Taiwan

Recommended Vaccinations For Taiwan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Vaccination is recommended for travellers with itineraries that include rural or rice growing areas with extended outdoor activities.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Taiwan

There are no recommendations for Taiwan at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Taiwan

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Taiwan, and the risk to travellers is significant.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Taiwan.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Taiwan through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

Scrub Typhus

This disease generally occurs year-round in Taiwan.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in the country.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever outbreaks have occurred in Taiwan.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus Taiwan through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus.

Measles

There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Japanese encephalitis

In Taiwan, outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur sporadically throughout the country. Transmission season is considered to be from May to October. Human cases among residents of Taiwan are rare due to routine vaccination and natural immunity, however, visitors to Taiwan may be at higher risk for infection. Extensive outdoor activity in rural areas will increase this risk.

Safety & Security in Taiwan

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low and travellers rarely experience safety and security problems in Taiwan. However, petty crime or other theft can occur anywhere. Always be alert to your surroundings and personal safety. Ensure that personal belongings and travel documents are kept safe at all times, especially in transportation hubs, tourist areas, and crowded streets.

Taiwan is at risk for typhoons and monsoons, which may cause torrential rainfall and flooding in many areas of the country. If travelling to Taiwan during the rainy season (generally from May to June), monitor local weather and news reports and follow the advice of local authorities if any extreme weather does occur.

You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Taiwan. On arrival, take your passport, IDP and a passport photograph to a Vehicle Registration Department to apply for a driver’s license visa. Driving while over the legal alcohol limit (0.03% blood alcohol concentration) can bring heavy fines and imprisonment. Passengers may also be fined.

There are severe penalties, including the death penalty, for possession, use of, trafficking or smuggling illegal drugs, including marijuana.

There may be penalties for possessing prescription drugs, including long prison sentences and heavy fines. You may be required to apply for permission and certification to bring certain medications into Taiwan. You may need to prove your prescription is for your personal use. Cannabis oil and any cannabis-derived medication will not be permitted, even with a legal prescription from your country.

Book taxis on the internet or through your hotel or use radio taxis.

Extreme Violence

While there is no recent history of terrorism in Taiwan, attacks cannot be ruled out. Such attacks can be indiscriminate and can occur in places frequented by foreigners/travelers.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations happen sometimes but are usually peaceful. Such demonstrations or public protests can draw large groups of people can also sometimes turn violent. Avoid large gatherings or rallies.