Taiwan

Penalties for illegal drug possession, use, or trafficking in Taiwan are severe — including the death penalty for certain offenses — and even some prescription drugs can bring heavy fines and long jail sentences.

Death penalty possible for certain drug offenses.

Cannabis is illegal in Taiwan, where it is a Category 2 narcotic. Using it is a crime punishable by up to 3 years in prison, and simply having it is a crime punishable by up to 2 years, detention, or a fine of up to NT$200,000 - there is no small-amount exemption, and Taiwan's administrative-fine route covers only Category 3 and 4 drugs, not cannabis. Bringing cannabis into the country is the far bigger risk: carrying it across the border can be charged as transporting a Category 2 narcotic, which carries life imprisonment or a minimum of 10 years.

Use of a Category 2 narcotic (art. 10(2)): up to 3 years' imprisonment. Possession (art. 11(2)): up to 2 years, detention, or a fine of up to NT$200,000; 20 grams or more of pure net weight (art. 11(4)): 6 months to 5 years plus a possible fine of up to NT$700,000. Possession of equipment for using or making Category 1 or 2 narcotics (art. 11(7)): up to 1 year, detention, or up to NT$100,000. Passing cannabis to another person (art. 8(2)): 6 months to 5 years plus up to NT$700,000, increased by up to half at 10 grams or more. Manufacturing, transporting or selling a Category 2 narcotic (art. 4(2)): life imprisonment or a minimum of 10 years, plus a possible fine of up to NT$15,000,000, with attempts punishable - bringing cannabis across the border can fall within "transporting". Growing cannabis for one's own use in minor circumstances (art. 12(3)): 1 to 7 years plus up to NT$1,000,000. Seized narcotics are confiscated and destroyed whether or not they belong to the offender (art. 18).

Confirm your medication is legal with Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare before travel — some prescription medications are illegal and can bring jail or fines — and check Taiwan Customs limits.

Jail or fine possible for illegal medications.

Declare cash over NTD 100,000, foreign currency over USD 10,000, or RMB over 20,000 on both arrival and departure from Taiwan.

Taiwan strictly regulates importing/exporting firearms, antiquities, medications, currency, and ivory; contact TECRO for specific customs requirements.

Passengers may not bring e-cigarettes or e-liquids into Taiwan — importing them is banned under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, with no personal-use exemption.

Items are confiscated; carrying or importing e-cigarettes violates the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act.

Obtain an International Driving Permit before arriving in Taiwan; you may drive up to 30 days with an IDP and home license. Right turns on red are not permitted unless indicated.

On-the-spot fines for minor offenses.

Taiwan's legal BAC limit is 0.03% (15 mg/100 ml), strictly enforced, with alcohol tests standard at accident scenes.

Court appearance for serious offenses.

Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019 and recognizes foreign same-sex marriages; the law bars education and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, though tolerance is lower outside Taipei.