Hey guys, just wanna initially say I’m happy to be part of the community. I’ve looked on this website periodically for the past couple months and have found numerous answers to questions I was looking to have answered but I felt it was time to make an account as I have one question in specific.
On Friday I’ll be going to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York City with the intention of submitting my application for a 60 day Visitor Visa. My purpose will be Tourism, specifically visiting my girlfriend who is Taiwanese. I plan on having a bank statement that shows I have $4000+ in my account. I’ve begun writing out my Itinerary with the help of my girlfriend, I will have a letter explaining my purpose and reasons for being there. I’ve printed out the form and will have $140 cash with me for the filing fee. Here is my concern:
I’ve read mixed opinions about having proof of plane tickets both entering and leaving the country. I don’t have my tickets booked yet because I don’t know how long I will be able to stay until my Visa is approved or denied, so I planned to wait until their decision before I booked my tickets. I called the office I’ll be visiting and asked them if this would be acceptable, the woman I spoke to repeatedly told me “its fine just bring an Itinerary”. To take it one step further, my girlfriend called the office closest to her in Taiwan and asked the same question in which they replied “its good to have, but not necessary.” I’m sure you can all understand my caution in wanting to make sure I have everything I need upon visiting that office, so I seek your advice on this.
I intend to call China Airlines tomorrow to find out about their policies regarding changing the date on a return flight (to see if there is a penalty fee or not).
I had an additional question also. Once the office makes their decision, whether to approve or deny my visa application, will I need to visit the office in person to pick everything up? Or could I arrange for them to mail me everything I need?
I only ask because I’ll need to take a bus to NYC to submit or pick up the required stuff, the bus tickets costing $60 round trip. I’m looking avoid going to NYC twice. So if anyone knows I’d appreciate that also.
I also welcome any tips about the visa preparation process in general.
If you don’t intend to stay more than four weeks, don’t bother getting a visa at all, since U.S. passport holders are entitled to visa-free entry to Taiwan (for 30 days). You’ll save US$140 as well.
Or do you intend to stay longer than 1 month but less than 2?
I planned to stay for 60 days if my visa was approved. I just wanted to spend the summer with my girlfriend. And obviously the more time the better, but I need to be back early August because my college semester will begin mid-late August.
Regarding moving there, maybe someday, yes. I’d need to at least get my Associates degree (one more year of college) and my TEFL Certification. But regarding this summer, I just wanted to visit for two months and enjoy my time with her.
When I applied for my tourist visa at the TECO office in San Francisco, I just had the travel agency (me) print an itinerary that showed round-trip travel. It was enough. I also included a bank statement that showed I had enough money to support myself. Those are two things most consulates are interested in seeing for issuing a tourist visa, although I’m not sure it’s required.
I think it’s pretty unlikely you’ll get denied at a US TECO office so you can book your tickets imo.
Why don’t you mail your form in and save 60 USD?
Alternately you could enter on the 30 visa exempt and take a 1 week trip to the Philippines for about the same price (the flight) as getting a tourist visa. Book on Cebu Pacific ahead of time and it should cost about 4000 NT. And then when you come back you have another 30 day visa exempt.
I also think the bank statement needs to have 10K USD but that you can also use lines of credit (credit card). But they never looked at mine (or my itinerary) when I applied in Seattle two years ago.
I booked some flights, printed an itinerary, and canceled the flights. I did the application by mail, so did not face any questioning.
Doing a Google search for “Taiwan tourist visa requirements”, the consensus is:
[quote]Taiwan Tourist Visa Requirements
Visitors who will not enter Taiwan with visa-exempt status or on a landing visa, are required to apply for a visa prior to arriving in Taiwan.
Passport with at least 6 months validity remaining;
2 recent passport photos;
Completed application form (front and back);
Confirmation of travel [b][u]or itinerary from a travel agency[/u][/b];
Letter explaining purpose of trip and plans for the stay in Taiwan;
Pay fee of $100.00 for single or multiple entry.
[/quote]
Bold/underline is mine.
You don’t need a ticket to get the visa. An itinerary will do. When you leave the US to travel, however, a return/onward ticket is required. Although the immigration agent in Taiwan is unlikely to ask you for it, the airline in the US likely will, especially if you fly a US flag carrier. China Airlines may not ask, but it is a requirement.
[quote=“Abacus”]I think it’s pretty unlikely you’ll get denied at a US TECO office so you can book your tickets imo.
Why don’t you mail your form in and save 60 USD?
Alternately you could enter on the 30 visa exempt and take a 1 week trip to the Philippines for about the same price (the flight) as getting a tourist visa. Book on Cebu Pacific ahead of time and it should cost about 4000 NT. And then when you come back you have another 30 day visa exempt.
I also think the bank statement needs to have 10K USD but that you can also use lines of credit (credit card). But they never looked at mine (or my itinerary) when I applied in Seattle two years ago.[/quote]
Regarding the bank statement, I’ve heard $3000 minimum. But when I spoke to the Consulate’s office, they told me there is no minimum, but the more the better. I think 10k USD is a bit excessive so I doubt that, but who knows. I was also told that its something I need to do in person. That they need my passport. Two passport sized photos. My detailed Itinerary, the bank statement etc etc.
The possible trip to the Philippines is out, because I know no one there, and wouldn’t go alone and my girlfriend wouldn’t be able to travel there with me if I were to go.
[quote=“CraigTPE”]I am not sure I understand your question.
I booked some flights, printed an itinerary, and canceled the flights. I did the application by mail, so did not face any questioning.
Doing a Google search for “Taiwan tourist visa requirements”, the consensus is:
[quote]Taiwan Tourist Visa Requirements
Visitors who will not enter Taiwan with visa-exempt status or on a landing visa, are required to apply for a visa prior to arriving in Taiwan.
Passport with at least 6 months validity remaining;
2 recent passport photos;
Completed application form (front and back);
Confirmation of travel [b][u]or itinerary from a travel agency[/u][/b];
Letter explaining purpose of trip and plans for the stay in Taiwan;
Pay fee of $100.00 for single or multiple entry.
[/quote]
Bold/underline is mine.
You don’t need a ticket to get the visa. An itinerary will do. When you leave the US to travel, however, a return/onward ticket is required. Although the immigration agent in Taiwan is unlikely to ask you for it, the airline in the US likely will, especially if you fly a US flag carrier. China Airlines may not ask, but it is a requirement.[/quote]Ahh I see. So wait, it IS possible to do this all by mail? Also, I’ve never written an Itinerary before, do you guys know of any templates I can go by? I don’t exactly have any major plans upon going there. Sure there are things I want to see, but me and my girlfriend haven’t made plans for the entire two months in specific.
[quote=“SpiritAway”]Regarding the bank statement, I’ve heard $3000 minimum. But when I spoke to the Consulate’s office, they told me there is no minimum, but the more the better. I think 10k USD is a bit excessive so I doubt that, but who knows. I was also told that its something I need to do in person. That they need my passport. Two passport sized photos. My detailed Itinerary, the bank statement etc etc.
The possible trip to the Philippines is out, because I know no one there, and wouldn’t go alone and my girlfriend wouldn’t be able to travel there with me if I were to go.[/quote]
Bank statement is not a “requirement”, but to issue a tourist visa, they want to be fairly convinced that you have the financial means to support yourself while you are here. Use your judgement. Bank statement, credit card statement showing limit/available credit, etc.
Dude, you can mail your passport. You don’t have to hand-carry it. Use FedEx if you feel more comfortable. Or, go in person, but it is not necessary.
You can make a day trip to HKG as well, if you don’t want to mess with a tourist visa and just enter visa-exempt for 30-days a pop. Go in the morning, back in the evening.
[quote=“CraigTPE”][quote=“SpiritAway”]Regarding the bank statement, I’ve heard $3000 minimum. But when I spoke to the Consulate’s office, they told me there is no minimum, but the more the better. I think 10k USD is a bit excessive so I doubt that, but who knows. I was also told that its something I need to do in person. That they need my passport. Two passport sized photos. My detailed Itinerary, the bank statement etc etc.
The possible trip to the Philippines is out, because I know no one there, and wouldn’t go alone and my girlfriend wouldn’t be able to travel there with me if I were to go.[/quote]
Bank statement is not a “requirement”, but to issue a tourist visa, they want to be fairly convinced that you have the financial means to support yourself while you are here. Use your judgement. Bank statement, credit card statement showing limit/available credit, etc.
Dude, you can mail your passport. You don’t have to hand-carry it. Use FedEx if you feel more comfortable. Or, go in person, but it is not necessary.
You can make a day trip to HKG as well, if you don’t want to mess with a tourist visa and just enter visa-exempt for 30-days a pop. Go in the morning, back in the evening.[/quote]
Damn thats good news, I believe you might have just saved me money Craig. How should I go about writing this Itinerary? I’ve never written one before so I don’t really know how its supposed to be typed up. (Sorry College nerd here so I’m obsessed with proper formatting)
An itinerary is usually printed by a travel agent using their computer reservations system, not typed using MS Word. If you are using an agent to get your ticket to Taiwan, they might be willing to print you one as a courtesy. If you are not using an agent for your ticket, you might be able to pay one a small fee for the service. You might be able to start a booking using one of the airline’s web sites, print the itinerary before you complete the transaction, then just not complete the transaction.
An itinerary is usually printed by a travel agent using their computer reservations system, not typed using MS Word. If you are using an agent to get your ticket to Taiwan, they might be willing to print you one as a courtesy. If you are not using an agent for your ticket, you might be able to pay one a small fee for the service. You might be able to start a booking using one of the airline’s web sites, print the itinerary before you complete the transaction, then just not complete the transaction.[/quote]Alright great, so heres my last question. Thanks btw Craig and anyone else who responded.
I’m calling China Airlines tomorrow to see what their policy is about changing return flight dates, to see if there is a charge for changing the date. If I discover that there isn’t a penalty for changing my return date, and just buy the tickets before I apply for the Visa, do I still need an Itinerary? Or do I just supply proof of my tickets and thats good enough?
[quote=“SpiritAway”]Alright great, so heres my last question. Thanks btw Craig and anyone else who responded.
I’m calling China Airlines tomorrow to see what their policy is about changing return flight dates, to see if there is a charge for changing the date. If I discover that there isn’t a penalty for changing my return date, and just buy the tickets before I apply for the Visa, do I still need an Itinerary? Or do I just supply proof of my tickets and thats good enough?[/quote]
You’re welcome.
If I recall, China Airlines allows open return tickets and/or free changes to the return. It’s been a while since I was in the business, though. An agent I can recommend, who does a lot of business with China Airlines, might be able to help you. He is good at international tickets. He’s in San Francisco, though, but you could communicate via e-mail or phone, and he can e-mail you an itinerary. His name is Hans and his e-mail is knc@knctravel.com .
You don’t need “proof of tickets”, just an itinerary, preferably official looking.
I have a ticket with China Airlines that needs to be changed and I think the fee is 750NT (about 25 USD) plus any difference in ticket price.
I mention the Philippines just as a cheap way (it’s almost a wash: flight vs tourist visa) to see a very cool country even if you go by yourself for a week. But it’s by far the cheapest since the Hong Kong tickets have skyrocketed. If you don’t want to go by yourself then go for the 60 day tourist visa.
And yes you can mail it in but I think you also need to include a self addressed stamped envelope for them to return it to you.
Is that to change an unused ticket, or to change the return date on a partially used ticket? Usually the airlines don’t recalculate fares for changing return dates as long as you’ve stayed within the minimum/maximum stay because fares are determined by outbound date. Usually to change the return, there might be just a change fee.
Anyway, for the purposes of just getting the visa, a ticket isn’t needed, just an itinerary.
Is that to change an unused ticket, or to change the return date on a partially used ticket? Usually the airlines don’t recalculate fares for changing return dates as long as you’ve stayed within the minimum/maximum stay because fares are determined by outbound date. Usually to change the return, there might be just a change fee.
Anyway, for the purposes of just getting the visa, a ticket isn’t needed, just an itinerary.[/quote]
It’s unused but I see no reason that they wouldn’t charge more if you were trying to get onto a nearly sold out flight that they were charging twice as much to book as your previous ticket. Otherwise this would be a great way to exploit the pricing system.