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, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- 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. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, 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 seperately. 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:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Taiwan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, 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. |
Routine Vaccinations for Taiwan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 seperately. 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. |
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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Taiwan
“The RN did a great job explaining details of my Taiwan trip health risks. She took time with me so that I didn’t feel that she rushed through to “get to” the next person. Actually the next clients came in as I was going out. That is perfect timing which shows the office considers individual clients important.”
“Great service. Our nurse took us carefully through the risks and options for living in Taiwan. Very professional and with a sense of humor!”
“The staff provided priceless information about my up coming trip to Taiwan that will help insure my comfort and medical safety. I really appreciate it!”
“I am traveling to Taiwan for the first time for business. The nurse at the Charlotte location was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and professional. I feel that my specific medical history and travel itinerary was thoroughly reviewed and I received accurate, valuable and current travel/disease prevention information and services.”
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.
Taiwan Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Taiwan? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Taiwan and U.S. State Department
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
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?
Taiwan is a country with minimal street crime as well as minimal violent crime. It’s always smart to be aware of your surroundings and be cautious with your belongings. But, very few visitors to Taiwan will be the victims of crime.
The most dangerous events in Taiwan are typhoons that occur in the humid summer months. Earthquakes can also cause hazardous situations. Pay attention to any local natural disaster warnings.
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
3rd Floor, Consular Section
#7, Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road, Section 3
Taipei, 106 Taiwan
Telephone: +(886) 2-2162-2000 ext. 2306
Emergency Telephone: +(886) 2-2162-2000
Fax: +(886) 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!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Taiwan?
Do I Need a Visa for Taiwan?
What Is the Climate Like in Taiwan?
How Safe Is Taiwan?
Visit Pagodas and Pavilions in Kaohsiung Port
What Should I Pack for Taiwan?
U.S. Embassy in Taiwan
