Do Taiwan passport holders need a visa to visit United Kingdom?

Taiwan ordinary passport holders need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), not a visa, for short tourist stays — provided their passport shows the Taiwan ID card number. As of 30 May 2026, holders of an ordinary Taiwan passport are non-visa nationals for the United Kingdom and do NOT need a traditional visitor visa for tourism or short visits. Instead they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The crucial condition is that the Taiwan passport must include the holder's Taiwan-issued national identification card number (printed in the passport) — almost all standard Taiwan passports issued to nationals with household registration carry this. Taiwan nationals have been able to apply for the ETA since 8 January 2025, and since 25 February 2026 the requirement is strictly enforced: airlines and carriers will not board eligible travellers without a valid ETA. The ETA costs £20, is applied for online via the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK, is normally decided within 3 working days, allows multiple entries, and is valid for 2 years (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first), permitting stays of up to 6 months per visit. The UK is NOT in the Schengen area, so Schengen 90/180 rules and ETIAS do not apply.