Published: September 16, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Taiwan Travel Advisory and Taiwan International Travel Information Page.
Contact Information
American Institute in Taiwan
Number 100, Jinhu Road, Neihu District 11461, Taipei City
Tel: +886-02-2162-2000; Regional Security Office: +886-02-2162-2333
Hours: Monday-Friday 0800-1200 and 1300-1700.
Kaohsiung Branch Office
5F, Number 88, Chenggong 2nd Road, Qianzhen District Kaohsiung 806618
Tel: +886-07-335-5006
Hours: Monday-Friday 0800-1200 and 1300-1700.
OSAC Chapters
There is an active OSAC Chapter in Taipei. OSAC constituents who are interested in participating in the Chapter or connecting with the Regional Security Officer (RSO) should contact OSAC’s Asia team with any questions.
Taiwan Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Taiwan.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Taipei as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Taiwan.
The crime emergency line in Taiwan is 110.
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. There is extensive CCTV coverage throughout Taiwan (30,000 cameras in Taipei, 25,000 in Kaohsiung, and 35,000 in New Taipei City). The network of security cameras at traffic intersections, commercial establishments, and public areas of hotels and residential buildings means that authorities can monitor and/or record most activity occurring outside of the home. The extensive coverage plays a significant role in deterring most criminal activity, and most streets in Taiwan are generally safe.
Violent crime against foreigners is unusual, and overall violent crime rates in Taiwan are among the lowest in the world. The most common crimes are drug and theft related. Residential thefts occur, particularly in buildings without 24-hour security coverage.
Pickpockets can be a problem in crowded areas, especially at various night markets. Exercise the same common-sense precautions as in any large cosmopolitan area, such as maintaining a low profile and always remaining aware of surroundings.
Fraud and Scams
Fraud and scams are an issue in Taiwan. Victims should immediately report fraud through the fraud hotline at 165. Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.
Financial scams and romance scams are common in Taiwan. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters.
Common scams include:
- People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
- People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
- Romance and online dating
- Grandparent and relative targeting
- Work permits and job offers
If using dating apps or websites in Taiwan:
- Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
- Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.
- Meet in a popular public place.
- Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
- Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.
- Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
- Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
- Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
- Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
- Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Taiwan.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Taipei as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Taiwan.
Taiwan has no history with the current brand of transnational terrorism.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Taipei as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Taiwan. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
There is minimal risk from political violence in Taiwan. Taiwan enjoys a vibrant democracy.
Protests & Demonstrations
Protests and demonstrations occur on a regular basis in major cities, particularly during elections. Demonstrations rarely turn violent, although they may become confrontational between opposing groups. Protest organizers must obtain permits from the police. Police often set aside areas for demonstrators, and police presence is clearly visible. Monitor media coverage of local and regional events and avoid public demonstrations.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There is minimal risk from anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment.
Law Enforcement
The National Police Agency (NPA) performs police and law enforcement functions in Taiwan. NPA’s primary missions are to maintain public order, uphold the safety of Taiwan’s citizens and society, prevent hazards, and promote the welfare of Taiwan’s citizens. NPA conducts criminal investigations, enforces laws, and performs many of the same functions conducted by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the U.S.
The Ministry of Justice Investigations Bureau (MJIB) is responsible for national security and investigating major crimes. MJIB’s national security mandate includes counterterrorism, counter-infiltration, domestic security investigations, coordination of national internal security, and protection of national secrets. MJIB also investigates public corruption, economic crimes, drug crimes, money laundering, and cybercrimes.
The National Immigration Agency (NIA) is responsible for enforcing and investigating violations of Taiwan’s immigration laws. NIA officers staff Taiwan’s air and seaports of entry. NIA also provides extensive services to foreign spouses and children of Taiwan nationals, including counseling, language classes, and protection hotlines.
The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) is the civilian law enforcement agency tasked with protecting the resources of Taiwan’s territorial waters, providing first-line defense along coastal areas against smugglers and illegal immigrants, maintaining law and order, and conducting search and rescue operations in Taiwan’s territorial waters.
The Customs Directorate (DGOC), part of the Finance Ministry, is charged with enforcing Taiwan’s customs policies and regulations. DGOC collects customs duties, taxes, and fees, prevents smuggling, and enforces government controls.
There are no reports that members of the security forces commit abuses.
Police Response
Police harassment of law-abiding citizens is rare. Conditions of police detention are generally consistent with international practice. Suspects have the following rights: the right to know what crime the suspect has been accused of; the right to remain silent; the right to contact an attorney; and the right to request police to investigate evidence favorable to the suspect.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Taiwan, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s International Travel Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Taiwan.
The law provided criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and authorities generally implemented the law effectively.
There are no reports authorities or their agents have committed arbitrary or unlawful killings. There are also no reports of disappearances by or on behalf of Taiwan authorities. The law stipulates no violence, threat, inducement, fraud, or other improper means should be used against accused persons, and there are no reports officials employed these practices. There are no reports of impunity in the security forces or significant reports of prison or detention center conditions that raise human rights concerns. The constitution and relevant laws prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention and provide for the right of defendants to challenge the lawfulness of their detention in court, and the authorities generally observe these requirements.
Cybersecurity
Free Wi-Fi hot spots and internet cafes are commonly available at airports, hotels, public transportation hubs, and other areas. Many of these networks are not secure and may be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Avoid conducting sensitive conversations and/or financial transactions when using public, unsecured networks.
Import/Export Restrictions
Growing economic and business ties between China and Taiwan have increased concerns that employees might take corporate trade secrets to China for personal profit. The Trade Secrets Act stipulates a maximum penalty of ten years and a fine up to NT$10 million. However, this amendment does not provide investigators with tools (such as wiretapping) to prevent the theft of trade secrets. Once an employee absconds to China, the individual is beyond the reach of Taiwan’s prosecutorial system.
Taiwan maintains strict regulations on importing and exporting firearms, medications, antiquities, currency, and ivory.
Personal-use satellite phones need to be registered with the National Communications Commission (NCC); for antennas with a diameter of three meters or more, a channel from the Ministry of Digital Affairs needs to be obtained prior to registering with the NCC.
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.
A specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
