Visit the website of a third-party passport and visa application processing company (see Resources). If you don't want to apply online, visit or have your designated representative visit the nearest consulate in San Francisco. Print out the visa application -- found online -- and fill it out beforehand.
Select Taiwan as your travel destination from among the nations listed. The website will help you determine whether a visa will be required for your trip.
Gather the appropriate documents necessary to fill out the online application. Items include your passport, two 2-inch-by-2-inch color passport photos, your purchased travel itinerary, a bank statement demonstrating sufficient funds for the trip and a personal letter from you to the Taiwan embassy detailing the nature of your trip. Include travel dates, destinations, accommodations and any other pertinent information. Those traveling on business should include a business letter on company letterhead instead. The letter should introduce the traveler and her position within the company, the nature of her visit and the business to be conducted, and the type of visa she is requesting such as single or multiple entry business. A business invitation from the sponsoring company in Taiwan should also be included.
Submit the application online. There will be questions concerning demographics, criminal activity, prior visits, communicable diseases, drug use and physical or mental disorders. It is important that these are answered truthfully. After doing so, pay the appropriate fees plus processing charges and select your shipping option. Print out your confirmation as proof of your transaction. You will receive instruction on where and how to mail your supporting documents. Do so in a timely fashion.
