Taiwan

1. Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice before embarking on your trip.

2. If you are entering Taiwan under the 14-day visa waiver, you should ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months before entering.

3. If you hold a passport with less than 6 months validity, the Immigration Service will refuse you entry.

4. 14 -day landing visas cannot be extended. Some visas issued by Taipei representative offices overseas may not be extended in Taiwan. Check the visa for this endorsement.

5. You should contact your physician about inoculations prior to visiting.

6. Take adequate comprehensive travel insurance. Hospitalization, medication etc is expensive.

7. Have adequate money for your stay. Bank transfers can be slow.

8. Drug trafficking carries the death penalty in Taiwan.

9. Beware of petty thieves, particularly pickpockets on the MTR (Mass Transit Railway system). For residents setting up home in more rural areas - be aware, house burglaries are becoming increasingly common in the mountainous suburbs of Taipei.

10. Keep personal belongings in a safe place.

11. Small-scale petty crime exists but is not commonplace. Be alert crossing roads, even on protected crossings.

12. Check local conditions before setting off, particularly during heavy rain.

13. The Chiang Kai Shek (CKS) International Airport remains open. Flights are subject to severe delays and cancellation due to the bad weather.

14. Check with airlines before embarking on trips.

15. The smuggling of narcotics carries the death penalty.

16. If you are entering Taiwan, under the 14-day visa waiver ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months before entering. (Those holding passports with less than 6 months validity will be refused entry by the Immigration Service. )