The Department of State provides U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Taiwan the following information related to the 2017 World University Games (Universiade) taking place in Taipei and the surrounding areas in August.
TRAVELING TO TAIWAN FOR THE UNIVERSIADE
Before you go…
- Ensure you have a valid U.S. passport. If your passport will expire before or during your trip, renew it now. Don’t forget to sign your passport and complete the emergency information page.
- U.S. citizens do NOT need a visa to travel to Taiwan for stays of less than 90 days. This includes athletes competing in the Universiade and support staff.
- Check your overseas medical insurance coverage to ensure you are covered abroad. Find more information here.
- Enroll with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This will enable us to keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements, and help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Travelers can enroll online easily. The SMART Traveler App is also available for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad users.
- Visit the State Department’s information page on travel to Taiwan. Taiwan is prone to typhoons and earthquakes. Before you travel, check out the State Department’s Hurricane Preparedness and Natural Disasters pages to make sure you are prepared.
- 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 be aware that firearms are strictly outlawed in Taiwan and that anyone entering Taiwan with a weapon – whether they do so intentionally or not – will be arrested.
HELPFUL WEBSITES
- Official Universiade Taipei 2017 Website: http://2017.taipei/home
Includes venue and ticket information. - Official USA Team World University Games Website: http://www.wugusa.com/summer-games/
- Official Website of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau: http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/
- American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Website: https://www.ait.org.tw/
Information regarding services the U.S. government provides to U.S. citizens in Taiwan, security and travel
information, etc. - Department of State Travel Website: http://www.travel.state.gov/
Latest travel warnings, international travel tips, STEP registration information, etc.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
There is minimal street crime in Taiwan, and violent crime is rare. Take normal safety precautions, such as avoiding travel after dark or in deserted/unfamiliar areas.
Major events, however, are a prime opportunity for thieves to prey upon unsuspecting tourists. Travelers should be alert at all times, avoid carrying large amounts of money or other valuables, and secure their purses, wallets, cellphones and electronics while traveling on buses, trains or other forms of public transportation. Taxi services in Taiwan are clean, safe, and reputable and use a meter system to determine the fare. Photocopies of passports, visas, credit cards and other important documents should be kept in a secure location so proper notifications can be made if original documents are lost or stolen.
The Taiwan authorities and the event organizers are devoting considerable resources to ensure the events are safe and incident-free. Travelers should expect increased police presence and enhanced security measures in and around the stadiums. U.S. citizens planning to attend the Universiade should remain alert regarding their personal security at all times.
During the typhoon season (April through October), Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau issues typhoon warnings an average of six times a year and heavy rainstorm alerts more frequently. Taiwan is also subject to large earthquakes. One of the first things you should do upon arriving in Taiwan is to learn about earthquake and disaster preparedness from hotel or local government officials. See our website on how to prepare for an emergency.
In the event of an actual emergency or if the U.S. Government receives information of any specific and credible threat, the Department of State and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) will immediately provide information and specific instructions to the public through email messages (STEP), on our website, and via our Facebook page.
SERVICES FOR U.S. CITIZENS
- Police: 110
- Ambulance and Fire: 119
- AIT’s American Citizens Services (ACS) unit will be available throughout the Universiade to provide a range of
routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in need. In order to provide fast and efficient services to U.S.
citizens, we use an appointment system. Please visit our website to make an appointment.Contact information for AIT is as follows:Address: No.7, Lane 134, Sec. 3, Xinyi Rd., Daan District, Taipei (near Daan Forest Park)
E-mail for American Citizens Services Unit: TaipeiACS@state.gov
Telephone number: +886 (2) 2162-2000 (24 hour duty officer available to assist with genuine emergencies)
