TAIWAN GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT
City & Country
Dates of travel
Students affected
TAIWAN
Jul 2016 to June 2017
Study abroad students going to
Taiwan
Prepared by
Date
Sussex Abroad Office
11th April 2016
Before you go
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides travel advice by country. It covers safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements,
health and natural disasters along with a host of other useful information. We strongly recommend that students read the section related to their destination
prior to departure and before undertaking any trip to another part of the county/region.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/taiwan
Visa regulations:
Please check regulations relating to visas on the Tapei Representative Office in the UK website:
http://www.roc-taiwan.org/uk/mp.asp?mp=132
Passport visa regulations: Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Taiwan .
Emergency number in Taiwan: If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 119 and ask for an ambulance.
Vaccinations: Visit your health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures.
Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre on the TravelHealthPro website:
http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/locations/malaysia/#Vaccine_recommendations
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Type
Crime/security:
Nature of the Hazards
Crime levels are low, but small-scale petty crime does
exist.
Procedures to minimise risks
You should maintain at least the same level of vigilance as you would at
home, and take sensible precautions.
Local travel
There is a risk of road blockages and landslides following
typhoons, especially in central and southern Taiwan.
You should check the Central Weather Bureau website and the
Directorate General of Highways website before travelling.
Road travel
To drive in Taiwan you need an International Driving
Permit (IDP). The alcohol limit for drivers in Taiwan is
lower than in the UK. The current legal limit is 0.15
micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath or
0.03% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Driving while
over the limit can result in heavy fines and imprisonment.
Passengers may also be fined.
Be alert crossing roads, even on protected crossings.
Consular
Assistance
The UK does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The British Assistance and Services Section of the British
Trade and Cultural Office (BTCO) in Taipei can provide
certain limited consular assistance.
In cases of genuine emergency, the BTCO may be able to issue you with
an emergency travel document.
Local Law
If you are found guilty of smuggling, trafficking,
possession or use of illegal narcotics you can expect to
receive a severe jail sentence or, in some cases, the
death penalty.
Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind.
Political Situation
Medication
Health
Avoid large scale political gatherings
When bringing medications into Taiwan, you should bring
a prescription from a hospital, clinic or doctor stating that
the medicines are for the use of the individual. The
amount brought in must be consistent with the amount on
the prescription.
There has been a significant increase in cases of dengue
fever, particularly in the south of Taiwan. (including the
See the Taiwan Centre for Disease Control website for more information.
You should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Cover your arms
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Natural Disasters
cities of Kaohsiung and Tainan) and are highest during
the summer months.
and legs and use a mosquito net at night.
The typhoon season in Taiwan normally runs from May to
November, sometimes resulting in local flooding and
landslides.
Listen to Typhoon Alerts on ICRT, BCC and PRS radio stations, or
alternatively monitor the following websites: Japan Meteorological Agency,
Taiwan Central Weather Bureau, ICRT
Earthquakes do occur in Taiwan.
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice
about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
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