We would like to remind all U.S. citizens in Taiwan of the guidance contained in the Department of State’s travel.state.gov website on Taiwan’s local laws, particularly as these laws relate to controlled substances. Over the last several months, the American Institute in Taiwan has seen an increase in arrests related to possession of marijuana. The U.S. citizen community in Taiwan should be aware that penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs (including marijuana) in Taiwan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Taiwan also has the death penalty for certain drug offenses. Law enforcement in Taiwan treats all drug violations very seriously.
Please visit the Department of State’s website at:https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/taiwan.html
For more specific information about the dangers of drug use abroad, please visit:
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/drugs.html
For information on our role in regard to arrested U.S. citizens, please visit the Department of State’s website at:https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/emergencies/arrest.html
