What is the new US entry and exit rule

According to the final rule published in the Federal Register in October 2025, the new US entry exit regulation requires CBP officers to take photographs and collect biometrics of all foreign citizens at airports, seaports, and land borders. The biometric data recorded when you arrive in the USA will be compared with the biometric data taken when you leave the country. If the departure data does not match the arrival records, you may face additional questioning, detention, or even deportation. In the worst cases, a mismatch can make aliens inadmissible to the United States for future travel.

Who are exempted from the new US entry exit system?

The Department of Homeland Security has clearly stated that the new biometric entry exit system applies to all non US citizens. Children below 14 years of age and elderly travelers over 79 years will also be photographed. The rule will remain mandatory for all visa categories including tourists, students, workers, and transit visitors. Only US citizens and US nationals are exempt from this biometric rule. The US-born children of foreign citizens fall under the exempt category since they are American citizens by birth.

Does the new US entry-exit rule apply to Green Card holders?

A big NO. Green Card holders are lawful permanent residents but not US citizens. Therefore, they must follow the same biometric entry exit procedures as all other foreign nationals. When Green Card holders travel internationally and return to the USA, CBP officers will require their photographs and record biometric details at arrival and departure points. Only their US-born children may be exempt from the requirement.

What is new about this system for foreigners’ entry to and exit from USA?

For many years, the United States has collected biometric information from select groups of foreign nationals during arrival. What is new is that the US government will now enforce a mandatory biometric entry exit system for all visitors and Green Card holders. Every traveler entering or leaving the USA will be photographed. The new entry-exit rule of the US is designed to reduce visa overstay cases, identify travelers using fraudulent documents, track individuals who violate immigration laws, and strengthen national security.

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With millions of fans expected to attend the tournament across the US, Mexico and Canada, the US government is gearing up to make international travel smoother. During the launch of FIFA Pass at the White House, both FIFA President Gianni and US President Trump said the country is ready to welcome fans from every corner of the world. This is the first time the United States is coordinating a priority visa program directly with FIFA.

United States’ FIFA Pass: Key points

• FIFA Pass gives faster US visa appointments
• Only official ticket holders qualify
• Standard visa rules still apply
• Full instructions will be released in early 2026
• FIFA Pass does not guarantee a US visa. It only helps get earlier interview slots

Why the US Government Launched FIFA Pass

Since this is the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, the United States is seeing a huge influx of visa applications from fans across Asia, Europe, Africa and other regions. The 2026 edition will  feature 48 teams and over 100 matches across three North American countries. The US will host most of the games, including 78 matches in 11 cities, from 11 June to 19 July 2026. Both Canada and Mexico will host 13 matches each.

Millions of FIFA lovers are already searching the US embassy and consulate websites for B2 visa interview slots, alongside best flight deals to USA from China, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and other countries. Countries like the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia and several others often face long US visa waiting times, which is why the US government introduced FIFA Pass to expedite the visa interview process. Look no farther than iEagle.com for unbeatable flight offers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup fans!

To support this, the US government is

• deploying hundreds of additional visa officers globally
• increasing interview capacity
• improving the visa scheduling system
• coordinating directly with FIFA for ticket verification

How to use FIFA Pass: Step-by-step guide

• Step 1: Buy your official FIFA World Cup ticket. Only official tickets are valid. Unofficial or resale tickets will not be accepted.

• Step 2: Wait for the FIFA Pass portal to open in early 2026. US Consulates and FIFA will share guidelines and verification steps.

• Step 3: Register your ticket on the FIFA Pass portal. This will connect your ticket information with US visa systems.

• Step 4: Complete the DS-160 visa form. This is the standard US visa application.

• Step 5: Once verified, you will get access to earlier and faster visa interview slots.

• Step 6: Attend your interview. Carry all required documents, including original FIFA match tickets.
• Step 7: Once your visa is approved, book flights to US host cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, and Houston.

Does FIFA Pass Guarantee a US Visa

No. FIFA Pass only gives faster interview appointments. It does not replace any US immigration rules. B2 Visa approval to you will still depend on

• your documentation
• Your DS-160 form
• your background check
• your travel history
• your interview outcome

FIFA 2026 World Cup Ticket Sales Updates and Key Dates

FIFA World Cup ticket sales began on 10 SEP 2025, followed by a second phase from 27 to 31 OCT, with more than one million tickets already allocated. The third phase will open on 5 DEC 2025, allowing fans to request tickets for specific matches. A final sales window is planned for Spring 2026. Buying tickets early is important because FIFA Pass eligibility requires an official match ticket.

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That simple plea marked the launch of a nationwide initiative, “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,” a civility campaign by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The aim was not fashion policing but reviving a sense of decorum in air travel. The message was clear: when travel gets hectic, especially as the Thanksgiving holiday season brings the busiest travel days of the year, maybe what you wear can help shape how you behave.

Passenger behavior at airports and on flights has been a growing concern for the authorities. The FAA recorded more than 11,000 unruly passenger reports in the last few years. A study by a US travel group noted that one in five travelers admitted losing their temper at least once during a trip. In another survey, passengers listed lack of space, long lines and fellow travelers as the top reasons for stress. So the government’s logic is that better manners can lower tension and maybe even prevent small conflicts from turning into something bigger.

While Secretary Duffy focused on attire, his comments sparked a larger discussion. Many airlines, especially on long-haul business class flights, provide pajamas and slippers for inflight comfort. Premium cabins on Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Air India routinely include designer sleepwear for overnight flights. The nuance is that Duffy’s message targets boarding and airport behavior, not changing into pajamas after takeoff. The goal is to balance comfort and respect for shared spaces.

Under “The Golden Age of Travel” campaign, travelers are encouraged not only to avoid pajamas and slippers but also to show kindness and courtesy, while parents are reminded to keep an eye on their children’s behavior when flying. Duffy also urged them to help fellow passengers with overhead luggage, say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to flight attendants, keep their shoes on, avoid putting feet on seats, and be mindful when reclining seats in economy class.

But the Internet had other plans. Netizens turned this into a complete debate show. On social media, one comment read: “I’ve got 99 problems and someone wearing pajamas on a plane ain’t one of them.” Others pointed to real frustrations. “Fix the tiny seats. Fix the delays. Don’t police our pajamas,” wrote one user on a travel forum. Another added that no matter what you wear, cramped overhead bins, long security lines, and overbooked flights make travel miserable — just a dress code won’t change that. One viral comment said the government should fix flight delays before fixing pajamas.

Many saw Duffy’s call as out-of-touch, especially during long flights to Taipei, Manila, Cebu, Beijing, Bangkok, and Singapore where comfort matters more than sophistication. Yet, some voices backed the idea. A few frequent flyers said airports often look sloppy. They believe better attire could improve overall mood. Some lifestyle experts even pointed out that clothes can influence behavior, and perhaps a neat shirt encourages a calm attitude more than bed‑time shorts.

The debate highlights a tension between comfort and civility. The campaign “The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You” does not enforce rules but nudges travelers to consider how small actions and choices, including clothing, affect others in shared spaces. It also comes at a time when airlines are grappling with operational pressure, security challenges, weather-induced flight cancellations and growing passenger expectations after 43 days of the US government shutdown. However, DOT Secretary Duffy’s message is a playful reminder – air travel is also a shared social experience.

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This year, Southwest began rolling out a series of changes that continue to challenge its long-standing image as ‘America’s most budget-friendly carrier’. The airline ended its iconic ‘Bags Fly Free’ policy with new checked bag fees effective from May 2025. It has also announced elimination of its five-decade-old open seating program from January 27, 2026.

What is Southwest Airlines’ Wheelchair-First Boarding Service?

Southwest Airlines’ wheelchair-first boarding service allows passengers who requested wheelchair assistance to board the aircraft before all other travellers, providing early access to seats and overhead bins. Designed to help passengers with limited mobility, the policy also became a boarding advantage for many who don’t  require wheelchair support at all, leading to operational challenges, delays, and misuse across US airports.

Why is Southwest Airlines Ending Wheelchair-First Boarding?

Southwest’s internal data of recent years revealed the scale of wheelchair misuse. On one recent flight with only 85 passengers, 28 people requested wheelchairs during boarding. Yet only 2 or 3 needed assistance while deplaning. Some Southwest flights have even reported more than 100 wheelchair requests.

Staff reports suggest that over 80 percent of these requests come from passengers who do not require mobility assistance. The incentive is clear. Early boarding means guaranteed overhead bin space, less waiting time in line, and a more comfortable boarding experience.

Rules for International Travelers Connecting to Southwest Flights 

Southwest Airlines acts as a leading interline partner of several international carriers operating flights from the USA to Philippines, Taiwan, and other countries. Their international passengers connect on Southwest flights for domestic travel from major entry points in the US. are fully entitled to wheelchair assistance in the United States under DOT guidelines. While wheelchair assistance continues, passengers will no longer receive priority boarding solely due to wheelchair use.

How are Other Airlines Addressing Wheelchair Misuse?

Several non-US airlines around the world are also experiencing misuse of free wheelchair service. Air India, a major international carrier, has also experienced unusual demand for wheelchair assistance at airports. On some India–US flights, up to 90–120 passengers request wheelchairs, often to bypass long airport queues. Recently, the Government of India allowed airlines to charge able-bodied passengers for wheelchair use. This differs from the United States, where there is yet no such rule. 

Southwest Airlines’ decision to end wheelchair-first boarding will close one of the biggest loopholes in US aviation. Though the culture of ‘Airport VIP for free’ in the United States will continue, as most US airlines do not ask for medical certificates or documents to fulfil wheelchair requests.

Travelers React to Southwest Ending Wheelchair-First Boarding

The news of Southwest Airlines ending wheelchair-first boarding has drawn mixed reactions from travellers. Many welcome it as a much-needed step to reduce abuse and make boarding fairer, while others worry that passengers with genuine needs may face longer lines and difficulty securing preferred seats. Several travellers shared personal observations of passengers requesting wheelchairs just to board early and then leaving the plane faster than them, echoing the popular US airport joke about “Jetway Jesus.”

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Will Southwest Airlines continue to provide wheelchair assistance after ending wheelchair-first boarding?

Yes. Passengers will continue to get wheelchair support from entry to boarding through security, regardless of the fact whether they genuinely need it. The only change is that requesting a wheelchair will no longer give them the privilege of early boarding.

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What is China’s Digital Arrival Card? 

The new e-arrival card to China is sort of electronic travel authorization (ETA). It is an online form that US nationals, citizens and other foreigners are required to fill out with their details for smooth entry to China. Digital Arrival Card must not be mistaken for an alternative to any Chinese Visa. Precisely, filling out this online within 72 hours prior to arrival is now part of China’s entry requirements for foreign travellers.

Who needs Digital e-Arrival Card to enter China? Who are exempted?

All foreign passengers of flights to China from USA and other countries must apply for China’s new e-Arrival Card, starting 20 November. The following are exempted to this requirement:

• Holders of a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card in China
• Non-Chinese citizens with a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao
• Group travellers entering with collective visas or under visa-free arrangements
• Transit passengers staying within the designated port area
• Cruise passengers arriving and departing on the same vessel
• Travellers using fast-track entry lanes
• Foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles

How to apply for China’s Digital Arrival Card: Step-by-step guide 

China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) website makes it easy to fill out the e-Arrival Card form. It takes only a few minutes. The paper form will be gradually phased out from airports in China. If you are not able to apply for the new digital card in advance, you can do it at self-service airport kiosks on arrival or fill out and submit a paper form at the entry airport.

1. Open the NIA website, the NIA 12367 app, or the WeChat/Alipay mini-program
2. Enter your passport information, travel itinerary, address in China, and other details
3. Submit the form within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in China
4. Save the QR code or confirmation screenshot for faster immigration clearance

Benefits of Digital Arrival Card to China

• Faster immigration clearance at high-traffic airports like Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, and Shenzhen Bao’an
• Fewer chances for errors in the online form compared to paper forms
• Greater convenience for frequent foreign travellers to China
• Reduced wait time on arrival and quick exit or transfer to domestic flights
• No stress to fill out the form during a flight
• Verifiable data of foreign visitors makes it more efficient for the Chinese government to track their arrival, departure, and visa overstay.

I am a US national. Do I still need a visa along with the Digital Arrival Card and flight tickets to Beijing?

Yes, being a foreign national, you need a visa to China depending on your purpose of visit. Please note the new Digital Arrival Card does not replace China’s visa requirements for you.

I will travel onward to a third country after a 10-day transit-visa free stopover in China. Is the new Digital Arrival Card mandatory for me? 

Yes, it is. Whether you plan a 72-hour or a 240-hour stopover in China after 20 November 2025, you must have China’s new Digital Arrival Card for hassle-free entry and seamless immigration clearance.

Does China mandate Digital Arrival Card for US citizens of China origin? 

Yes, US citizens of China origin (precisely, Chinese Americans) do also need to apply for Digital Arrival Card whenever they travel to any province in China.

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This development in the US-Taiwan corridor opens further connections to Southeast Asian countries via Taipei for Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Thai immigrants in and around Arizona. Starlux Airlines and China Airlines would transform Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix into a significant US-Asia hub with flights to Taipei and beyond for Southeast Asians concentrated in the south coast of USA.

China Airlines

Among the best airlines operating between USA and Asia, China Airlines is the first Asian carrier to connect Taipei to Arizona, starting December 3, 2025. China Airlines will be operating Phoenix to Taipei flights for weekly three round trips scheduled as below:

Nonstop CI036 flights from Taipei (TPE) to Phoenix (PHX):

• Departure from Taipei Taoyuan at 10:55 AM local time.
• Arrival at Phoenix Sky Harbor at 8 AM local time

CI035 flights from Phoenix to Taipei via Los Angeles

• Departure from Phoenix at 11:55 AM local time
• Arrival at Taipei Taoyuan at 9:30 PM local time the next day

The upcoming service to Phoenix, Arizona will solidify China Airlines’ presence in the southwest coast of USA. In the next phase, China Airlines may expand to Texas, a key market for EVA Air.

Starlux Airlines

Among the youngest airlines in the world, Starlux Airlines is close on the heels of China Airlines, with its plans in progress for nonstop Arizona to Taiwan flights. Starlux, renowned for its distinctive boutique flying experience since 2020, will lunch Phoenix Taipei nonstop service on 15 January 2026 with weekly three flights – Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Outbound flight (JX026) from Taipei to Phoenix:   

• Departure from Taipei Taoyuan at 8:45 PM local time
• Arrival in Phoenix Sky Harbor at 5:40 PM local time

Return flight (JX025) from Phoenix to Taipei:  

• Departure from Phoenix at 10:45 PM local time
• Arrival in Taipei Taoyuan at 4:55 AM local time (+2 days)

Both the Taiwanese carriers – China Airlines and Starlux Airlines – will be deploying the most advanced A350-900s with Premium Economy experience for nonstop PHX to TPE service with connecting flights to Manila, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Thailand.

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Manila’s second international airport in Bulacan province 

Significantly larger than Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila’s second airport NMIA project would cost US $15 billion. The construction of the first terminal building is scheduled to begin in January 2026, with the first phase being anticipated to be operational in late 2028. Given the NMIA project details, the upcoming airport in Bulacan, 30 minutes north of Manila, is expected to the Philippines’ main gateway to the world in the future. 

Manila Bulacan International Airport Infrastructure   

The new Manila International Airport will be more advanced than Ninoy Aquino Airport in terms of area, runways, passenger capacity, and accessibility. NMIA would spread over 2500 hectares (6200 acres) along the Manila Bay, as part of the 12,000-hectare airport city project in Bulacan province. The second Manila airport project details include 4 parallel runways with the capacity to expand to six in the future.

Second Manila Airport NMIA Project Timeline

Bulacan International Airport, Manila will be constructed in a phased way starting January 2026. As per the NMIA project timeline, the first phase is expected to open with one terminal and two runways by late 2028 aiming to serve 35 million passengers a year, if things go as planned. On completion of all phases, the airport would have the capacity to handle 100 million passenger traffic in a year.

Philippines New Manila Airport Connectivity

Philippines’ New Manila International Airport will not only cater to Metro Manila but also neighboring areas like Central Luzon and CALABARZON. A comprehensive accessibility network comprising a 6-lane Expressway will facilitate commute between Metro Manila and the upcoming airport in Bulacan. There are plans to extend Manila Metro’s 7 Line to the airport for a great deal of convenience.

For decades, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has been the primary gateway for flights to Philippines from the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asian countries. In 2024 itself, NAIA served 50.1 million passengers; the overcapacity burdens the airport infrastructure. Manila’s second international airport will not only share the passenger traffic but also open more international routes to/from Manila. With two international airports – NAIA and NMIA, the Philippine capital would become a premier destination for travel and trade.

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What is China’s visa-free transit policy?

Designed for international transit passengers from 55 countries, China’s visa-free transit policy allows stopovers in 24 provinces of mainland China for 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days) without requiring a visa in advance. Available at as many as 60 entry points across mainland China, the visa-free transit facility lets you plan stopover tours in Beijing, Hainan, Macau, Hubei, Hunan, Liaoning, and others while traveling on USA to China flights with connections to a third country.

Countries eligible for visa-free transit in China

55 countries, including the United States, are eligible for China’s 72 to 240 hours visa-free transit policy. The citizens of 6 countries from the Americans, 7 countries from Asia, 2 from Oceania, and 40 countries from Europe can visit and explore designated areas of China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a Chinese visa when traveling between two countries on multi-city flights, for instance, USA to Philippines via China. The US, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, UAE, Japan, Singapore, and Qatar are among the countries eligible for visa-free transit in China.

Requirements for visa-free transit stopovers in China

If you’re a US citizen, you must book flights from USA to Beijing with a stopover transit to some third country. Precisely, the final destination should not be the country of your travel origin.

If Philippines or Vietnam is your final destination, you must have confirmed airline tickets to Manila or Ho Chi Minh City from China within the visa-free transit period. If you plan a 72-hour transit stopover in China, your onward travel to the final destination should start within 72 hours.

In addition to the above, requirements for China’s visa-free transit policy, 72 hours to 240 hours, include your valid passport and visa or residence permit to the destination country.

How to apply for China’s 10-day visa-free transit: A quick guide

The process to get transit visa-free stay in China for up to 10 days or 240 hours is simple and straightforward.

Before boarding your flight with any of the top 10 airlines from USA to China, you need to inform the airline about your plans for a visa-free transit stopover in China. The airline will notify China’s immigration authorities on your behalf. After arrival, proceed to the “Transit Without Visa” (TWOV) desk at the port of entry.

Eligible foreign citizens require a temporary entry permit for transit visa-free stay in designated regions of China. At the port of entry, be it Beijing or Shanghai, you need to apply for a temporary entry permit by filling out the arrival card form and any other form mandated by the Chinese immigration authorities.

China’s temporary entry permit for transit travelers will be granted to you after satisfactory inspection of your documents – passport, visa to the destination country, onward flight ticket, and/or hotel booking confirmation in a designated region of China.

You can go through customs and enter China for a visa-free stopover up to 10 days only after you obtain the temporary entry permit.

I am a Filipino American with a US passport. Are Filipino Americans eligible for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy?

Since Filipino Americans are US citizens, they are eligible for a visa-free transit stopover in China for up to 240 hours or 10 days. Besides, you need to meet the other eligibility requirements listed above, such as a multi-city itinerary with a significant layover in China and confirmed onward travel booking to a third country. iEagle, the most trusted air-ticketing partner for Filipinos, Americans, and other immigrants in the US, offers phone-only budget flight deals.

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Greet as Vietnamese do 

Vietnam is a pretty conservative country, although the younger generation is more open to Western culture. How Vietnamese greet each other is among the things you should know before visiting Vietnam.  They generally greet each other by joining hands and bowing slightly. While shaking hands is common among men in formal settings, hugging is reserved in familiar settings like a family gathering. If you come across a Vietnamese elder among your co-passengers on flights to Ho Chi Minh City, bow slightly to greet him/her.

Don’t touch anyone on the head in Vietnam

Vietnam is home to Buddhist, Hindu, Confucian, and Taoist temples among holy sites. Inappropriate dressing is one of the things tourists must avoid in Vietnam while visiting any holy sites. Make sure your upper arms and legs are properly covered. Don’t forget to remove your shoes and any headwear before entering a holy place. Basic do’s and don’ts in Vietnam for tourists include – not touching anyone on the head. Further, avoid pointing the soles of your feet toward any person or Buddha statues there. This highly disrespectful gesture is against the Buddhist culture.

Avoid wearing white headbands and dark clothes

Your apparel choices may convey unintended meanings. Wearing a white headband is one of the things not to do in Vietnam, otherwise, locals are likely to assume that someone in your family has passed away, as this is standard funeral attire. To prevent such awkward moments, it is best to avoid wearing a white turban or headband in Vietnam. Similarly, wearing any dark colors, especially black, can signal that you are in a sombre or bad mood. Thus, do’s and don’ts in Vietnam for tourists include wearing colorful clothes and, ideally, local apparel to blend well with the locals.

Don’t misinterpret direct comments 

One of the things to know before traveling to Vietnam is that what is culturally inappropriate in the West is sort of a tradition in this Asian country. In Vietnam, it is normal to make observations about someone’s appearance as a way of showing care and acknowledging them. For Western visitors, this might be perceived as “blunt” remarks; however, this is largely a matter of cultural interpretation.

It’s quite common for locals to candidly comment on your weight, skin tone, or if you look tired. While this might be considered rude in many Western societies, in Vietnam, the motive is quite the opposite. So, if someone refers to you as “chubby,” “too skinny,” or “tired,” understand that no malice is intended, and simply take it in stride during your Vietnam trip. 

Avoid making “Fingers Crossed” sign in Vietnam 

The “fingers crossed” gesture – which is pretty common in the US and other countries – is one of the things not to do in Vietnam. If your host anticipates winning a lottery or hopes his child scores good marks in the exam, you may wish him good luck. But avoid making the “fingers crossed” sign, as it is considered highly impolite in Vietnam. If you are hoping for good fortune, good results, or good time, keep your hands separate. 

Mind Your Table Manners in Vietnam 

Typically, Vietnamese dine together in a group. Dishes are often shared, with each diner receiving a small rice bowl and chopsticks. Chopstick manners are significant among the do’s and don’ts for tourists in Vietnam. Make sure you do not leave your chopsticks standing upright, dug into the bowl. This gesture is primarily associated with the use of incense sticks during death rituals and can be seen as inviting bad luck.

When passing a dish, always use both hands or your right hand (your left hand is generally considered less clean). If you are enjoying soup, hold the spoon in your left hand. Furthermore, in social settings, the person who extended the invitation typically pays the bill. Otherwise, the most senior individual at the table normally takes care of it. So, one of the important tips for tourists in Vietnam is – do not be adamant about paying the bill; it might be taken as a lack of courtesy.

Don’t expect free napkins in Vietnam 

You may be used to the waiter getting you unlimited napkins and may even expect them on flights to Hanoi, but wasting napkins is among the things you should not do in Vietnam. While iced tea or jasmine tea is often provided free of charge once you order, each napkin generally costs around VND 2000 or VND 3000. Waiters may also subtly keep track of how many you use by lingering around your table.

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What is the new Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)?

The new online arrival card for Taiwan is an end-to-end digital entry requirement for most foreign nationals. International visitors to Taiwan will be required to apply for the arrival card online before boarding their flights to Taipei. This digital declaration will replace the current paper-based system, making entry into the country smoother and more efficient.

Who needs digital Arrival Card for Taiwan?

From October 2025, all foreign visitors including US citizens and Filipinos, who do not hold permanent or temporary resident status in Taiwan, will need to apply for the digital arrival card. Whether you are a holiday tourist or a business traveler, you must have completed online application for the Taiwan Arrival Card before departure of your Dallas to Taipei flight or before immigration clearance on arrival at Taoyuan International Airport.

How to apply for Taiwan Arrival Card online: A quick guide

You can apply for TWAC online via the official portal: twac.immigration.gov.tw.

It is recommended to make the online application within three days prior to your scheduled departure. However, if you are unable to do so in advance, you can fill out the online form at the departure airport or upon arrival in Taiwan. Furthermore, kiosks and staff assistance will be available at Taiwan airports to help travelers complete the digital TWAC application.

Upon successful completion and validation of the Taiwan Arrival Card online form, you will receive a confirmation email containing a QR code. While this QR code can be presented at immigration, in most scenarios, the immigration officers will simply scan your passport.

The system will then instantly retrieve your pre-submitted digital declaration in the TWAC form, significantly streamlining the immigration clearance process. This efficient system is designed to make entry into Taiwan swift and seamless for international visitors, especially after long-haul flights from New York to Taipei.

What information required for TWAC form online

The new Taiwan digital arrival card requires information similar to what is currently requested on the paper form, but with the added convenience of digital input. To complete the TWAC application online, you typically need to provide:

• Passport details
• Flight or ship details
• Details of your stay in Taiwan
• Your reachable contact number in Taiwan
• Reason for travel
• Occupation

I am traveling to Taipei in a group. Do I need to apply for a Taiwan Arrival Card for each traveler in the group?

For family holidays or group travel, Taiwan’s digital arrival card offers a significant advantage. You can register up to 16 people through a single form online. This would save you a lot of time before or after Newark to Taipei flights, so you could focus more on planning your trip.

Can I update my information in the TWAC form post submission? 

The ease of updating or modifying your information online is one of the benefits of digital Taiwan Arrival Card. If your travel itinerary or accommodation changes after you have submitted the TWAC application form online, you can use the “Update” section to modify your details before you arrive at Taoyuan International Airport.

Who don’t need to apply for Taiwan Arrival Card? Who are exempted?

Exemption from the Taiwan Arrival Card online effective starting October 2025 is given to Taiwanese nationals with household registration, and foreign nationals holding a Republic of China (Taiwan) Resident Certificate, a Resident Visa, or a diplomatic ID card. They don’t need to submit any TWAC form online or offline for their travel to Taiwan.

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