Taiwan Tourism Industry Booms in 2024 with Visa Free Travel Access to 143 countries, Including Japan, US and UK

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Taiwan outbound tourism industry is robust and diverse, characterized by the adventurous spirit of its travelers and their interest in exploring new cultures. With increasing affluence and a strong passport, Taiwanese tourists are frequent visitors to destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America. The market shows a keen interest in cultural experiences, nature, and culinary tourism, reflecting the island’s own rich heritage.

The easing of travel restrictions and tailored travel packages have further stimulated outbound tourism. Popular destinations include Japan, Thailand, and the United States, where Taiwanese tourists contribute significantly to local economies through their spending on accommodation, shopping, and dining.

In 2023, a record 11,795,834 Taiwanese took trips abroad, significantly increasing from 1,482,821 in 2022. Of these travelers, more than 58 percent (6,870,883) embarked on their journeys in the latter half of the year, signaling a potential decline in domestic travel.

Japan emerged as the top destination, attracting 4,911,681 visitors from Taiwan. It was followed by Mainland China with 4,043,686 trips, Hong Kong with 1,676,374, South Korea with 1,209,062, and Vietnam with 853,257.

Following the removal of outbound travel restrictions in October 2022, Taiwanese tourism abroad emerged. By June 2023, the number of Taiwanese traveling internationally exceeded 1 million in a single month, marking the highest level since 2020.

The United States has consistently been the preferred long-haul destination for Taiwanese travelers. In 2022, it hosted over 137,000 visitors from Taiwan. The number of Taiwanese tourists to the US soared by 139% in 2023. These travelers primarily visit for family reunions, business engagements, trade shows, and educational purposes, presenting significant opportunities for the US travel and tourism industry.

Visa Free List

Africa

Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, eSwatini, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo

Asia

Armenia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Laos, Macau (SAR China), Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Palestinian Territory, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Timor- Leste

Europe

Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein , Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City

North America

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Greenland, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States, US Virgin Islands

Oceania

American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

South America

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela

Thailand actively attracts tourists from Taiwan, ranking as a premier destination. The Thai government has taken a significant step, announcing on Friday that Taiwanese tourists can now extend their stay to 60 days per entry, courtesy of the visa-free program.

• For many travelers, a journey in Thailand begins in the vibrant capital city of Bangkok. This dynamic metropolis offers a sensory overload, featuring sizzling street food, bustling markets, and hidden temples. Visitors can take a scenic cruise along the Chao Phraya River and enjoy cocktails at numerous rooftop bars. Consider staying at luxury hotels like Capella Bangkok or Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, both of which boast stunning locations along the Chao Phraya River
• Thailand is home to over 1,400 islands along its coastline, with the Phi Phi Islands in the Andaman Sea standing out as some of the most iconic. Comprising Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, these islands are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, exceptional diving opportunities, and vibrant nightlife, particularly on Phi Phi Don. Phi Phi Leh, an uninhabited island, offers a serene escape into nature and gained fame after being featured in the film “The Beach,” showcasing the breathtaking Maya Bay.
• Ayutthaya offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the past, making it one of Thailand’s most enchanting destinations. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, the stunning ruins of Ayutthaya evoke a haunting beauty that transports you back in time. Located just an hour from Bangkok, it’s an ideal spot for a day trip or an overnight getaway.

During the first four months of this year, a remarkable 210,283 Taiwanese tourists explored Thailand, representing a substantial 74.05% increase from the previous year. In a similar move, Indonesia is proactively introducing a visa-waiver program for Taiwanese visitors, further enhancing the travel experience. In 2023, Indonesia welcomed around 155,150 tourists from Taiwan.

China Airlines, the flag carrier of the Republic of China (Taiwan), manages an extensive fleet that supports a wide network in Asia and provides services to North America, Canada, Europe, Australia, and the Pacific. Based in Taipei, this airline has recently launched a new route to Seattle, further expanding its North American network. Additionally, the airline anticipates the delivery of the first of 24 Boeing 787 jets it has ordered, expected to join the fleet in 2025.

For over 50 years, China Airlines has been a significant player in the North American market, and the new non-stop flights to Seattle will expand its passenger network in the US Northwest. This expansion provides travelers with over 40 return flights weekly to the US and Canada, enhancing connectivity between Taiwan and the Americas.

Furthermore, the airline aims to increase its market share in Asia through its expansive regional network, offering nearly 400 weekly flights for travelers between North America and Southeast Asia and for those transiting through Northeast Asia.

In the face of increasing competition on the Taipei to Seattle route, Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines has announced it will start operating three weekly round-trip services beginning August 15, becoming the fourth carrier to serve this route. In response, EVA Airways has upgraded its service from seven to 10 weekly round-trip flights starting June 25.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, also known as Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, is the primary international gateway to Taipei and the busiest airport in Taiwan. Known for its efficient, modern facilities, it stands as one of the most traveler-friendly airports in Asia, accommodating a mix of domestic and international flights.

In 2023, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport reported a record 6.25 million transits, driven by high demand from passengers traveling between North America and Southeast Asia. This marked a 17.5 percent increase over the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, managed by the Taiwan International Airport Corporation (TIAC). Notably, Dubai International Airport retained its status as the busiest airport globally last year, handling 86.8 million passengers.

Transit passenger statistics from last year reveal that 37.9 percent of them originated from North America, while 35.8 percent traveled from Southeast Asia, underscoring Taiwan’s strategic importance as a key East Asian transportation hub. The total passenger volume at Taoyuan Airport emerged from 5.3 million in 2022 to 35.35 million in 2023.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport serves as a hub for various international and regional airlines, including China Eastern Airlines, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, EVA Airways, HK Express, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Peach Aviation, Royal Air Philippines, STARLUX Airlines , Singapore Airlines, Scoot Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and VietJet Air.