Taiwan

Penalties for illegal drug possession, use, or trafficking in Taiwan are severe — including the death penalty for certain offenses — and even some prescription drugs can bring heavy fines and long jail sentences.

Death penalty possible for certain drug offenses.

Confirm your medication is legal with Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare before travel — some prescription medications are illegal and can bring jail or fines — and check Taiwan Customs limits.

Jail or fine possible for illegal medications.

Declare cash over NTD 100,000, foreign currency over USD 10,000, or RMB over 20,000 on both arrival and departure from Taiwan.

Taiwan strictly regulates importing/exporting firearms, antiquities, medications, currency, and ivory; contact TECRO for specific customs requirements.

Passengers may not bring e-cigarettes or e-liquids into Taiwan — importing them is banned under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, with no personal-use exemption.

Items are confiscated; carrying or importing e-cigarettes violates the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act.

Obtain an International Driving Permit before arriving in Taiwan; you may drive up to 30 days with an IDP and home license. Right turns on red are not permitted unless indicated.

On-the-spot fines for minor offenses.

Taiwan's legal BAC limit is 0.03% (15 mg/100 ml), strictly enforced, with alcohol tests standard at accident scenes.

Court appearance for serious offenses.

Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019 and recognizes foreign same-sex marriages; the law bars education and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, though tolerance is lower outside Taipei.