting for tourism or business
• you have a confirmed return or onward air ticket
• your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry
• you're not travelling on an emergency passport

In other situations, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.

Australians can use Taiwan's e-Gate service. To register for e-Gate, visit the e-Gate Enrolment Counters at the airport, located next to the e-Gate lanes at passport control. The registration is valid until 6 months before your passport's expiry date, until you renew your passport, or until you obtain an Alien Resident Card (ARC) in Taiwan. You'll need then to register each trip online to use the gates. More information is available at the  e-Gate Enrolment System website.

Working holiday-makers (WHM) must apply for the WHM visa before arriving. WHM visas are also valid as a work permit.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the  Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO)  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

• National Immigration Agency

Border measures

International transits are permitted at Taiwan's airports. Refer to  Taoyuan International Airport  or contact your airline or travel agent for more information on transiting Taiwan.

You'll be screened for high body temperature when you arrive. This is to guard against pandemics such as COVID-19 , SARS  and bird flu ( avian influenza ). Depending on your results, you may need more medical tests.

Other formalities

If you plan to take prescription or non-prescription medicines with you, check the  Taiwan Customs  website before you travel. See  Health .

If you're planning to work, you need to get a work permit before you start paid or unpaid work. Work permits are usually arranged in Taiwan through your employer.

If you work without a work permit or WHM visa, authorities could fine or deport you.

• Taiwan Workforce Development Agency
• Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD).

Declare amounts over USD10,000 or equivalent. 

ATMs are widely available in cities and provincial centres.

International credit cards are usually accepted in hotels, restaurants and higher-end shops, especially in cities and larger towns.

Local travel

Local restrictions.

You're no longer required to wear a mask outdoors. However, you must wear a face mask in some public venues, including:

• healthcare facilities

Driving permit

If you plan to drive in Taiwan, you must get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you arrive.

You can drive for up to 30 days with an IDP and a current Australian licence.

If you plan to stay longer, apply for an extension at the nearest motor vehicle office in Taiwan.

Check Taiwan’s  Highway Bureau  for information on how to apply for a Taiwanese Driver's Licence.

Road travel

Roads and vehicles are well-maintained but scooters and motorcycles often weave in and out of traffic, and vehicles might not stop at pedestrian crossings. Look before stepping onto the road.

Heavy rain and typhoons can lead to landslides and road blockages.

Mountain roads are usually winding and narrow. Travellers have been injured in bus accidents on these roads.

To stay safe:

• don't expect traffic to stop at pedestrian crossings — look before stepping onto the road
• assess weather and road conditions before you drive, especially during typhoon season
• take particular care when driving on mountain roads
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

You need a motorcycle licence, either Taiwanese or international, to hire a motorbike.

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis are usually safe. However, there have been instances of drivers assaulting passengers.

To minimise risk, use:

• radio taxis
• taxis booked on the internet
• taxis booked through your hotel

Mountain Hiking

Permits may be required for entering mountains in Taiwan. Ensure the phone location mode (GPS) on the mobile device is turned on. If you get lost in the mountains, dial 119 and follow the instructions to send your location. Alternatively, you can report the location number shown on a blue plate of the nearest electricity pole.

Public transport

Taiwan has well-developed rail and bus services.

Petty crime happens, so take care of your belongings.

• Transport and getting around safely

Some cruise lines stopover in Taiwan.

• Going on a cruise

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Taiwan's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Medical emergencies (including mountain rescues)

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer may have a 24-hour emergency number.

Information for Foreigners

Consular contacts.

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Office in Taipei.

The Australian Office, Taipei

27th and 28th Floor, President International Tower  9-11 Song Gao Road  Taipei, 110  Phone: (+886 2) 8725 4100  Fax: (+886 2) 8789 9599  Website:  australia.org.tw Email:  [email protected]  Facebook:  facebook.com/australianofficetaipei X:  twitter.com/AusOfficeTPE

Check the Australian Office in Taipei website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact the Australian Office, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Travel Tips

How to Make Sure You Travel with Medication Legally

Traveling with medication — even prescription drugs — isn’t as simple as packing it. Here’s how to stay on the right side of the law, anywhere you go.

By Tanya Mohn

Travelers often pack medications when they go abroad, but some popular prescription and over-the-counter ones Americans use for things like pain relief, better sleep, allergies and even the common cold are illegal in some countries.

The United Arab Emirates and Japan, for example, are among the most restrictive nations, but many ban or restrict importing narcotics, sedatives, amphetamines and other common over-the-counter medications.

Most travelers won’t run into problems for carrying small amounts for personal use, said Katherine L. Harmon, who oversees health analysis for iJET International , a travel risk management company. But noncompliance can result in confiscation,(which could, in turn, have severe medical consequences), deportation, jail time, and even the death penalty. “Does it happen a lot? No. Could it? Yes,” Ms. Harmon said. “Consumers need to understand this and how it might adversely impact them before they book that awesome trip to an exotic location.”

She shared a few tips to keep you on the right side of the law, whatever you take and wherever you roam.

Laws vary by country and there is no central, up-to date repository, so Ms. Harmon suggests consulting your physician, travel medical insurance company, or local pharmacist four to six weeks before traveling. “When you inquire about your shots, ask about medications. Odds are they may not know off the top of their head, but they have the resources to find out.”

She also suggests checking with the embassy of your destination country. The State Department website lists foreign embassies in the United States, and their contact information. It also lists insurance providers that offer overseas health coverage. Comparison websites Insure My Trip and SquareMouth can help assess those insurance plans, if they’re necessary.

Label and Pack Your Medication Properly

Carry all of your medication — even vitamins and supplements — in their original, clearly marked containers or packaging in a clear plastic bag in carry on luggage. Make sure the name on the prescription, the medicine container and your passport (or one for the recepient of the medication) all match. If you lost the product information insert, ask the pharmacist to print a new one for you.

Also, check the Transportation Security Administration’s website for up-to-date rules and regulations on packing and carrying your medication when you depart. The standard rules for liquid carry-ons don’t apply to medications in liquid or gel form, but you need to inform the T.S.A. when you pass through security so they don’t confiscate it .

Obtain and Carry Necessary Documentation

Keep copies of your original prescriptions, if you can . Better yet, obtain a letter on official letterhead from your physician that lists the medicines you need and why they were prescribed. Ideally, you would get this translated to the language of your destination country, so it’s easy to read.

For some medication and specialized equipment used to administer them, some countries require documents to be submitted to government officials well in advance of your arrival. Ms. Harmon, for example, was questioned at the Singapore airport once for entering with an EpiPen, but she had prior authorization allowing its transport.

Know the Names and Amounts of Active Ingredients

The documentation you carry should also indicate the generic and chemical names of the active ingredients, which determines permissibility, not brand names.

For example, the active ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, is banned in Zambia in over-the counter products. In Japan, it is allowed only if the amount in a tablet or injection is limited. However, a typical 25 milligram tablet of Tylenol PM in the United States exceeds the 10 milligram maximum amount in a tablet you can bring into Japan. Some countries restrict the overall total amount of an active ingredient an individual traveler can legally import, which may impact longer stays.

Reduce or Substitute Medication

In countries where a medication is allowed, but its amount is capped, reducing your dosage or switching to another available medication is the best way to stay compliant. Allow enough time beforehand to ensure the smaller dose or new medicine works effectively, and consider making the switch before your trip to give yourself time to adjust.

Some medications can be used for several diagnoses. Hormones used for birth control may also be used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding, Ms. Harmon said. “Doctors need to get creative sometimes. Substitutions can allow authorities to accept the drug as a medical need rather than going against the country’s religious or moral code.”

Reassess Your Travel Plans

Parents with a child doing well on Adderall for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who prefer not to make adjustments on the fly, or a student with bipolar disorder may want to consider vacation or study abroad locations where the medications they rely on for mental health are not banned or restricted.

“Viewpoints on treatment and diagnoses can vary widely,” Ms. Harmon said. “Western Europe and North America understand that brain chemistry is often at the root of these problems. But some countries, like Russia, do not consider mental health challenges as medical problems and often treat them criminally.”

Taiwan Travel Advice and Travel Advisories

Taiwan travel vaccines and advice.

Taïwain is becoming more and more of a tourist destination; many travellers end up extending their stay after the welcome surprise they encounter upon arrival. Taipei, the capital, is a bustling modern metropolis full of beautiful architecture and interesting night markets. Take the time to explore Kaohsiung, a stunning city where you will be able to find the beautiful Lotus Lake and the celebrated Confucius Temple. Nearby, hikers will have the chance to walk the trails and to admire the incredible waterfalls. With its warm and comfortable climate, spending hours at the seaside bathing or swimming in the warm crystalline water will be time well spent.

Recommended travel vaccinations for Taiwan

Recommended medication for travelling to taiwan, current weather in taiwan, medical care in taiwan.

You do not need to worry about treatment in Taiwan, as the doctors are well trained and the medical system is adequate.  You are recommended to use the  International Priority Care Center  and the  Cathay General Hospital  in order to receive medical care. You can experience fine quality treatment from the  National University Hospital  of Taiwan.

There are plenty of pharmacies in Taiwan with well-trained pharmacists who can provide you with great advice. Most of the medical personnel in Taiwan have completed their training in the United States and speak good English.

In order to seek emergency assistance, call  119 . Rest assured that paramedics are well trained and have all the necessary medical equipment for emergency medical situations.

Is Taiwan Safe for Travel?

Do i need a visa to visit taiwan.

Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.

Only a  passport  is required to enter Taiwan for trips under 90 days. Your passport must be  valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure .

Please click  here  for more information.

Embassy of Canada to Taiwan information

When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:

• A legal problem
• A lost passport
• The need to report a crime

It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.

Canadian Trade Office to Taiwan Street Address: 6F, Hua-Hsin (Citibank building), No. 1 SongZhi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei 11047, Taiwan

Tel.:  886 (2) 8723-3000 Fax:  886 (2) 8723-3590

Email:   [email protected]

Please click here for more consular information

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Taiwan

A small island off the coast of China, Taiwan is a destination known for its tropical temperatures and gorgeous landscapes. It boasts cultural attractions in its many beautiful cities as well as many stunning views in its many forests and national parks. This small but versatile island has something to offer to every type of traveler.

Do I Need Vaccines for Taiwan?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Taiwan. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Taiwan: hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , Japanese encephalitis , rabies , meningitis , polio , measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia and influenza .

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

• COVID-19 – Airborne & Direct Contact – Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travelers
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Accelerated schedule available
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
• Japanese Encephalitis – Mosquito – Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travelers, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Most common May to October, throughout island.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
• TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
• Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
• Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
• Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
• Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
• Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
• Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Taiwan is free of rabies in dogs, but wild animal rabies (like in bats) is still present. Rabies vaccination is recommended if working directly with wildlife in Taiwan.

Dengue and chikungunya are both present in Taiwan. The mosquito-borne infections pose a threat to travelers of all kinds. Make sure you bring repellent and netting for your trip.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

Do I Need a Visa for Taiwan?

No, American citizens do not need a visa for Taiwan, provided you plan on staying for less than 90 days. You will need a passport that has one blank page and is valid up until the end of your stay. Proof of a return ticket or ticket for onward travel may be required.

Sources: Embassy of Taiwan and U.S. State Department

What Is the Climate Like in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s climate varies between subtropical and tropical. But, the whole country is likely to have high temperatures and a humid climate for much of the year. Summers can be excessively hot and humid, with heavy rainfall and even typhoons. November to April has milder weather and milder temperatures. This is the most popular time for tourism.

• Taipei – In the capital city of Taipei, located in the northeast, rain is a common occurrence. Even in the winter months Taipei often receives abundant rainfall. In winter, the temperatures usually will not dip below the low-50’s. Summer temps can be in the low-90’s.
• Tainan – A city located in the south of the island, Tainan experiences temperatures like Taipei. But, Tainan receives much less rainfall outside of monsoon season. This means that its winters and springs are much drier.
• Yushan – The city of Yushan is located in central Taiwan, in the mountains. Due to the altitude, Yushan has much colder temperatures than sea-level tropical cities. Temperatures often dip below freezing in the winters. Summers rarely reach higher than the 60’s.

How Safe Is Taiwan?

Avoid an embarrassing stop, over 70% of travelers will have diarrhea., get protected with passport health’s travelers’ diarrhea kit .

Taiwan is a safe country with low crime rates and good healthcare, but travelers should still take some precautions to stay safe. It’s important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions and carry identification and emergency contact information. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and use caution when crossing the street.

Taiwan can be hot and humid, so it’s important to stay hydrated and wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. In the rainy season, be prepared with rain gear and be aware of the risk of flooding and landslides in some areas.

Public transportation is a safe and convenient way to get around, especially in urban areas. Be careful of scams and pick pocketing, and always be cautious when exchanging money or purchasing items from street vendors or markets.

Stay informed by keeping up with the latest news and travel advisories, and register with your embassy or consulate in case of an emergency.

Visit Pagodas and Pavilions in Kaohsiung Port

Most visitors will visit Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan. But few travel out to Kaohsiung, a vibrant city located on the southwestern coast of the island. Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s largest port city, and it offers all the attractions of a busy, bustling city with cultural and historical jewels.

Some of the most well-known attractions in Kaohsiung are the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. The largest Confucian temple in Taiwan is also nearby.

If you want to experience the natural beauty of Taiwan, only an hour and a half drive from Kaohsiung is the Maolin National Scenic Area. This region has stunning forests, gorges, and waterfalls.

What Should I Pack for Taiwan?

Many American brands of goods and clothing are available in Taiwan, but it’s still a good idea to be prepared. When going to Taiwan, it’s always important to pack the essentials, such as:

• Rain Gear – With the unpredictable weather in the country, especially during the summer, a good umbrella and raincoat are a must.
• Light Layers – The climate in Taiwan tends to be very warm, so be sure to bring clothing that can keep you cool. But, the temperature can drop at nights, so a few outer layers are a good idea. If you’ll be in the mountains in winter, you’ll probably want some heavy layers too.
• Mosquito Repellent – Because Taiwan is a tropical island, mosquitoes are common. These insects often carry diseases of various types. Make sure you’re protected with repellents.
• Hand Sanitizer and Tissues – You may find that some public restrooms in Taiwan are missing some basic necessities, such as hand soap or toilet paper. Be prepared for this by bringing a bottle of Purell and a pack of tissues everywhere you go.

U.S. Embassy in Taiwan

All Americans visiting Taiwan should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

Once in Taiwan, the information for the U.S. consular services is:

The American Institute in Taipei, Taiwan 100 Jinhu Road, Neihu District Taipei 114017, Taiwan Telephone: +886-(0)2-2162 2000 ext. 2306 Emergency Telephone: +886-(0)2-2162 2000 Fax: +886-(0)2-2162 2239

The United States maintains an unofficial relationship with Taiwan. The American Institute provides many of the same services as an embassy would.

Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Taiwan travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: April 23, 2024 07:11 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, taiwan - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Taiwan

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The crime rate is low in Taiwan.

Violent crime is rare.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.

Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Telephone or email scams

Foreigners have received calls or emails from scammers claiming to be local authorities or financial institutions. The scammer may try to collect personal information or request a fund transfer to resolve alleged administrative or customs issues.

• Don’t send money to unknown individuals
• Don’t share personal information over the phone or via email

Overseas fraud

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout Taiwan.

Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season. Some roads can become impassable due to heavy rain and landslides.

Motorcycle and scooter drivers don’t respect traffic laws. They are extremely reckless.

• Avoid driving or riding motorcycles in Taiwan, even if you are an experienced motorcyclist
• Be particularly careful when walking or biking
• Always use elevated walkways or pedestrian bridges whenever possible

Latest news - Directorate General of Highways

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place from time to time. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Taiwan. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Taiwan.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days Student visa: required Working visa: required

As a Canadian, you don’t require a tourist or business visa for stays up to 90 days. Once in Taiwan, you may extend your stay for an additional 90 days. You must place your request with the Taiwanese Bureau of Consular Affairs.

If you plan to stay in Taiwan for more than 180 days, you must obtain a visa before arrival.

Information on visas - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Health entry requirements

You may be subject to a non-invasive temperature screening upon arrival at international ports and airports.

If you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, lethargy and sore throat, you may be sent to the hospital for further checks and treatment.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is very good. Service is available throughout Taiwan.

Medical staff may speak English at some clinics or hospitals. Up-front payment is often required before treatment.

Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Foreigners involved in legal proceedings are forbidden from leaving Taiwan until the dispute is settled.

Procedures can be lengthy and local authorities don’t accept bonds or deposits to guarantee court appearances.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis, are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, jail sentences or the death penalty.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, legally available in Canada, are classified as controlled substances in Taiwan. It’s illegal to bring them into the country, even in small quantities, without prior permission.

If you attempt to bring banned medications into Taiwan without prior approval and required documentation, authorities may confiscate them. You may also be subject to heavy fines and jail sentences.

Consult local authorities to determine if you must obtain a permission to import required medication.

• Customs regulations  - Customs administration of Taiwan
• Procedures to import controlled drugs  - Taiwan food and drug administration
• Categories of controlled drugs - Laws and regulations database of Taiwan

Restricted goods

There are strict regulations regarding the importation of:

• animal products

Consult the list of restricted goods before travelling.

Customs regulations - Customs administration of Taiwan

Public defamation laws are similar to those in Canada. However, they are strictly enforced. Be mindful of what you say and write publicly, especially on the internet.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Taiwan.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Taiwan, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

Mandatory military service

You may be subject to mandatory military service if:

• you are a man between 18 and 36 born in Taiwan
• you hold or ever held a Taiwanese passport

This requirement may apply even if you enter Taiwan on your Canadian passport.

Confirm these regulations with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada before travelling

• Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Taiwan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Taiwan by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Taiwan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre
• Teaching English in Taiwan

English teachers are often recruited from abroad.

To work legally in Taiwan, you must have a work permit that specifically states you are permitted to accept employment.

Before accepting an offer:

• check the credibility of the prospective employer with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Canada
• ensure all terms and conditions of employment are clearly stated in the written contract

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan dollar (TWD).

Upon entering or leaving Taiwan, you must make a declaration to customs if you travel with more than USD 10 000, 100 000 TWD or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets.

Earthquake in Hualien County

On April 2, 2024, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coastline near Hualien City, resulting in many casualties.

There is significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, including major roads, across Hualien County. You should check road conditions before travelling.

Powerful aftershocks caused landslides. Aftershocks continue to occur.

You can contact local emergency services at 119.

If you are in an affected area:

• exercise caution
• monitor local media for updates on the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Typhoons and monsoon

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to June. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Typhoons usually occur between May and November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major typhoons.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to Taiwan during this period:

• know that you may expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Weather forecasts and alerts - Central weather Bureau of Taiwan

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Taiwan is in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis may occur.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. The risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

• Earthquakes latest reports - Seismological Centre of Taiwan
• Earthquakes - What to Do?
• Tsunami alerts - U.S. Tsunami Warning System

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 110
• medical assistance: 119
• firefighters: 119

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Trade Office of Canada in Taiwan, in Taipei, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Careful packing: Where your prescription could get you in trouble

When traveling, especially internationally, sometimes the pre-travel checklist feels like it's a mile long.

Not only do you need to do the obvious things like making sure your passport is still valid and verifying whether you need a visa , but you may also need to seek written approval from a country's government to bring certain medications abroad.

I must admit I didn't realize this was a thing until one of my TPG colleagues flagged this requirement she discovered when packing for her family's trip to Japan . Japan is just one country that strongly regulates travel with medicine.

Here's what you need to know about taking your medications to a variety of popular destinations that regulate travel with medicine.

Japan requires advance permission to enter with a variety of medications, including many common over-the-counter medicines openly sold in U.S. drugstores.

The Japanese government labels such drugs as "controlled substances," divided into six categories, including stimulants. Travelers who need these medications must apply for a "Yunyu Kakunin-sho" (or an import certificate), which should be declared and submitted to customs when entering.

Up to two months of approved over-the-counter medicines and four months of vitamins are permitted. Note that disposable contact lenses are also monitored, and those with a two-month supply or greater require an import certificate.

Travelers should also bring a copy of their prescription, along with a note stating the purpose of the medicine, if applicable.

Type of medicine : All medications containing stimulants, including over-the-counter allergy and sinus medications, plus Adderall listed here How to apply : Apply online for an import certificate through the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Amount of medicine : Up to one month of allowable over-the-counter medication and up to a two-month supply of allowable vitamins Cost : N/A Processing time : N/A More information : Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ; Japan's Application for Import Confirmation ; Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle ; Japan Narcotics Control Department

Other Asian countries

• Thailand : Certain medications, including those containing codeine and drugs to treat ADHD, require a permit issued by the Ministry of Public Health .
• Hong Kong : Certain medications — including those with stimulants, such as sleeping pills and anxiety medication — require an import license and import certificate issued by the Department of Health .
• Singapore : Certain medications, including anxiety medication, sleeping pills and painkillers, require advance approval, per the Singapore Health Sciences Authority .
• China : Per various tourist organizations, including China Highlights , visitors must "provide written documentation from a medical institution to prove the necessity of the medicine," including sleeping aids, ADHD medication and painkillers.
• South Korea : Medicines classified as "narcotics" require advance approval via the Korean Food and Drug Administration .

Australia has a traveler's exemption for persons traveling to Australia to enter with certain prescribed medications, including Adderall. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care directs travelers to either secure a prescription for the medicines they're carrying or seek a letter from their doctor specifying that the medicines they've been prescribed are for their personal use.

"Your doctor's letter must specify the name of the medicine and dosage. Ensure the medication remains in its original packaging with the dispensing label intact," per the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. "This will assist with identifying each substance at the border. Be ready to declare all medication to the Australian Border Force upon arrival."

Type of medicine : Certain prescription medicines, including Adderall How to apply : N/A Amount of medicine : Up to three months' worth of medicine and medical devices Cost : N/A Processing time : N/A More information : Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

United Arab Emirates

Travelers to the UAE must apply for approval to carry controlled medication into the country. All other medication, including prescriptions for uncontrolled medication and over-the-counter medication, does not need prior approval. However, the government urges travelers to carry documentation for all medicine, including documentation explaining medical reasons for taking the medication and any other supporting documents.

To determine if your prescription is considered controlled, check with your doctor.

Type of medicine : Controlled medicine, including narcotics and psychotropics How to apply : Online through the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health & Prevention Length of time : Maximum three-month supply for narcotics and controlled medicines; six-month supply for prescriptions Cost : Free Processing time : One business day More information : United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health & Prevention

Europe and Schengen countries

The Schengen Area includes most European Union countries. If you are traveling to this area, a Schengen certification for medicines that fall under the Opium Act, including narcotics, is required. Specific medicines bound by the act include strong painkillers, sleeping pills, anxiety drugs, ADHD medication and medical cannabis.

Since specific requirements vary by each country within the Schengen Area, you should contact the appropriate health agency of the country in question. For example, the Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport provides instructions for travelers to the Netherlands to help obtain this certificate, including a link to the application and a list of prohibited medications that fall under the aforementioned Opium Act. Information can also be found via the relevant U.S. Embassy and or Consulate .

Also note that some countries, including Greece , require further authorization for specific medicines, such as codeine without a prescription, via Greece's National Organization for Medicines.

Bottom line

Regardless of where you are traveling, it's a good idea to keep medicines in their original prescription packaging; this shows the purpose of the medicine and that it's for you and only you. As noted, it's also helpful to pack any accompanying doctor's note.

Related reading:

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• I stayed at an IHG voco hotel for the first time — here are 7 reasons I'd stay again
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Bringing prescription medicine into Taiwan - Taiwan Forum

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Bringing prescription medicine into Taiwan

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See https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293913-i9546-k10168261-Bringing_Prescription_Medicine_to_Taiwan_for_Holiday-Taipei.html

I'd already read that - thanks. It doesn't really answer the question as I imagine not all prescription medicines would be allowed to be imported as is the case with many countries.

My Sis & BIL came recently , both had different set of pills for personal use, did not declare anything.

You can contact :

https://www.taoyuan-airport.com/english/custom

https://etaipei.customs.gov.tw/Default.aspx

Thanks, I will give that a try.

Tripadvisor staff removed this post at the original author's request.

With regard to your e-mail dated June 13, 2018, inquiring about medicine for personal use carried by passengers, we are pleased to reply you as follows:

1.According to Article 11 of the "the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act" and attachment (Schedules and Items of Controlled Drugs) of the " Controlled Drugs Act", Dihydrocodeine is classified as controlled medicine.

2.According to attachment to Article 4 of the " Regulations Governing the Declaration, Inspection, Duty and Release of Personal Luggage or Goods of Inward passengers", passengers carrying controlled medicine shall present prescriptions (or supporting documents) of their own and the amount carried shall not exceed the amount stated on the prescriptions (or the diagnosis papers) or that for over 6 months use.

3.If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us : (02)25505500 extension 2515.

Sincerely Yours,

Customs Administration, Ministry Of Finance

Have you bring the prescription from Walgreens pharmacy?

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Travelfornoobs

The Ultimate Taiwan Packing List

Taiwan packing list – all the things you should not forget, what to take in your bag for taiwan.

You’ve booked your plane ticket and the time of departure is fast approaching? After the joys of such a decision, comes the question of knowing what to put in your suitcase to go to Taiwan. No need to panic, we have prepared a very complete list of the essential things to bring to make sure you don’t miss anything once you are there.

In order to leave no room for unforeseen events, it’s of course preferable to go through this list a few days before leaving rather than the day before departure, as you might miss some items.

Take the time to read and download it in order to identify the things that you absolutely must pack and that you might miss and that could make you lose time and money if you forget them.

You will also need to think about packing according to the type of accommodation you will be staying in, the different modes of transportation you will use during your trip, the climate and the season, as well as the activities you plan to do.

In order to help you prepare your suitcase, this checklist of the essential things to bring in Taiwan gathers several categories: clothes, accessories, various objects… It will allow you to have a concrete vision of a typical suitcase for Taiwan.

An advice, think of keeping some space in your luggage if you wish to bring back souvenirs or to make some clothing shopping on the spot.

Thanks to this travel list, preparing your bag for Taiwan will be a real child’s play and you will just have to enjoy your adventure!

Note : This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.

• Important hings to do before you go
• Essential documents
• Transport essentials
• Backpack & luggage
• Clothing and shoes
• Hygiene & Toiletries
• Photo, Video & High Tech
• Useful accessories
• Medication and first aid kit
• Activities and Useful Links (+ Printable checklist PDF)

1/ Important things to do before you go

 Prepare your travel itinerary  Apply for a visa (if necessary)  Make your vaccinations (if necessary)  Check-up at the doctor / dentist  Take out a travel insurance  Photocopy or scan important documents (passport)  Write down e-mail and useful phone numbers in your address book  Warn your bank about your trip abroad (if necessary)  Book accomodation for your first night ( Do it now before everything is fully booked! Check the best hotels on Booking )  Download offline applications and maps for Maps.me  Download movies offline   Prepare your favorite music playlist  Turn off or turn down the heat of your house  Empty garbage cans  Water the plants   Give a copy of your house/car keys to a family member or friend  Close doors and windows

2/ Essential documents

Even before you buy your plane ticket, remember to check the validity of your passport : it must be valid for at least six months after your return date (for some countries) and have a blank page. Another tip: send your important documents to a secondary email in case you lose them.

   Passport   ID card    Plane or train ticket (have a paper copy just in case)   Reservation documents (e-ticket, train ticket, hotel reservation)   Visa (if necessary)   International driver’s license, if you wish to rent a car   Health insurance card   Travel insurance   Credit card   Cash   Useful numbers in case of emergency   Itinerary and address of your accommodation (hotel / AirBnB / camping)   Vaccination certificate   Diving license, sailing license, etc.   Some business cards with your contact information, email, blog, website

3/ Transport essentials

The little things to have with you at all times during the flight or the trip by train or bus:

 Phone and charger  Book / Magazine / Kindle / Travel Guide  MP3 player   Chewing gum   Pen + notepad  Travel pillow ( my favorite )  Sleep mask ( my favorite )   Earplugs   Snacks / sandwich   Small water bottle  Nasal ointment for dry nose  Sunglasses   Glasses case   Watch   Hand sanitizer   Disposable face mask   Tissues   Motion sickness medication

4/ Backpack & luggage

 Waterproof dry bag ( my favorite )  Handbag   Travel laundry bag ( my favorite )  Carry-on suitcase ( my favorite )  Travel bag ( my favorite )   Luggage tag ( my favorite )   Travel Packing Organizers ( my favorite )   Rain cover for backpack ( my favorite )   Zippered carry-on bag   Shoe bag ( my favorite )   Fanny pack   Lightweight foldable backpack ( my favorite )

5/ Clothing and shoes

  Socks  Underwear (panties, thongs, bras, briefs, boxers…)  Tank tops  Skirt ♀  Dress ♀  Pajamas  T-shirts  Long sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Short sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Polo shirt ( for her , for him )   Sweatshirt / pullover ( for her , for him )   Jeans   Lightweight pants ( for her , for him )   Money belt ( my favorite )   Shorts   Jogging suit   Jacket / coat   K-way ( for her , for him )   Windbreaker ( for her , for him )  Hat / cap / beanie   Scarf / bandana   Swimsuit   Buff scarf ( my favorite )

For shoes, you will have to choose according to the activities you plan to do:

 Comfortable walking shoes   Shoes for going out (restaurants, bars, clubs…)  Flip-flops (for the beach, showers…) ( for her , for him )  Hiking shoes ( for her , for him )  Sandals ( for her , for him )   Water shoes for walking in water (beaches, waterfalls, rivers…) ( for her , for him )  Light trekking shoes ( for her , for him )  Crocs

6/ Hygiene & Toiletries

 Microfiber towel ( my favorite )   Toilet bag   Portable Travel Bottles ( my favorite )  Toothbrush & toothpaste  Dental floss  Soap   Shampoo   Facial cleanser   Nail clippers   Cotton buds (biodegradable)   Tweezers   Make-up   Deodorant   Comb / Hairbrush   Razor & shaving foam ♂   Biodegradable wipes ( my favorite )   Toilet paper roll   Perfume   Makeup ♀   Contact Lenses   Contact lens product   Pocket mirror

7/ Photo, Video & High Tech

For photographers and videographers:

 Camera  Lens  Memory card  Polarizing filters   ND filter   Extra battery   Charger + cable + plug adapter   Cleaning kit   External hard drive   USB key   Stabilizer   Drone ( my favorite )    Waterproof phone case   Flash   Solar charger ( my favorite )    Gopro ( my favorite )   Waterproof case   Selfie Pole  External battery / Powerbank ( my favorite ) 

Don’t forget:

 Portable speaker  Ipad / Tablet  Laptop PC  External battery  Headphones or noise cancelling headphones ( my favorite )

Useful apps to download before you go to Taiwan:

 AirBnB  Booking  Couchsurfing  Flush – Public Toilet Finder (Useful for finding toilets!)  Google Maps  Google Translator  Google Trips  Lonely Planet Guide  LoungeBuddy  Maps.me  Meetup  Tripadvisor  Uber  Whatsapp  XE Currency

8/ Useful accessories

The accessories you will take in your bag for Taiwan will depend on your travel style:

  TSA lock ( my favorite )  Headlamp ( my favorite )  Sleeping bag ( my favorite )  Sheets ( my favorite )  Swiss Army knife (not in the hand luggage!) ( my favorite )  Travel clothesline ( my favorite )  Powdered or liquid detergent  Clothes pegs  Spork ( my favorite )  Ziploc bags  Lighter  Folding umbrella ( my favorite )  Toilet paper  Mosquito repellent ( my favorite )   Mosquito net ( my favorite )   Sunscreen cream  Aloe vera gel   Waterproof pouch for smartphone    For hikers : GPS, map, compass, water bottle   Walking stick ( my favorite )   Anti-sweat talcum powder ( my favorite )   Beach towel ( my favorite )   Sawyer water filter ( must-have !)  Pills to purify non-drinking water   Mask, snorkel, fins   Diving accessories (gloves, dive computer, lamp, knife…)

9/ Medication and first aid kit

I suggest that you consult your doctor and dentist before leaving. Beware of unauthorized medication and remember to keep your vaccinations up to date!

If you have a treatment don’t forget to take your personal medication and your prescription if necessary (or medical certificate).

You can buy a first aid kit already prepared ( my favorite ).

  Cotton buds   Tweezers   Round-tipped scissors   Pairs of single-use latex gloves  Bandages   Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain   Sterile compresses   Disinfectant spray for wounds   Physiological saline solution in pods (wound cleaning)   Condoms and other contraceptives

For longer trips and higher risk locations, we can also add:

  Sterile adhesive skin sutures (steristrips)   Rehydration solutions (in case of dehydration)   Water purification tablets   Water decontamination tablets (Aquatabs or Micropur)   Medication for altitude   Medication for sore throat    Anti-malarial medication   Survival blanket   Tick tweezers   Ointment against itching (antihistamine)   Probiotics for the stomach   Corticosteroid pills and cream   Analgesics (painkillers)   Survival blanket   Cold medicine (decongestant)   Biafine (in case of burns or sunburns)   Broad-spectrum antibiotics without a prescription   Anti-diarrhea tablets (immodium, smecta)

10/ Activities and Useful Links + Printable checklist

You can download the complete travel list in PDF format and print it by clicking here.

Book your hotel in Taiwan now on Booking.com

AirBnb : Get a discount for your first booking!

Book now your activities in Taiwan on Getyourguide:

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What does Taiwan get from the foreign aid bill and why is the US economy among the biggest winners?

The sweeping foreign aid package passed by congress has drawn the ire of China, but billions of dollars will actually stay in the US

Taiwan’s president Tsai Ing-wen has praised the US Congress for passing a sweeping foreign aid package this week which included arms support for the island, and has drawn the ire of China.

After months of delays and contentious debate, the bill was signed into law by Joe Biden on Wednesday . Described as $95bn in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, the legislation actually contains provisions that broadly affect many parts of the Asia-Pacific, while also spending billions of dollars at home in America.

House Republicans billed the $8.1bn for the Indo-Pacific as an effort to “counter communist China and ensure a strong deterrence in the region,” however the largest provision of funding is for projects in the US itself.

In the face of delayed shipbuilding projects, $3.3bn of the bill will go towards the US domestic submarine-building industry.

$1.9bn is designated for a Columbia-class submarine – America’s newest class of nuclear-powered submarine – the first of which is due to be delivered in 2027. Another $200m is designated for a Virginia-class submarine.

The vast majority of this money will be spent in the United States, with more than 16,000 suppliers across all 50 states set to benefit, according to Connor Fiddler at the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

“Nearly half of the Indo-Pacific appropriations directly reinforce the submarine industrial base,” Fiddler wrote in his analysis of the package . “While this investment will enhance deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, the immediate impact will be supporting the American economy.”

The submarine funding was a condition of congressional endorsement of the Aukus deal between the US, UK and Australia, and is aimed at ensuring the US can produce Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines for Australia without undermining its own capability requirements.

Another $2bn of funding in the aid package will go towards the foreign military financing program for Taiwan and other security partners in the Indo-Pacific, who the US says are “confronting Chinese aggression.”

According to US officials, the foreign financing program allows eligible partner nations to “purchase US defense articles, services, and training”.

A further $1.9bn will go towards defence related expenses provided to Taiwan and other regional partners, while $542m will specifically strengthen US military capabilities in the region.

On Wednesday, China criticised the package, saying that such funding was pushing Taiwan into a “dangerous situation.”

Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office said the aid “seriously violates” US commitments to China and “sends a wrong signal to the Taiwan independence separatist forces.”

Separately, Taiwan has signed billions in contracts with the US for latest-generation F-16V fighter jets, M1 Abrams main battle tanks and the HIMARS rocket system, which the US has also supplied to Ukraine.

The United States is Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly demanded arms sales stop.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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Follow our news, recent searches, taiwan hit by dozens of strong aftershocks from deadly quake, advertisement.

This picture released by Taiwan’s Central News Agency on Apr 22, 2024, shows fallen rocks on Suhua highway after an earthquake in Hualien. (Photo: AFP/Taiwan’s Central News Agency)

TAIPEI: Taiwan's eastern county of Hualien was shaken by dozens of earthquakes overnight and into Tuesday (Apr 23) that left buildings swaying and some tilting, with the government saying they were aftershocks from a huge deadly quake that hit the island more than two weeks ago.

The strongest, which the US Geological Survey measured at magnitude 6.1, hit around 2.30am local time, followed minutes later by a 6.0 tremor.

Authorities said there were no casualties reported so far, but the non-stop shaking meant a restless night even for those in the capital Taipei about 150km north, where walls and glass panels rattled in swaying homes.

"I was too scared to move and stayed in bed," said office worker Kevin Lin, 53, in Taipei, who told AFP he was jolted awake by the intense quakes.

Around 8am, a 5.8-magnitude tremor shook the capital as commuters made their way to work.

The tremors started Monday around 5pm and by about 10.30am the next day, the Central Weather Administration said it had recorded more than 200 quakes.

All had originated from Hualien.

The mountainous county was the epicentre of a magnitude-7.4 quake that hit Apr 3 , which Taiwan said was the "strongest in 25 years", triggering landslides that blocked roads and severely damaged buildings around the main Hualien city.

At least 17 people were killed, with the latest body found in a quarry on Apr 13.

Singaporean couple  Sim Hwee Kok and Neo Siew Choo are the only people still unaccounted for. They are believed to have gone missing along the Shakadang Trail.

A hotel building in Hualien that was previously damaged started tilting at an angle on Tuesday after the quakes, according to footage obtained by AFP.

"Please come out for your safety. Let's evacuate first OK? Anyone still inside? Please come down," shouted a firefighter to the residents of nearby buildings.

Hsu-ho Lin told local news channel Formosa TV that he had immediately run over to the hotel building because his grandma lives there and she "kept refusing to leave".

"My grandmother insisted on staying and my grandfather could not persuade her," Lin said, adding that they were now evacuating from the building.

The first floor of a nearby residential building was flattened by Tuesday's quakes, its tilting frame precariously propped up by metal beams.

Tenants had already evacuated from there after the Apr 3 quake, and the building was awaiting demolition.

Taiwan is still feeling aftershocks after last week's deadly earthquake, with one rocking Taipei today, causing buildings to shake. Rescue efforts are continuing in disaster-hit Hualien county, six days since the quake struck. Six people remain missing, among them a mother and her two young children, as well as a Singaporean couple. Three family members of the missing couple have arrived in Hualien. Heavy machinery have been deployed to clear roads in order to expedite the search. Victoria Jen reports. 

"SWARM OF SEISMICITY"

Taiwan sees frequent earthquakes due to its location at the junction of two tectonic plates, and the Apr 3 quake was followed by more than 1,100 aftershocks - causing rockfalls and tremors around Hualien.

A Taipei government seismologist said the latest "swarm" of tremors originated to the south of the main April quake, unlike the earlier ones which had been mainly to the north.

Earthquake scientist Judith Hubbard said the aftershocks coming after the Apr 3 earthquake - which decayed over two weeks - was a way for the ground to "slowly adjust back to normal" after a tectonic shift.

But Monday and Tuesday's quakes showed "a new pattern of seismic activity emerging, this swarm of seismicity".

"It's not decaying back down in the way we expect so it means something else is happening down there," Hubbard told AFP.

"It suggests there might be fluids - like hot water - on the faults that might be moving ... If it becomes very pressurised, it can push the fault apart and make it easier for the fault to slip."

It remains unclear if this could trigger a large earthquake again, but "this swarm is a certainly good opportunity for people in the region to revisit their recently tested earthquake preparations", Hubbard wrote in her "Earthquake Insights" newsletter.

The Apr 3 tremor was the most serious in Taiwan since 1999 when a magnitude-7.6 quake hit the island. The death toll then was far higher, with 2,400 people killed in the deadliest natural disaster in the island's history.

Stricter building regulations - including enhanced seismic requirements in its building codes - and widespread public disaster awareness had staved off a more serious catastrophe in the Apr 3 quake.

Taiwan's search dogs win hearts in search for quake victims

Taiwan earthquake: Missing Singapore couple only ones still unaccounted for

The world's largest contract chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC), whose factories are on the island's western coast, said some staff at a small number of factories were evacuated, but facility and safety systems were functioning normally and all personnel were safe.

"Currently, we do not expect any impact on operations," it said in an email.

Investors brushed off concerns about the quake, with TSMC's Taipei-listed shares up 1.75 per cent on Tuesday morning.

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• Section 2 - Vaccination & Immunoprophylaxis— General Principles
• Section 2 - Yellow Fever Vaccine & Malaria Prevention Information, by Country

Interactions Between Travel Vaccines & Drugs

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Ilan Youngster, Elizabeth Barnett

Vaccine–Vaccine Interactions

Travel vaccines & drugs, antimalarial drugs, drugs used for travel to high elevations, hiv medications, herbal & nutritional supplements.

During pretravel consultations, travel health providers must consider potential interactions between vaccines and medications, including those already taken by the traveler. A study by S. Steinlauf et al. identified potential drug–drug interactions with travel-related medications in 45% of travelers taking medications for chronic conditions; 3.5% of these interactions were potentially serious.

Most common vaccines can be given safely and effectively at the same visit, at separate injection sites, without impairing antibody response or increasing rates of adverse reactions. However, certain vaccines, including pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines and live virus vaccines, require appropriate spacing; further information about vaccine–vaccine interactions is found in Sec. 2, Ch. 3, Vaccination & Immunoprophylaxis—General Principles .

Live Attenuated Oral Typhoid & Cholera Vaccines

Live attenuated vaccines generally should be avoided in immunocompromised travelers, including those taking antimetabolites, calcineurin inhibitors, cytotoxic agents, immunomodulators, and high-dose steroids (see Table 3-04 ).

Chloroquine and atovaquone-proguanil at doses used for malaria chemoprophylaxis can be given concurrently with oral typhoid vaccine. Data from an older formulation of the CVD 103-HgR oral cholera vaccine suggest that the immune response to the vaccine might be diminished when given concomitantly with chloroquine. Administer live attenuated oral cholera vaccine ≥10 days before beginning antimalarial prophylaxis with chloroquine. A study in children using oral cholera vaccine suggested no decrease in immunogenicity when given with atovaquone-proguanil.

Antimicrobial Agents

Antimicrobial agents can be active against the vaccine strains in the oral typhoid and cholera vaccines and might prevent adequate immune response to these vaccines. Therefore, delay vaccination with oral typhoid vaccine by >72 hours and delay oral cholera vaccine by >14 days after administration of antimicrobial agents. Parenteral typhoid vaccine is an alternative to the oral typhoid vaccine for travelers who have recently received antibiotics.

Rabies Vaccine

Concomitant use of chloroquine can reduce the antibody response to intradermal rabies vaccine administered as a preexposure vaccination. Use the intramuscular route for people taking chloroquine concurrently. Intradermal administration of rabies vaccine is not currently approved for use in the United States (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 19, . . . perspectives: Rabies Immunization ).

Any time a new medication is prescribed, including antimalarial drugs, check for known or possible drug interactions (see Table 2-05 ) and inform the traveler of potential risks. Online clinical decision support tools (e.g., Micromedex) provide searchable databases of drug interactions.

Atovaquone-Proguanil

Antibiotics.

Rifabutin, rifampin, and tetracycline might reduce plasma concentrations of atovaquone and should not be used concurrently with atovaquone-proguanil.

• Anticoagulants

Patients on warfarin might need to reduce their anticoagulant dose or monitor their prothrombin time more closely while taking atovaquone-proguanil, although coadministration of these drugs is not contraindicated. The use of novel oral anticoagulants, including dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban, is not expected to cause significant interactions, and their use has been suggested as an alternative for patients in need of anticoagulation.

Antiemetics

Metoclopramide can reduce bioavailability of atovaquone; unless no other antiemetics are available, this antiemetic should not be used to treat vomiting associated with the use of atovaquone at treatment doses.

Antihistamines

Travelers taking atovaquone-proguanil for malaria prophylaxis should avoid using cimetidine (an H2 receptor antagonist) because this medication interferes with proguanil metabolism.

Atovaquone-proguanil might interact with the antiretroviral protease inhibitors atazanavir, darunavir, indinavir, lopinavir, and ritonavir, or the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) efavirenz, etravirine, and nevirapine, resulting in decreased levels of atovaquone-proguanil. For travelers taking any of these medications, consider alternative malaria chemoprophylaxis .

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Fluvoxamine interferes with the metabolism of proguanil; consider an alternative antimalarial prophylaxis to atovaquone-proguanil for travelers taking this selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Chloroquine

Antacids & Antidiarrheals

Chloroquine absorption might be reduced by antacids or kaolin; travelers should wait ≥4 hours between doses of these medications.

Chloroquine inhibits bioavailability of ampicillin, and travelers should wait ≥2 hours between doses of these medications. Chloroquine should not be coadministered with either clarithromycin or erythromycin; azithromycin is a suggested alternative . Chloroquine also reportedly decreases the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin.

Concomitant use of cimetidine and chloroquine should be avoided because cimetidine can inhibit the metabolism of chloroquine and increase drug levels.

CYP2D6 Enzyme Substrates

Chloroquine is a CYP2D6 enzyme inhibitor. Monitor patients taking chloroquine concomitantly with other substrates of this enzyme (e.g., flecainide, fluoxetine, metoprolol, paroxetine, propranolol) for side effects.

CYP3A4 Enzyme Inhibitors

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, ketoconazole, ritonavir) can increase chloroquine levels; concomitant use should be avoided.

Chloroquine can increase digoxin levels; additional monitoring is warranted.

Immunosuppressants

Chloroquine decreases the bioavailability of methotrexate. Chloroquine also can cause increased levels of calcineurin inhibitors; use caution when prescribing chloroquine to travelers taking these agents.

QT-Prolonging Agents

Avoid prescribing chloroquine to anyone taking other QT-prolonging agents (e.g., amiodarone, lumefantrine, sotalol); when taken in combination, chloroquine might increase the risk for prolonged QTc interval. In addition, the antiretroviral rilpivirine has also been shown to prolong QTc, and clinicians should avoid coadministration with chloroquine.

Doxycycline

Antacids, Bismuth Subsalicylate, Iron

Absorption of tetracyclines might be impaired by aluminum-, calcium-, or magnesium-containing antacids, bismuth subsalicylate, and preparations containing iron; advise patients not to take these preparations within 3 hours of taking doxycycline.

Doxycycline can interfere with the bactericidal activity of penicillin; thus, in general, clinicians should not prescribe these drugs together. Coadministration of doxycycline with rifabutin or rifampin can lower doxycycline levels; monitor doxycycline efficacy closely or consider alternative therapy.

Patients on warfarin might need to reduce their anticoagulant dose while taking doxycycline because of its ability to depress plasma prothrombin activity.

Anticonvulsants

Barbiturates, carbamazepine, and phenytoin can decrease the half-life of doxycycline.

Antiretrovirals

Doxycycline has no known interaction with antiretroviral agents.

Concurrent use of doxycycline and calcineurin inhibitors or mTOR inhibitors (sirolimus) can cause increased levels of these immunosuppressant drugs.

Mefloquine can interact with several categories of drugs, including anticonvulsants, other antimalarial drugs, and drugs that alter cardiac conduction.

Mefloquine can lower plasma levels of several anticonvulsant medications, including carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and valproic acid; avoid concurrent use of mefloquine with these agents.

Mefloquine is associated with increased toxicities of the antimalarial drug lumefantrine, which is available in the United States in fixed combination to treat people with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The combination of mefloquine and lumefantrine can cause potentially fatal QTc interval prolongation. Lumefantrine should therefore be avoided or used with caution in patients taking mefloquine prophylaxis.

CYP3A4 Enzyme Inducers

CYP3A4 inducers include medications used to treat HIV or HIV-associated infections (e.g., efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine, rifabutin) and tuberculosis (rifampin). St. John’s wort and glucocorticoids are also CYP3A4 inducers. All these drugs (rifabutin and rifampin, in particular) can decrease plasma concentrations of mefloquine, thereby reducing its efficacy as an antimalarial drug.

Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., antiretroviral protease inhibitors, atazanavir, cobicistat [available in combination with elvitegravir], darunavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir); azole antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole); macrolide antibiotics (azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin); and SSRIs (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline), can increase levels of mefloquine and thus increase the risk for QT prolongation.

Although no conclusive data are available regarding coadministration of mefloquine and other drugs that can affect cardiac conduction, avoid mefloquine use, or use it with caution, in patients taking antiarrhythmic or β-blocking agents, antihistamines (H1 receptor antagonists), calcium channel receptor antagonists, phenothiazines, SSRIs, or tricyclic antidepressants.

Concomitant use of mefloquine can cause increased levels of calcineurin inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors (cyclosporine A, sirolimus, tacrolimus).

Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Protease Inhibitors

Avoid concurrent use of mefloquine and direct-acting protease inhibitors (boceprevir and telaprevir) used to treat hepatitis C. Newer direct-acting protease inhibitors (grazoprevir, paritaprevir, simeprevir) are believed to be associated with fewer drug–drug interactions, but safety data are lacking; consider alternatives to mefloquine pending additional data.

Psychiatric Medications

Avoid prescribing mefloquine to travelers with a history of mood disorders or psychiatric disease; this information is included in the US Food and Drug Administration boxed warning for mefloquine.

Table 2-05 Drugs & drug classes that can interact with selected antimalarials

ANTIMALARIALS

DRUGS & DRUG CLASSES THAT CAN INTERACT

Atovaquone- proguanil

• Fluvoxamine
• Metoclopromide
• Tetracycline
• Calcineurin inhibitors
• Ciprofloxacin
• CYP2D6 enzyme substrates 1
• CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors 2
• Methotrexate
• QT- prolonging agents 3
• Bismuth subsalicylate
• Barbiturates
• Carbamazepine
• Iron- containing preparations
• mTOR inhibitors
• Antiarrhythmic agents
• Beta blockers
• Calcium channel receptor antagonists
• CYP3A4 enzyme inducers 4
• H1 receptor antagonists
• Lumefantrine
• Phenothiazines
• Protease inhibitors
• Tricyclic antidepressants

1 Examples include flecainide, fluoxetine, metoprolol, paroxetine, and propranolol.

2 Examples include antiretroviral protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, darunavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir); azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole); macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline); and cobicistat.

3 Examples include amiodarone, lumefantrine, and sotalol.

4 Examples include efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine, rifabutin, rifampin, and glucocorticoids.

Drugs Used to Treat Travelers’ Diarrhea

Antimicrobials commonly prescribed as treatment for travelers’ diarrhea have the potential for interacting with several different classes of drugs ( Table 2-06 ). As mentioned previously, online clinical decision support tools provide searchable databases that can help identify interactions with medications a person may already be taking.

Azithromycin

Increased anticoagulant effects have been noted when azithromycin is used with warfarin; monitor prothrombin time for people taking these drugs concomitantly.

Because additive QTc prolongation can occur when azithromycin is used with the antimalarial artemether, avoid concomitant therapy.

Drug interactions have been reported with the macrolide antibiotics, clarithromycin and erythromycin; antiretroviral protease inhibitors; and the NNRTIs, efavirenz and nevirapine. Concomitant use of azithromycin and these drugs can increase the risk of QTc prolongation, but a short treatment course is not contraindicated for those without an underlying cardiac abnormality. When azithromycin is used with the protease inhibitor nelfinavir, advise patients about possible drug interactions.

Concurrent use of macrolides with calcineurin inhibitors can cause increased levels of drugs belonging to this class of immunosuppressants.

Fluoroquinolones

Concurrent administration of ciprofloxacin and antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum hydroxide can reduce bioavailability of ciprofloxacin.

An increase in the international normalized ratio (INR) has been reported when levofloxacin and warfarin are used concurrently.

Asthma Medication

Ciprofloxacin decreases clearance of theophylline and caffeine; clinicians should monitor theophylline levels when ciprofloxacin is used concurrently.

Immunosuppresants

Fluoroquinolones can increase levels of calcineurin inhibitors, and doses should be adjusted for renal function.

Sildenafil should not be used by patients taking ciprofloxacin; concomitant use is associated with increased rates of adverse effects. Ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones should not be used in patients taking tizanidine.

Rifamycin SV

No clinical drug interactions have been studied. Because of minimal systemic rifamycin concentrations observed after the recommended dose, clinically relevant drug interactions are not expected.

Rifaximin is not absorbed in appreciable amounts by intact bowel, and no clinically significant drug interactions have been reported to date with rifaximin except for minor changes in INR when used concurrently with warfarin.

Table 2-06 Drugs & drug classes that can interact with selected antibiotics

ANTIBIOTICS

• HIV medications
• Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxide
• Theophylline

No clinical drug interactions have been studied; none are expected

Before prescribing the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, acetazolamide, to those planning high elevation travel, carefully review with them the complete list of medications they are already taking ( Table 2-07 ).

Acetazolamide

Acetaminophen & Diclofenac Sodium

Acetaminophen and diclofenac sodium form complex bonds with acetazolamide in the stomach’s acidic environment, impairing absorption. Neither agent should be taken within 30 minutes of acetazolamide. Patients taking acetazolamide also can experience decreased excretion of anticholinergics, dextroamphetamine, ephedrine, mecamylamine, mexiletine, and quinidine.

Acetazolamide should not be given to patients taking the anticonvulsant topiramate because concurrent use is associated with toxicity.

Barbiturates & Salicylates

Acetazolamide causes alkaline urine, which can increase the rate of excretion of barbiturates and salicylates and could cause salicylate toxicity, particularly in patients taking a high dose of aspirin.

• Corticosteroids

Hypokalemia caused by corticosteroids could occur when used concurrently with acetazolamide.

Diabetes Medications

Use caution when concurrently administering metformin and acetazolamide because of increased risk for lactic acidosis.

Monitor cyclosporine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus more closely when given with acetazolamide.

Dexamethasone

Using dexamethasone to treat altitude illness can be lifesaving. Dexamethasone interacts with several classes of drugs, however, including: anticholinesterases, anticoagulants, digitalis preparations, hypoglycemic agents, isoniazid, macrolide antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and phenytoin.

Table 2-07 Drugs & drug classes that can interact with selected altitude illness drugs

ALTITUDE ILLNESS DRUG

• Acetaminophen
• Anticholinergics
• Aspirin, high dose
• Dextroamphetamine
• Diclofenac sodium
• Mecamylamine
• Anticholinesterases
• Digitalis preparations
• Hypoglycemic agents
• Macrolide antibiotics
• Oral contraceptives

Patients with HIV require additional consideration in the pretravel consultation (see Sec. 3, Ch. 1, Immunocompromised Travelers ). A study from Europe showed that ≤29% of HIV-positive travelers disclose their disease and medication status when seeking pretravel advice. Antiretroviral medications have multiple drug interactions, especially through their activation or inhibition of the CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes.

Several instances of antimalarial prophylaxis and treatment failure in patients taking protease inhibitors and both nucleoside and NNRTIs have been reported. By contrast, entry and integrase inhibitors are not a common cause of drug–drug interactions with commonly administered travel-related medications. Several potential interactions are listed above, and 2 excellent resources for HIV medication interactions can be found at  HIV Drug Interactions and HIV.gov . HIV preexposure prophylaxis with emtricitabine/tenofovir is not a contraindication for any of the commonly used travel-related medications.

Up to 30% of travelers take herbal or nutritional supplements. Many travelers consider them to be of no clinical relevance and might not disclose their use unless specifically asked during the pretravel consultation. Clinicians should give special attention to supplements that activate or inhibit CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 enzymes (e.g., ginseng, grapefruit extract, hypericum, St. John’s wort). Advise patients against coadministration of herbal and nutritional supplements with medications that are substrates for CYP2D6 or 3A4 enzymes, including chloroquine, macrolides, and mefloquine.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Ilan Youngster, Elizabeth D. Barnett

Bibliography

Frenck RW Jr., Gurtman A, Rubino J, Smith W, van Cleeff M, Jayawardene D, et al. Randomized, controlled trial of a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine administered concomitantly with an influenza vaccine in healthy adults. Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2012;19(8):1296–303.

Jabeen E, Qureshi R, Shah A. Interaction of antihypertensive acetazolamide with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2013;125:155–63.

Kollaritsch H, Que JU, Kunz C, Wiedermann G, Herzog C, Cryz SJ Jr. Safety and immunogenicity of live oral cholera and typhoid vaccines administered alone or in combination with antimalarial drugs, oral polio vaccine, or yellow fever vaccine. J Infect Dis. 1997;175(4):871–5.

Nascimento Silva JR, Camacho LA, Siqueira MM, Freire Mde S, Castro YP, Maia Mde L, et al. Mutual interference on the immune response to yellow fever vaccine and a combined vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella. Vaccine. 2011;29(37):6327–34.

Nielsen US, Jensen-Fangel S, Pedersen G, Lohse N, Pedersen C, Kronborg G, et al. Travelling with HIV: a cross sectional analysis of Danish HIV-infected patients. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2014;12(1):72–8.

Ridtitid W, Wongnawa M, Mahatthanatrakul W, Raungsri N, Sunbhanich M. Ketoconazole increases plasma concentrations of antimalarial mefloquine in healthy human volunteers. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2005;30(3):285–90.

Sbaih N, Buss B, Goyal D, Rao SR, Benefield R, Walker AT, et al. Potentially serious drug interactions resulting from the pre-travel health encounter. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2018;5(11):ofy266.

Stienlauf S, Meltzer E, Kurnik D, Leshem E, Kopel E, Streltsin B, et al. Potential drug interactions in travelers with chronic illnesses: a large retrospective cohort study. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2014;12(5):499–504.

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• International

House passes key foreign aid package

By Kaanita Iyer, Shania Shelton and Isabelle D'Antonio, CNN

The House just voted on a potential TikTok ban (again). Now what?

From CNN's Brian Fung

House lawmakers have once again passed legislation that could lead to a nationwide TikTok ban, renewing a massive threat to the company’s US operations.

Here’s what we know, and how it could affect you:

Didn’t the House vote on something like this recently?

Yes. In March, House lawmakers approved a bill that would give TikTok roughly six months to sell or the app would be prohibited from US app stores and from “internet hosting services” that support it.

What makes this bill different?

Instead of a six-month deadline, TikTok would have roughly nine months, which could be extended by President Joe Biden by 90 days if he determines there’s been progress toward a sale. Also, the bill has now been inserted into a larger foreign aid package, which makes it much harder for lawmakers to oppose the measure.

Could the Senate vote on the foreign aid package without the TikTok language?

Senators could try to strip out the TikTok legislation, but policy analysts view it as unlikely, as quickly approving the foreign aid is a top congressional priority.

What does this mean for my use of the app?

If the Senate votes to approve the TikTok legislation, it heads to the desk of Biden, who endorsed the prior version of the bill and may quickly sign any foreign aid package that includes similar language targeting TikTok.

In theory, that would start the 270-day clock for TikTok to find a buyer. If it can’t separate from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, then users could be cut off. But that is still a big “if.”

The House passed a key foreign aid package. Catch up on what happened

The House on Saturday passed a key package that provides aid to Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific region, while also addressing GOP legislative priorities, such as sanctions on Iran and a potential ban on TikTok.

Here's what you need to know:

It's a $95 billion package

• The bills provide nearly $61 billion for Ukraine, more than $26 billion for Israel and more than $8 billion for Indo-Pacific security.

The package could lead to a TikTok ban

• The fourth bill in the package would place sanctions on the seizure of frozen Russian sovereign assets and a measure that could lead to a  nationwide ban of TikTok . 
• If passed, the bill would give the app's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell the social media company or it would be banned from US app stores.

How the House voted on each measure

• Ukraine aid: 311-112. This was the most contentious bill and it received unanimous support from Democrats, while Republicans were split.
• Israel aid: 366-58
• Indo-Pacific aid: 385-34
• TikTok and Iran sanctions bill : 360-58

What happens next

• The legislation will be combined into one amendment before being sent to the Senate, where lawmakers will begin voting on it Tuesday. 
• The Senate is likely to pass the package, which would then head to President Joe Biden , who has signaled that he would sign it.

Speaker Johnson's job is safe, for now

• Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she won’t move forward with her  motion to vacate House Speaker Mike Johnson on Saturday to allow her GOP colleagues to hear from their constituents during the one-week recess.

Palestinian official condemns vote by US House for aid package to Israel

From CNN's Eyad Kourdi

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, voiced strong condemnation of the US House's approval of a $26 billion aid package for Israel, claiming the funding will directly correlate to the increasing number of Palestinian casualties, according to a statement published Saturday by WAFA, the official Palestinian agency.

Abu Rudeineh criticized the support, claiming it gives Israel the green light to broaden the war across the region and undermines the prospects for regional and global stability.

"US security aid [to Israel] constitutes a dangerous escalation and aggression against the Palestinian people," Abu Rudeineh added.

19 House Progressive Caucus members say Israel aid bill "could result in more killings of civilians"

From CNN's Philip Wang and Sahar Akbarzai

Nineteen members of the House Progressive Caucus who voted against further aid to Israel said Saturday that “we make ourselves complicit in this tragedy” if Congress continues to supply military assistance amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza .

More than 34,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began in October, according to the Ministry of Health there.

The statement also called for a ceasefire in Gaza, more humanitarian aid to be delivered, and peace talks to begin.

“When faced with the question of whether to provide offensive aid to further this conflict, we believe there is a moral imperative to find another path," the statement said.

These are the 19 progressive members who voted against the measure: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velázquez of New York; Joaquin Castro, Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar of Texas; Pramila Jayapal of Washington; Ro Khanna, Mark Takano, Barbara Lee and Judy Chu of California; Becca Balint of Vermont; Jim McGovern of Massachusetts; Earl Blumenauer of Oregon; Hank Johnson of Georgia; André Carson of Indiana; Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey; Jesús García and Jonathan Jackson of Illinois; and Jill Tokuda of Hawaii.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says foreign aid bills will allow department "to surge lifesaving security assistance"

From CNN's Samantha Waldenberg

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday celebrated the House's passage of a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific.

“This bipartisan legislation will allow the Department to surge lifesaving security assistance to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia's aggression, support Israel's defense from Iran and its proxies, and increase the flow of urgently needed humanitarian aid to suffering Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” he said in a statement.

Austin added that the package of bills will “save lives” and that the “world is watching” what the United States does.

"We have seen yet again that the troubles of our times will only worsen without strong, steady U.S. leadership to advance our core security interests," Austin said, adding, "We must never give our friends, our rivals, or our foes any reason to doubt America's resolve."

"We have not been forgotten": Ukrainian troops describe morale boost from US House vote

From CNN's Daria Tarasova-Markina and Andrew Carey in Kyiv

Ukrainian servicemen told CNN the US House vote to approve military aid provides a much-needed shot in the arm.

“We thought that our partners had forgotten about us,” an intelligence officer who is serving in the Zaporizhzhia region said in a phone conversation. “This news gives us a sense of support and understanding that we have not been forgotten.”

An artillery reconnaissance commander who spent two years defending the town of Avdiivka before it fell to Russia in February had a similar message.

“When we feel support from the outside, it motivates us. After all, the military knows it cannot win with sticks and bows and arrows,” he told CNN. “For people who want to defeat the enemy, this news is a great morale booster.”

Russian Foreign Ministry says US foreign aid package will "exacerbate global crises"

From CNN's Fred Pleitgen in Kyiv and Matt Meyer

A foreign aid package passed by the US House of Representatives will “exacerbate global crises,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a statement to CNN on Saturday.

Zakharova said that in addition to the package's "military aid to the Kyiv regime," the bills would support Taiwan's "interference in China’s internal affairs" and allow Israel to continue "a direct path toward escalating unprecedented aggravation in the region."

Some context: Russia, which is aligned with China and Iran on the global stage, has long painted US aid to Ukraine as American interventionism and an attempt to assert Western influence in the region.

Ukraine has said aid from Washington is critical as it continues to fight back against the full-scale invasion Moscow launched into its territory in February 2022.

Greene and Massie rail on Johnson, say more Republicans will join their effort to oust him after speaking to their constituents

From CNN’s Morgan Rimmer, Manu Raju and Haley Talbot

GOP Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie railed on House Speaker Mike Johnson and his handling of the foreign aid bills, despite deciding not to move to oust the speaker Saturday.

Greene argued that more House Republicans will support their effort after going home over recess and speaking with their constituents.

“I'm actually gonna let my colleagues go home and hear from their constituents, because I think people have been too obsessed with voting for foreign wars and the murder industry here in America to actually understand how angry Americans are,” the Georgia Republican told CNN.

Massie, a Kentucky Republican, added that they are giving Johnson the chance to resign, although the speaker has insisted he won’t . Massie added he believes a motion to vacate — a rarely used procedural tool to remove the House speaker — will happen eventually.

“I'm pretty sure one will come to the floor, if he doesn't resign at some point, but we're trying to avoid that,” he said. 

Greene insisted their effort to oust Johnson is gaining momentum, adding that the speaker is "a lame duck." Rep. Paul Gosar Friday signed on to the effort Friday, becoming the third member to do so.

“If we had the vote today in our conference, he would not be speaker today. He's already a lame duck, he can't raise money, everyone knows it,” Greene claimed.

Vulnerable House Republicans praise Johnson for handling of foreign aid bills

From CNN's Morgan Rimmer

Several swing-district House Republicans praised Speaker Mike Johnson for pushing forward with the foreign aid bills and attacked his detractors.

Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro, a vulnerable New York freshman lawmaker, told CNN’s Manu Raju that after speaking with his constituents, “It is clear to me that there are moments in time where we must do the right thing, and today we did that.”

He defended Johnson for waiting for months to hold votes on aid for critical allies Israel and Ukraine, saying the speaker had to build bipartisan consensus in "a very complicated Congress." Molinaro said he hoped Johnson’s detractors do not attempt to oust him, warning them that Congress is not “only supposed to do what they want.”

Rep. Jen Kiggans, a vulnerable Republican from Virginia, also praised the speaker.

“I'm very proud of Mike Johnson. I know what he did today was difficult, but there was a lot of us standing by him, and you saw great bipartisan effort today. And that's what Americans want to see,” she said.

Kiggans criticized the GOP hardliners who have pushed for Johnson’s ouster over the foreign aid package, saying, "It frustrates me when we have members of our conference who are isolationist; who don't believe in standing with our allies.”

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News & features, winter center, news / weather news, taiwan rattled by 6.1 magnitude earthquake amid numerous tremors.

By Monica Danielle , AccuWeather senior producer

Published Apr 22, 2024 12:50 PM PDT | Updated Apr 24, 2024 5:28 AM PDT

The latest in a series of earthquakes in Taiwan has left buildings in Hualien even more damaged, leaning precariously over streets.

Taiwan was hit with a magnitude 6.1 earthquake in the early hours of Tuesday local time (2:32 p.m. ET Monday), according to the island's Central Weather Administration.

The earthquake struck about a mile from Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, the USGS said, and is the latest in a series of earthquakes that had been shaking the island since Monday afternoon. There was no tsunami threat, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The latest quake shook buildings in the capital, Taipei; an AFP reporter said they could feel their building swaying.

"Glass panels of (the) bathroom and windows were making noises," another AFP staffer said.

Earlier, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake hit just off the coast. Taiwan has been hit by hundreds of aftershocks after a deadly earthquake struck Hualien earlier this month, killing at least 17 people and injuring hundreds.

The 7.2 magnitude quake hit on April 3 and caused landslides around the mountainous region that blocked off roads while buildings in the main Hualien city were badly damaged.

Water cascaded down buildings and swimmers fought for control against sudden waves as a powerful earthquake rocked Taiwan on April 3.

Hualien's fire department earlier said that teams were dispatched to inspect any disaster from the latest earthquake, according to several media outlets .

"We will continue to monitor the situation and report in a timely manner," one media outlet said in a post.

At 10:30 p.m., it added that there were no reports so far of quake damages.

This is a developing story and will be updated as we learn more information.

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Blinken will be the latest top US official to visit China in a bid to keep ties on an even keel

FILE - Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, accompanied by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, walk to meet the media after a bilateral meeting at the State Department in Washington, Oct. 26, 2023. Blinken will travel to China, the State Department announced Saturday, April 20, 2024, as the rivals attempt to keep ties on an even keel despite severe differences over issues ranging from the path to peace in the Middle East to the supply of synthetic opioids that have heightened fears over global stability. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

FILE - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen attends a meeting in Beijing China, April 7, 2024. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China, the State Department announced Saturday, April 20, 2024, as the rivals attempt to keep ties on an even keel despite severe differences. The trip follows Yellen’s visit, a phone call this month between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and a phone call between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana, Pool, File)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China this coming week as Washington and Beijing try to keep ties on an even keel despite major differences on issues from the path to peace in the Middle East to the supply of synthetic opioids that have heightened fears over global stability.

The rivals are at odds on numerous fronts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, Taiwan and the South China Sea , North Korea, Hong Kong, human rights and the detention of American citizens. The United States and China also are battling over trade and commerce issues, with President Joe Biden announcing new tariffs on imports of Chinese steel this past week.

The State Department said Saturday that Blinken, on his second visit to China in less than a year , will travel to Shanghai and Beijing starting Wednesday for three days of meetings with senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Talks between Blinken and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected, although neither side will confirm such a meeting is happening until shortly before it takes place.

The department said in a statement that Blinken would “discuss a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues,” including the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

He will also talk about progress made in “resuming counternarcotics cooperation, military-to-military communication, artificial intelligence, and strengthening people-to-people ties” and will reaffirm how important it is for the U.S. and China to be “responsibly managing competition, even in areas where our two countries disagree,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

The trip follows a phone call this month between Biden and Xi in which they pledged to keep high-level contacts open, something they had agreed to last year at a face-to-face summit in California. Since that call, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has visited China and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has spoken by phone with his Chinese counterpart . Meetings at lower levels also have taken place.

Despite those encounters, relations are rocky. The U.S. has recently become more vocal in its calls for China to stop supporting Russia’s military-industrial sector, which Washington says has allowed Moscow to boost weapons production to support the war against Ukraine .

“We see China sharing machine tools, semiconductors, other dual-use items that have helped Russia rebuild the defense industrial base that sanctions and export controls had done so much to degrade,” Blinken said Friday. “Now, if China purports on the one hand to want good relations with Europe and other countries, it can’t on the other hand be fueling what is the biggest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War.”

Blinken also has pushed for China to take a more active stance in pressing Iran not to escalate tensions in the Middle East . He has spoken to his Chinese counterpart several times since the Israel-Hamas war began six months ago as he has sought China’s help in getting Iran to restrain proxy groups it has supported, armed and funded in the region.

That topic has taken on new urgency since direct back-and-forth attacks by Iran and Israel on each other’s soil in the past week.

Also high on the agenda for Blinken will be Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The U.S. has strongly condemned Chinese military exercises threatening Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a renegade province and vowed to reunify with the mainland by force if necessary. Successive U.S. administrations have steadily ramped up military support and sales for Taipei, much to the anger of Chinese officials.

In the South China Sea, the U.S. and others have become increasingly concerned by provocative Chinese actions in and around disputed areas. In particular, the U.S. has voiced objections to what it says are Chinese attempts to thwart legitimate activities by others in the waterway, notably the Philippines and Vietnam.

That was a major topic of concern earlier this month when Biden held a three-way summit with the prime minister of Japan and the president of the Philippines.