Plan your travel
If you plan to join us in-person for RightsCon 2025 in Taipei, we’ve put together guidance to help you prepare for your visa application, flights, hotels, and more! Have questions? Reach out to us at [email protected].
Participation Timeline
Visa Information
We are excited to welcome you to RightsCon in Taipei and online! If you’re planning to travel to Taiwan, here’s information to help you determine if you need a visa and ways to apply for one. If you have any questions about visas to Taiwan, reach out to us at [email protected]. If you have general questions about your participation, reach out to us at [email protected].
Determining if you need a visa to Taiwan
There are 65 countries eligible for visa-exempt entry into Taiwan. To find out if you need a visa, we recommend navigating to Sherpa, a useful tool for getting up-to-date international travel requirements. Simply enter the issuing country of your passport, where you’re traveling from (including if you have a connecting destination), your dates of travel, and click “see requirements”. Your trip summary will include whether or not you require a visa for your connecting flight or final destination, COVID-19 guidance, and other documentation requirements.
Remember to check if you need a visa for your final destination, Taiwan, and also if you need transit visas based on your flight routes and where you’re stopping over. Please note that travel requirements are frequently updated, and we recommend that you check the latest entry requirements before your trip. (Note: You can navigate the page in different languages!).
If you need a visa to enter Taiwan
If you have determined you need a visa, there are different pathways for obtaining entry into Taiwan. The below flow chart and information will help you understand which pathway you should take. Depending on the passport that you hold, there are different pathways for entry into Taiwan:
Click each pathway below to know more about the requirements.
1. Apply for a ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate
Nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply for a ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate if they meet the relevant requirements stated here:
- Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam
The processing time for an ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate is usually 24 hours, and it is valid for 90 days from the date of approval. Please take into consideration your expected length of stay as well as date of departure from Taiwan when applying to ensure that your ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate is valid throughout your duration of stay in Taiwan.
For more information on requirements and the process of applying for a ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate online, visit the National Immigration Agency website.
2. Apply for an eVisa
Nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply for an eVisa if they meet the relevant requirements stated here:
- Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Colombia*, Dominica, Ecuador, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Mauritius, Montenegro, Oman, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates
*For countries indicated with an asterisk, there are additional eligibility requirements which you can check here.
The processing time for an eVisa is usually is 5-10 working days, and it is valid for 3 months from the issue date. Please take into consideration your expected length of stay as well as date of departure from Taiwan when applying to ensure that your eVisa is valid throughout your duration of stay in Taiwan.
For more information on requirements and the process of applying for an eVisa online, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs eVisa application portal.
3. Apply for a Visitor Visa for attending conferences at an ROC (Taiwan) overseas mission
This visa is specifically designed for conference attendees who have an ROC (Taiwan) overseas mission in their country (click here to find out if you have an ROC (Taiwan) overseas mission in your country). Please note that an interview may be required, and you may need to visit the nearest ROC (Taiwan) overseas mission in-person.
For more information on requirements and the documents needed for the application, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs Visitor Visa for Attending Conference / Exhibition website. We recommend that you also visit the website of the ROC (Taiwan) overseas mission in your country to find out specific documents that you would need to provide as part of the application. For example, if you’re applying for a Visitor Visa from the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria, you should refer to the Trade Office’s website to find out specific documents required.
The processing time for a Visitor Visa for Attending Conferences depends on the ROC (Taiwan) overseas mission where you apply, and can range from 5-10 working days though might take longer. You can apply for a Visitor Visa any time, and we recommend that you do so as early as possible.
As part of the application, you would need to provide an invitation letter inviting you to attend a conference in Taiwan. We will be opening up requests for visa invitation letters in August.
4. Apply for an eVisa through MOFA’s eCode eVisa process
This visa is specifically designed for conference attendees who do NOT have an ROC (Taiwan) overseas mission in their country (click here to find out if you have an ROC (Taiwan) overseas mission in your country).
Taiwan has a eCode eVisa process (Flexible Mechanism) for all foreign passport holders who are attending international conferences, which are either hosted, co-organized or sponsored by Taiwanese central government agencies, or select non-profit organizations. This flexible and streamlined application process can be done online from start to finish, and will not require you to visit a ROC (Taiwan) overseas mission in-person.
We are currently working with the Taiwanese government to facilitate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MOFA’s) eCode eVisa process for those in our community who do not have an ROC (Taiwan) overseas mission in their country of residence. We will provide step-by-step guidance on this application process, including the timeline for application and processing and required documents, in August.
5. If you are holding a passport from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, or Macau
Those holding a passport from the People’s Republic of China are eligible to apply for an Entry & Exit Permit if they meet the relevant requirements stated here. For more information on requirements and the process of applying for an Entry & Exit Permit, visit the National Immigration Agency Entry & Exit Permit application portal (for People’s Republic of China passport-holders).
Those holding a passport from and with permanent resident status in either Hong Kong or Macau are eligible to apply for an Entry & Exit Permit if they meet the relevant requirements stated here. For more information on requirements and the process of applying for an Entry & Exit Permit, visit the National Immigration Agency Entry & Exit Permit application portal (for Hong Kong and Macau passport-holders).
Request an official invitation letter for your visa application
Depending on which pathway illustrated above you go through, you might need to provide an invitation letter as part of the application process. We will be opening up requests for visa invitation letters in August.
Get in touch
We recognize that the visa applications take time, capacity and additional effort on the part of individuals, and we are committed to supporting our community in navigating this process, as part of our priority to facilitate access to our summit.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding visas to Taiwan, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].
Flight and Hotel
The Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the primary airport for international flights, located at No.9 Terminal South Road, Dayuan Township. Taipei Songshan Airport is located in the Songshan District of Taipei City, and primarily handles domestic flights within Taiwan, with some limited international flights to destinations in mainland China, Japan, and South Korea. We will announce the official venue for RightsCon 2025 in July.
Accommodation: We will arrange a selection of courtesy blocks for in-person RightsCon participants to book accommodation at the hotels that are within walking distance from our venue. Information on booking with preferred rates will be available on our website in August.
Transportation: There are a number of ways to travel from Taoyuan International Airport to downtown Taipei. As we get closer to the summit, we’ll share information on the different options including shuttles, public transit, taxis, and car shares.
Community Support Fund
In order to facilitate the participation of underrepresented communities, RightsCon provides travel and connectivity support to a small number of civil society members who wish to attend RightsCon (February 24-27, 2025). The fund is reserved for individuals facing financial barriers who would be unable to attend the summit without our support.
Applications for travel support are now open and available on our RightsCon Proposal Portal. The deadline to apply is September 2, 2024 at 23:59 Pacific Standard Time. Decisions will be communicated to applicants at the end of September, 2024.
As our funding is limited, to be considered for the fund, you must meet all of the eligibility requirements below:
Eligibility requirements and selection criteria
As our funding is limited, to be considered for the fund, you must meet all of the eligibility requirements below:
- Belong to an underrepresented group: you identify with or belong to a community traditionally excluded from convening spaces, including but not limited to: Black, Indigenous, and racialized individuals; transgender and gender non-conforming individuals; people with disabilities; informal workers such as migrant workers and sex workers; and individuals directly affected by conflict and crisis.
- Belong to a civil society organization or work within the civil society sector: you are associated with a civil society organization, or work within the civil society sector in fields at the intersection of human rights and digital technologies. Examples of groups that fall in this category include but are not limited to: community-based organizations, NGOs, advocacy groups, labor unions, independent media organizations, and charitable organizations.
- Belong to a country in the Global Majority: you reside in, identify with, or represent an organization or community based in a country that is part of the Global Majority, in regions including, Africa, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
- Demonstrate financial need: you belong to a small civil society organization with limited funding, or work independently in a relevant field without institutional support. We will ask for information about specific financial barriers that might prevent you from participating at RightsCon without our support, as well as relevant details such as access to organizational support or challenges in obtaining funding from other sources.
Once the eligibility requirements above have been met, we will further evaluate applications considering each individual’s unique experience, background, and need, and prioritize applications that meet our selection criteria as follows:
- Program participation: while everyone is welcome to apply, we will prioritize applications from session organizers, Program Committee members, facilitators, and/or speakers accepted into the RightsCon program. If you are a participant not involved in the program, just make sure you work within the human rights and / or technology space, as we will ask to know about your contributions to the issues supported in the RightsCon program in the application form.
- Those who have not received funding from RightsCon in the past: to ensure a diversity of perspectives and opportunities to experience RightsCon, we will give priority to those that have not received funding from RightsCon in the past.
For individuals applying from the same organization, we are only able to fund one individual per organization. We encourage organizations to consider having only their junior staff apply, if they believe senior staff can secure funding from other sources.
For more information about the fund, including our approach to community support and decision-making process this year, check out our blog.
Travel support
When applying for travel support, you will be able to select between the following two options:
Full travel support
This option covers all major costs related to participating at RightsCon, and includes:
- Fights to and from Taipei;
- Hotel accommodation;
- A total stipend of USD 250 to cover meals, local transportation, and other incidental expenses incurred during travel to and from Taipei, as well as during the course of the summit; and
- Visa application fees for those that need a visa to Taiwan.
Partial travel support
This option provides a small funding contribution ranging from USD $250 to $1,000 for individuals who have already secured partial funding and need a small contribution to cover the remaining travel costs
Connectivity support
If you are participating online and would like to apply for connectivity support, applications will open on October 4, 2024. Connectivity support may contribute to one or all of the following: purchasing data top-ups or contributing to the cost of internet use; travel to internet cafes or community centers to access computers; supplementing secure participation, by purchasing privacy screens or VPNs; and/or translation, cost of childcare, or other services enabling active engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our answers to frequently asked questions. If you are unable to find the information you are looking, get in touch with us at [email protected]
Where and when will RightsCon 2025 be held?
RightsCon 2025 will be held from February 24-27, 2025, in Taipei, Taiwan and online through the RightsCon Platform.
When will the RightsCon platform open?
The RightsCon platform will open on January 31, 2025.
Where and when will I be able to register for RightsCon?
Registration for RightsCon will launch on August 13, 2024 and participants will be able to register on the “Register” page of our website – be sure to subscribe to the RightsCon Rundown for updates!
Do I need a visa to travel to Taiwan?
To find out if you need a visa, we recommend navigating to Sherpa, a useful tool for getting up-to-date international travel requirements. Simply enter the issuing country of your passport, where you’re traveling from (including if you have a connecting destination), your dates of travel, and click “see requirements”. Your trip summary will include whether or not you require a visa for your connecting flight or final destination, COVID-19 guidance, and other documentation requirements. Please note that travel requirements are frequently updated, and we recommend that you check the latest entry requirements before your trip. (Note: You can navigate the page in different languages!).
How do I apply for a visa to Taiwan?
Depending on the passport that you hold and whether you have an ROC (Taiwan) overseas mission in your country of residence, there are different pathways for entry into Taiwan. Please refer to the visa information section in our website for guidance on which type of visa you are eligible for, as well as resources on relevant requirements and the application process from Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
How far in advance before my travel should I apply for a visa?
The timing of your visa application depends on the following factors:
- The type of visa you’re applying for;
- The processing time for the visa application; and
- The validity period of the visa.
If you’re eligible and applying for a ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate, the processing time is usually 24 hours. The ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of approval. Please take into consideration your expected length of stay as well as date of departure from Taiwan when applying to ensure that your ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate is valid throughout your duration of stay in Taiwan.
If you’re eligible and applying for an eVisa, the processing time is usually is 5-10 working days. An eVisa is valid for 3 months from the issue date. Please take into consideration your expected length of stay as well as date of departure from Taiwan when applying to ensure that your eVisa is valid throughout your duration of stay in Taiwan.
If you’re applying for a Visitor Visa for Attending Conferences, the processing time depends on the ROC (Taiwan) overseas mission where you apply, and can range from 5-10 working days. You can apply for a Visitor Visa any time, and we recommend that you do so as early as possible.
If you’re applying through MOFA’s eCodel eVisa process (Flexible Mechanism), we will provide step-by-step guidance on this application process, including the timeline for application and processing and required documents, in August.
What if my country is not listed in any of the visa options listed above?
Please reach out to us at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to help!
Should I book my flight to Taiwan before my visa is approved?
Whether you’re applying for a ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate, an eVisa, a Visitor Visa for Attending Conferences, or a Special eVisa (Flexible Mechanism), you would need proof of booked flights and accommodation as part of the application process. To ensure peace of mind in case of any change in circumstances, you may choose to book refundable flight tickets.
What type of funding assistance do you provide?
Our Community Support Fund provides financial support to a select number of civil society members who wish to attend RightsCon (February 24-27, 2025) in-person or online, and is reserved for individuals facing financial barriers who would be unable to attend the summit without our support. The fund offers support for in-person participation in Taipei including flights, hotel, stipend, among other travel related costs, as well as support for online participation including, connectivity, translation and other services.
Applications for travel support are now open and available on our RightsCon Proposal Portal. The deadline to apply is September 2, 2024 at 23:59 Pacific Standard Time. Decisions will be communicated to applicants by mid September, 2024.
If you are participating online and would like to apply for connectivity support, applications will open on October 4, 2024.
What language is used in Taiwan?
Mandarin Chinese is the official language of Taiwan, and English is widely spoken.
What currency is used in Taiwan, and how can I make payments?
The official currency in Taiwan is New Taiwan Dollars (NTD). In addition to cash, major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB are widely accepted, and mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are increasingly accepted.