GovWire

Before you go

Check your passport. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Taiwan. If your passport will expire before or during your trip you should renew your passport before travelling.

British nationals dont need a visa to travel to Taiwan for a stay of less than 90 days. This includes athletes competing in the Games and support staff. If you intend to stay longer you should contact the National Immigration Agency for further advice.

Subscribe to email alerts for our Taiwan Travel Advice page. Check your overseas medical insurance coverage to make sure youre covered for your trip.

Inform your bank that youll be travelling to Taiwan to avoid inconvenience when using your debit or credit cards during your trip.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs (including marijuana) in Taiwan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Law enforcement in Taiwan treats all drug violations very seriously.

Safety and Security

Theres minimal street crime in Taiwan, and violent crimes are rare. Take normal safety precautions, such as avoiding travel after dark or in a deserted/unfamiliar area.

Be alert at all times, avoid carrying large amounts of money or other valuables, and secure your purse, wallet, mobile phone and electronics while travelling on buses, trains or other forms of public transport. Taxi services in Taiwan are clean, safe and reputable and use a meter system to determine the fare. Keep photocopies of passports, visas, credit cards and other important documents in a secure place in case original documents are lost or stolen.

The Taiwan authorities and the event organisers are devoting considerable resources to ensure the events are safe and incident-free. Expect increased police and enhanced security measures in and around the stadiums.

During the typhoon season (May to November), Taiwans Central Weather Bureau issue typhoon warnings an average of 6 times a year and heavy rainstorm alerts more frequently. Taiwan is also subject to large earthquakes.

Health and Medical Insurance

Before travelling make sure you have suitable medical insurance and make sure your policy covers you for any activities you plan to do.

Visit your health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You can find specific health information and advice on the TravelHealthPro website. If you need regular prescribed medication such as an inhaler, make sure you travel with a sufficient amount for the duration of your trip along with a letter or prescription from your GP.

It will be hot and humid during the Games period with temperatures reaching 30-35C. Its important to protect yourself against sun burn and heat illnesses. Apply sun protection cream regularly and stay in the shade where possible.

Its very important to stay hydrated. Bottled water is widely available. Keep a bottle with you at all times.Food hygiene is usually of a high standard in Taiwan. However, you should be careful when drinking unpasteurised milk, cheese, ice cream and other dairy products and when eating food from street traders.

Spectator Rules

The use of professional photographic equipment or any electronic devise to film, record or broadcast live from the venues is prohibited.

One ticket is required per person to enter, including children. Spectators with concession tickets will be required to provide relevant personal identification for the ticket category. If suitable identification documents arent available you could be asked to pay the difference in ticket costs.

Children below the age of 12 years should be accompanied by an adult. Children under 110cm are forbidden to enter the 3rd floor auditorium of Taipei Arena for the Basketball competition.

Smoking is prohibited throughout all venues; this includes electronic cigarettes.

Spectators entering the venues will have to pass through an x-ray, electronic detection door and metal detector inspection. The security staff may also check the contents of bags. Spectators will need to test-drink packaged drinks (including water) in front of security personnel. Sealed bottled water will be sold inside some venues. Long handled umbrellas, selfie-sticks and sharp objects are prohibited.

A detailed list of prohibited items can be found on the Games website: http://2017.taipei

Drinking and eating is prohibited in all auditoriums.

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