Taiwan Muslim Travel Guide 1: Entry, Essentials, and Itinerary Planning
Taiwan, often called the "Heart of Asia," is rapidly becoming a favorite destination for Muslim travelers due to its inclusive environment and certified Halal infrastructure. This comprehensive guide covers everything from immigration to transportation, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
Entry and Immigration
Immigration procedures in Taiwan are generally straightforward, friendly, and efficient.
Visa Requirements: Travelers from many countries (including the US, Canada, EU, and many Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Singapore) are eligible for visa-exempt entry for periods ranging from 14 to 90 days. Always check the latest requirements on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website before you book!
Arrival Card: To speed up your process, it’s best to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) online before your trip. Starting October 2025, the government plans to fully transition to online-only submissions for most foreign nationals.
Safety: Taiwan is extremely safe and the security procedures are professional and polite.
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) – Your First Halal Stop
TPE, Taiwan’s main gateway, sets a welcoming tone right away:
Prayer Rooms (Musollah): TPE provides dedicated, well-maintained Muslim Prayer Rooms (Musollah) in both terminals. You can find them in the transit areas:
Terminal 1: Near Gate B3.
Terminal 2: Near Gate C1.
Note: These rooms are open 24 hours a day and are equipped with a Qibla direction, but for Wudu, you may need to use the nearby water-friendly washrooms.
Halal Food at the Airport: There are certified Halal food options available in both the transit and public areas of the terminals, allowing you to enjoy a quick Halal meal right after arrival.
Airport Transfer: The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the fastest and easiest way to reach Taipei Main Station, where you can connect to the entire country's transportation network.
Taxis / Ride-Sharing: You can easily hail a taxi on the street or find them at designated taxi stands. Taxis are metered, and drivers typically do not accept credit cards, so it’s best to have cash on hand. Not all taxi drivers speak English, so it’s helpful to have your destination written in Chinese or use a translation app.
If you're visiting Taiwan and looking for a safe, clean, and comfortable way to get around, consider trying a diversified taxi, known locally as duo-yuan ji-cheng-che (多元計程車). Apps like 55178 (Install and get TWD$600 vouchers), 55688 and FindTaxi are popular and allow you to specifically select a diversified taxi when booking. However, be aware that most local taxi apps require a Taiwanese phone number to register. If you plan to stay for more than a few days, consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport.
Natural Wonders: Taroko Gorge (太魯閣峽谷), Sun Moon Lake (日月潭), and Alishan (阿里山) National Scenic Area are essential experiences. Many visitor centers now offer prayer rooms and bidet-equipped restrooms.
[Muslim-Friendly] Sun Moon Lake & Alishan 3-Day Tour from Taipei
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Useful Websites
Muslim-Friendly Environment (Tourism Administration, Taiwan.)
Muslim Tourism Association Taiwan
Muslim-friendly Tours (Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters)
Yeliu Geopark
Immigration procedures in Taiwan are generally straightforward, friendly, and efficient.
Visa Requirements: Travelers from many countries (including the US, Canada, EU, and many Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Singapore) are eligible for visa-exempt entry for periods ranging from 14 to 90 days. Always check the latest requirements on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website before you book!
Arrival Card: To speed up your process, it’s best to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) online before your trip. Starting October 2025, the government plans to fully transition to online-only submissions for most foreign nationals.
Safety: Taiwan is extremely safe and the security procedures are professional and polite.
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) – Your First Halal Stop
TPE, Taiwan’s main gateway, sets a welcoming tone right away:
Prayer Rooms (Musollah): TPE provides dedicated, well-maintained Muslim Prayer Rooms (Musollah) in both terminals. You can find them in the transit areas:
Terminal 1: Near Gate B3.
Terminal 2: Near Gate C1.
Note: These rooms are open 24 hours a day and are equipped with a Qibla direction, but for Wudu, you may need to use the nearby water-friendly washrooms.
Halal Food at the Airport: There are certified Halal food options available in both the transit and public areas of the terminals, allowing you to enjoy a quick Halal meal right after arrival.
Airport Transfer: The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the fastest and easiest way to reach Taipei Main Station, where you can connect to the entire country's transportation network.
Taoyuan International Airport
Taoyuan MRT - Airport to Taipei
Airport buses
Travel Essentials: Stay Connected and Mobile
Staying connected is crucial for navigation and finding certified Halal spots.
SIM Card / Portable Wi-Fi: Purchase a local SIM card or eSIM upon arrival at major airports (Taoyuan TPE, Kaohsiung KHH). Unlimited data packages are affordable and highly recommended for using navigation apps and Halal guides.
Must-Have Apps: Google Maps / Local Navigation: Essential for real-time directions.
Salam Taiwan: The official guide provided by the Tourism Administration, listing all certified Halal restaurants and accommodations (Website).
Prayer Time App: For checking local prayer times and Qibla direction.
Getting Around
Taiwan's public transportation is clean, efficient, and well-developed.
Taipei Metro (MRT) & Kaohsiung Metro (KRT): Extremely convenient, featuring easy English signage and clean facilities.
Taipei Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass
High-Speed Rail (HSR): The fastest way to travel between major cities (e.g., Taipei to Kaohsiung). Tip: HSR stations often have prayer rooms available (see Worshipping section).
Staying connected is crucial for navigation and finding certified Halal spots.
SIM Card / Portable Wi-Fi: Purchase a local SIM card or eSIM upon arrival at major airports (Taoyuan TPE, Kaohsiung KHH). Unlimited data packages are affordable and highly recommended for using navigation apps and Halal guides.
Must-Have Apps: Google Maps / Local Navigation: Essential for real-time directions.
Salam Taiwan: The official guide provided by the Tourism Administration, listing all certified Halal restaurants and accommodations (Website).
Prayer Time App: For checking local prayer times and Qibla direction.
Getting Around
Taiwan's public transportation is clean, efficient, and well-developed.
EasyCard / iPASS: Purchase a rechargeable card (available at Airports, convenience stores or MRT stations) for seamless travel on MRT, buses, and even for small purchases at convenience stores.
Easy Card Taiwan
Taipei Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass
Taxis / Ride-Sharing: You can easily hail a taxi on the street or find them at designated taxi stands. Taxis are metered, and drivers typically do not accept credit cards, so it’s best to have cash on hand. Not all taxi drivers speak English, so it’s helpful to have your destination written in Chinese or use a translation app.
If you're visiting Taiwan and looking for a safe, clean, and comfortable way to get around, consider trying a diversified taxi, known locally as duo-yuan ji-cheng-che (多元計程車). Apps like 55178 (Install and get TWD$600 vouchers), 55688 and FindTaxi are popular and allow you to specifically select a diversified taxi when booking. However, be aware that most local taxi apps require a Taiwanese phone number to register. If you plan to stay for more than a few days, consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport.
Worshipping & Prayer Facilities
Finding suitable prayer space is increasingly easy in Taiwan.
Major Mosques:
Taipei Grand Mosque (台北清真寺): The largest and most famous, located near Daan Park. A central point for the Muslim community.
Taipei Cultural Mosque (台北文化清真寺): Another key mosque in the city.
Kaohsiung Mosque (高雄清真寺): The main facility in Southern Taiwan.
Designated Prayer Rooms: The Taiwan Tourism Administration has ensured the availability of prayer facilities at major hubs:
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Taipei Main Station (台北車站)
Major convention centers like the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) and Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.
Muslim-Friendly Accommodation
Finding a comfortable and Halal-conscious hotel is straightforward in Taiwan, thanks to the official certification programs.
What to Look For
Hotels designated as Muslim-Friendly often provide:
Halal or pork-free breakfast options (often prepared in a separate, Halal-certified kitchen area).
Prayer mats and the Holy Qur'an upon request.
Qibla direction markers in the room.
No alcohol in the mini-bar and no adult TV channels.
Finding suitable prayer space is increasingly easy in Taiwan.
Major Mosques:
Taipei Grand Mosque (台北清真寺): The largest and most famous, located near Daan Park. A central point for the Muslim community.
Taipei Cultural Mosque (台北文化清真寺): Another key mosque in the city.
Kaohsiung Mosque (高雄清真寺): The main facility in Southern Taiwan.
Designated Prayer Rooms: The Taiwan Tourism Administration has ensured the availability of prayer facilities at major hubs:
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Taipei Main Station (台北車站)
Major convention centers like the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) and Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.
Muslim-Friendly Accommodation
Finding a comfortable and Halal-conscious hotel is straightforward in Taiwan, thanks to the official certification programs.
What to Look For
Hotels designated as Muslim-Friendly often provide:
Halal or pork-free breakfast options (often prepared in a separate, Halal-certified kitchen area).
Prayer mats and the Holy Qur'an upon request.
Qibla direction markers in the room.
No alcohol in the mini-bar and no adult TV channels.
My Travel Tip: Always mention your Halal dietary requirement and need for prayer facilities (Qibla/mat) when booking-even if the hotel is certified-to ensure everything is prepared for your arrival!
Halal Gastronomy: The Taiwanese Food Scene
Food is often the biggest concern, but Taiwan offers incredible Halal choices, extending far beyond international cuisines. Remember to look for the CMA Halal (清真) or Muslim Friendly (穆斯林友善) signs!
Halal Gastronomy: The Taiwanese Food Scene
Food is often the biggest concern, but Taiwan offers incredible Halal choices, extending far beyond international cuisines. Remember to look for the CMA Halal (清真) or Muslim Friendly (穆斯林友善) signs!
Grilled mochi
Muslim-Friendly Attractions
Many of Taiwan's top attractions are naturally Muslim-friendly, with facilities often adapted for diverse needs.
Cultural & Historic Sites: The National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院), Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂), and Longshan Temple (龍山寺) are easy to visit.
Many of Taiwan's top attractions are naturally Muslim-friendly, with facilities often adapted for diverse needs.
Cultural & Historic Sites: The National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院), Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂), and Longshan Temple (龍山寺) are easy to visit.
Natural Wonders: Taroko Gorge (太魯閣峽谷), Sun Moon Lake (日月潭), and Alishan (阿里山) National Scenic Area are essential experiences. Many visitor centers now offer prayer rooms and bidet-equipped restrooms.
See details: Explore Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan’s Scenic Jewel
See details: Alishan Travel Guide: How to Experience Taiwan’s Iconic Mountain Retreat
Tours:
[Muslim-Friendly] Sun Moon Lake & Qingjing Farm 2-Day Tour[Muslim-Friendly] Sun Moon Lake & Alishan 3-Day Tour from Taipei
Baoshi Mountain
Yinyang sea
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Sun Moon Lake
Shitiping Hualien
Yangminshan Taipei
Useful Websites
Muslim-Friendly Environment (Tourism Administration, Taiwan.)
Muslim Tourism Association Taiwan
Muslim-friendly Tours (Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters)
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