Check your passport, making sure it will remain valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure. According to the U.S. State Department's Taiwan Specific Information page, as long as your U.S. passport is valid up to six months after your entry to Taiwan, and you have a ticket out of Taiwan, your 30-day visa will be stamped in your passport upon arrival. If your passport is set to expire in less than six months from your entry to Taiwan, you will have to pay $155 for a 30-day landing visa. To apply for a visa ahead of time, contact the Consular Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S.
Apply for a business visa to Taiwan ahead of time if you plan to stay in the country for more than 30 days on business. According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, you will need a valid passport, a visa application form with two passport photos and proof that you will be in the country on business.
Apply for a student visa if you plan to study in Taiwan. This requires the same documents as applying for a business visa, along with proof of your program of study.
Book a flight to Taiwan. China Airlines and Eva Airways are the two major airlines servicing Taiwan. China Airlines offers flights to Taipei from many American cities whereas Eva Airways only services five U.S. airports.
Make a hotel reservation in Taipei. The YMCA in Taipei has garnered many positive reviews on sites such as TripAdvisor.com, as has the WonStar hotel.
Contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to inquire about customs regulations for items such as prescription drugs. You may need a letter from a doctor certifying that you have a prescription. Taiwanese customs may also limit the amount of medicine that you can carry into the country.
