Overview
The British Office in Taipei is the first point of contact for UK visa guidance in Taiwan. Taiwanese nationals require a UK visa for travel to the United Kingdom; applications are submitted through VFS Global UK Visa Application Centres in Taipei. The office also provides consular assistance to British nationals living in or visiting Taiwan. Taiwan is a popular destination for British visitors — Taipei's night markets, Taroko Gorge's dramatic marble canyon, Sun Moon Lake, the hot springs of Beitou, and the National Palace Museum with one of the world’s finest Chinese art collections draw growing numbers of UK travellers. Direct and one-stop flights connect London and Taipei. The office operates under the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and maintains strong bilateral relations in trade, technology, and education.
Visa Services
Taiwanese nationals require a UK visa for visits, study, work, or family reunification. Applications are submitted through VFS Global UK Visa Application Centres in Taipei. Details on required documents and fees: https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa.
Consular Services
Office provides emergency assistance for British nationals facing illness, injury, crime, or death. Staff process emergency travel document applications and certified passport copies under specific eligibility restrictions. Office cannot provide certified copies of birth certificates, foreign identity documents, UK driving licenses, or passport copies for UK banking/mortgage purposes unless formal documentation requires office provision rather than local alternatives.
Trade & Export Support
UK and Taiwan have strong trade in semiconductors, electronics, financial services, and creative industries. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and UK chip design firm Arm are key partners in the global semiconductor supply chain. The office supports British exporters seeking access to Taiwan’s high-income market.
Investment Opportunities
Taiwan's semiconductor industry, financial services sector, and clean energy transition offer opportunities for UK companies. Taiwanese investment in UK technology and financial markets has grown substantially. The office can connect UK businesses with Taiwan trade bodies and investment agencies.
Business Support
The office supports British businesses in Taiwan through market intelligence, introductions to business networks, and guidance on commercial practices. The British Chamber of Commerce Taipei is an active partner for UK companies operating in Taiwan.
Cultural & Educational Programs
British universities attract a significant number of Taiwanese students. The office supports educational partnerships between UK and Taiwanese universities, English language programmes, and academic exchanges. British cultural programming includes film, music, and arts events.
Service Area
The British Office covers all of Taiwan. British nationals in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, and other areas can contact the office for consular assistance.
Appointment Information
Appointments required for all in-person services. Contact via the FCDO online form at https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-office-taipei. Located on the 26th floor of President International Tower, No. 9-11 Song Gao Road, XinYi District, Taipei.
Special Notes
Taroko Gorge in eastern Taiwan features marble canyon walls rising hundreds of metres above turquoise rivers — one of Asia’s most dramatic natural landscapes. Taipei’s night markets (Shilin, Raohe) are unmissable for street food. The Alishan mountain railway offers one of the world’s most scenic train journeys through tea plantations and cypress forests.