What Items Are Prohibited from Bringing into Taiwan?

Mục Lục

Packing for your flight to Taiwan isn’t as simple as it seems. If you are not aware of what is not allowed to bring into Taiwan, you might accidentally violate customs regulations and face heavy penalties. This article will help you understand in detail the list of prohibited and restricted items, along with accurate customs declaration guidelines to ensure your entry into Taiwan goes smoothly and safely.

Overview of Baggage Regulations When Traveling to Taiwan

When preparing to travel to Taiwan, it’s important to understand the baggage rules and know exactly what cannot be brought into the country to avoid trouble at the airport. Taiwan Customs strictly controls imported goods to ensure public safety, prevent smuggling, and reduce the risk of disease transmission. Therefore, packing according to regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a sign of respect for the country’s laws.

Whether you are a tourist, student in Taiwan, or worker, knowing what items are prohibited from bringing into Taiwan is essential. Carrying banned goods may result in fines, confiscation, or even denial of entry.

On the other hand, packing correctly according to Taiwan’s customs regulations saves you time during inspection, prevents unnecessary checks, and creates a positive impression with customs officers. Before your flight, make sure to check the list of prohibited, restricted, and declarable items to arrange your luggage properly. Careful preparation is the best way to ensure your arrival in Taiwan is smooth, safe, and compliant with the law.

List of Items Strictly Prohibited from Bringing into Taiwan

According to the Taiwan Customs Administration (Ministry of Finance, Taiwan), all travelers must declare their goods truthfully upon entry. You should therefore familiarize yourself with what is not allowed to bring into Taiwan to avoid customs issues. The Taiwanese government enforces strict control over imported goods to protect public health, prevent smuggling, and stop the spread of diseases.

If you carry any prohibited items, customs officers may confiscate them, impose fines, or deny your entry. Below are the categories of goods strictly prohibited from entering Taiwan:

Fresh Food and Meat Products

These are absolutely banned when entering Taiwan. Travelers are not allowed to bring pork, beef, chicken, fresh seafood, sausages, jerky, or canned meat that has not been factory sealed.

These products may contain dangerous pathogens, such as African swine fever, which can severely impact Taiwan’s agriculture and ecosystem. Therefore, adhering to this rule is mandatory to ensure biosecurity and avoid penalties.

Wildlife and Related Products

You are not permitted to bring animal skins, horns, ivory, turtle shells, pet birds, or rare ornamental fish.

These items fall under the CITES Convention on the protection of endangered species. Violations can result in large fines or criminal prosecution depending on severity.

Weapons, Ammunition, Knives, and Explosives

Bringing any type of firearm, bullet, sword, or explosive device into Taiwan is strictly prohibited. Even decorative replicas or souvenirs shaped like weapons are not allowed.

Such items may be considered security threats and will be confiscated immediately by customs. Violations can lead to fines or denial of entry under Taiwan’s national security laws.

Cash Exceeding the Allowed Limit

Each traveler may bring up to NT$100,000 or USD 10,000 (or equivalent foreign currency) without declaration. Carrying more than this amount without declaring may result in confiscation and administrative fines.

Read more: Independent Taiwan Trip 2025

Counterfeit or Imitation Goods

Bringing counterfeit items or products infringing on international trademarks into Taiwan is illegal.

If customs officers detect fake or imitation goods, they will be confiscated immediately, and the traveler may be fined under Taiwan’s intellectual property and trade laws. Complying with this rule not only protects your rights but also shows respect for Taiwanese law.

Consequences of Violating Taiwan’s Customs Regulations

The Taiwan Customs and Border Protection authorities have the right to inspect, confiscate, and penalize any violations related to prohibited imports.

If caught carrying banned items, offenders may face fines ranging from NT$200,000 to NT$1,000,000, depending on the severity. Therefore, before boarding your flight, remind yourself of the key question: “What is not allowed to bring into Taiwan?” to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Taiwan

Customs Declaration Procedures upon Arrival in Taiwan

According to Taiwan Customs, travelers can declare goods in two ways:

Paper Declaration (Traditional Method):

Fill in the Customs Declaration Form provided on the plane or at the airport.
Submit it to customs officers during luggage inspection.

Electronic Declaration (Online):

Complete the form through the e-Declaration System at https://edeclaration.customs.gov.tw.
After submission, you’ll receive a QR code to present to customs upon arrival.

List of Items Allowed into Taiwan

When entering Taiwan, travelers may bring personal belongings and processed food items if they comply with safety and customs regulations. Proper preparation will save time and help avoid unnecessary inspections or confiscation.

Permitted Items

Clothing, shoes, and essential personal belongings for daily use.
Cosmetics, shampoo, shower gel, and skincare products: if carried in hand luggage, each bottle must be under 100 ml and placed in a transparent resealable bag.
Packaged food such as cookies, candy, tea, coffee, instant noodles, or dried goods – all must have clear labeling and valid expiry dates.

Packing Guidelines

When packing, pay attention to both airline and customs regulations. Remove any item listed as prohibited to avoid penalties.

Carry-on baggage: limited to 7 kg, and liquids must not exceed 100 ml per container (total 1 liter). Sharp objects must be placed in checked luggage.
Checked baggage: must not exceed 32 kg per piece and cannot include power banks or spare batteries.
Seal food items tightly to prevent leaks, and wrap fragile objects securely with a “Fragile” label for safe transport.

Read more: Taiwanese Cuisine

Customs Declaration and Entry Procedures in Taiwan New Update 2025

From October 1, 2025, all foreign travelers entering Taiwan (including Vietnamese citizens, Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong, and Macau residents) must complete an online entry declaration via the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) system before arrival. Paper-based declarations at the airport will no longer be accepted.

Who Must Complete the Declaration

Foreign travelers: Including Vietnamese citizens entering Taiwan for tourism, short-term business, transit, or other purposes (except residents with valid Taiwan Residence Certificates).
Mainland Chinese citizens: Must declare if entering with a multiple-entry travel permit.
Hong Kong and Macau citizens: Must declare if entering with a multiple-entry permit.
Non-Taiwanese residents: Must declare if they do not possess a Taiwan Residence Certificate.

Entry Procedure at the Airport

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

Passport valid for at least 6 months and a valid Taiwan visa.
Arrival declaration (printed or QR code from TWAC submission).
Return or onward flight ticket.
Proof of accommodation in Taiwan (hotel booking confirmation or email).

Step 2: Immigration Processing

Queue at the foreign traveler counters.
Present your passport and TWAC confirmation to the immigration officer.
Answer brief and honest questions about your travel purpose, duration, and accommodation.

Step 3: Complete Entry Procedures

After receiving your passport stamp, collect your luggage, proceed through customs inspection, and enjoy your stay in Taiwan.

Frequently Asked Questions about Entering Taiwan

What items are prohibited from being brought into Taiwan?

Prohibited items include fresh meat, sausages, and all meat-based products (even processed ones); live animals; and animal-derived goods such as skin, horns, or ivory. Anyone caught violating these regulations will face severe fines or possible denial of entry.

What items are restricted or require declaration?

Besides the banned items, travelers must also comply with quantity limits for restricted goods:

Alcohol and Tobacco: Maximum of 1 liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes. Exceeding this limit requires declaration and tax payment.
Cash: Up to NT$100,000 or USD 10,000 (or equivalent) may be brought without declaration; exceeding this requires customs reporting.
Personal medication: Only bring the amount needed for your stay. Prescription or special medication must be accompanied by a doctor’s certificate for inspection if requested.

Can I bring food into Taiwan?

Yes – only packaged, dried, and clearly labeled food with valid expiration dates. Fresh or meat-based items are strictly prohibited.

Do I need to print my TWAC form?

Printing is not mandatory, but it’s advisable to keep a PDF or QR code on your phone. This helps avoid issues if your device runs out of battery or loses connection during immigration.

Understanding what is not allowed to bring into Taiwan is the first step to preparing your luggage correctly, avoiding trouble or fines at the airport. Careful preparation not only shows professionalism but also ensures your trip to Taiwan goes smoothly and stress-free.

If you are unsure about the regulations or need assistance with your Taiwan visa application, let iVISA assist you. iVISA’s experts will help you complete your paperwork quickly and guide you through every step – so you can focus on enjoying your time in Taiwan with confidence.

iVISA Property & Citizenship

Add: Số 99 Nguyễn Thị Nhung, phường Hiệp Bình, TPHCM
Hotline: 0937 999 610
Email: info.ivisatravel@gmail.com