Is Taiwan Safe to Visit? Crime, Earthquakes, Typhoons and Rules for Travelers (2026)

Yes, Taiwan is a safe country to visit. The UK government describes crime rates in Taiwan as extremely low, and the risks that matter most to a visitor are natural ones: typhoons, earthquakes and heavy rain. Add a few rules, such as strict drug laws, and you have the full picture.

Safety in Taiwan: what to know

Topic	What the sources say
Crime	UK government: “extremely low”, but stay vigilant and follow local police guidance.
Terrorism	UK government: no recent history, though attacks can’t be ruled out.
Typhoon season	Normally May to November (UK government).
Earthquakes	A risk across the island. The April 2024 quake near Hualien damaged roads and trails in Taroko.
Drugs	Penalties are severe, including for transit. In some cases the death penalty (UK government).
Police emergency	110 (National Police Agency)
Tourist hotline	0800-011765, 24 hours, toll free (Taiwan Tourism Administration)

Crime and everyday safety

The UK’s Foreign Office rates crime in Taiwan as extremely low, and its advice is the same you’d follow anywhere: stay alert, keep up with local news and do what the police tell you. In practice, that means normal city habits. Watch your bag on a crowded metro, and keep your phone out of back pockets at night markets.

Carry your passport or a copy. The UK government says police will usually accept a printed copy of the photo page, so you don’t need to bring the real one on every walk.

Typhoons and rain

Typhoon season normally runs from May to November. A typhoon can cancel flights and ferries, close mountain roads, so don’t schedule a tight connection or a once-only experience on one day in these months. Build in a spare day around Hualien and Alishan, and buy travel insurance that covers weather delays. If you’re deciding when to go, our best time to visit Taiwan page has the month-by-month picture.

Earthquakes

Taiwan sits in an active earthquake zone, and the UK government lists earthquakes among the risks. A large one struck near Hualien in April 2024 and damaged roads and trails inside Taroko National Park, which have been reopening in stages since. At your hotel, look for the exit route when you check in, and follow staff or local alerts on your phone if one hits. For the current Taroko situation, read the park’s own road and trail notice before you go. We cover it in our Taiwan itinerary.

Drug laws

This one catches people out. The UK government says Taiwan’s drug laws are stricter than in the UK, and that a conviction, including for transit, can bring a severe prison sentence or in some cases the death penalty. Don’t carry anything for someone else, and leave behind any medicine you don’t have a prescription for.

Who to call

Police emergencies go to 110. Taiwan’s Tourism Administration runs a 24-hour toll-free travel information hotline on 0800-011765, which is useful for lost documents or questions about local services. Keep both numbers in your phone before you land.

Planning with Absolute Asia Tours

On a private trip, your hotels and trains are booked ahead, and a local guide can check the day’s road and weather news. If you’d like help building a Taiwan route around the weather, see our Taiwan tour packages or tell us your dates.

Sources: UK government, Foreign Travel Advice for Taiwan, safety and security; National Police Agency of Taiwan (110); Taiwan Tourism Administration (travel hotline). We could not read the US State Department advisory page when we checked, so it isn’t quoted here. Last checked 9 November 2026.

Is Taiwan safe: FAQ

Is Taiwan safe for tourists?

Yes. The UK government says crime rates are extremely low. The main risks are typhoons, earthquakes and strict drug laws.

Is Taiwan safe for American tourists?

Americans visit visa-free for up to 90 days, and the safety picture is the same as for other visitors: low crime and natural hazards. See our Taiwan visa guide.

When is typhoon season in Taiwan?

It normally runs from May to November, according to the UK government.

What is the emergency number in Taiwan?

110 for police. The Tourism Administration runs a 24-hour toll-free hotline on 0800-011765.

Are Taiwan’s drug laws strict?

Yes. The UK government says penalties are severe, including for transit, and can include the death penalty in some cases.