Entry regulations		Residence regulations		Additional information
No restrictions for people living with HIV.		A number of health checks are performed when applying for an alien resident certificate.		Previous restrictions were removed in 2015. The national health insurance system will not pay for HIV treatment for the first two years.

HIV-specific entry and residence regulations for Taiwan

In February 2015, the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) revised laws to lift restrictions on the entry, stay and residence of foreigners with HIV in Taiwan. For example, the HIV screening test for foreigners’ health examinations was removed for those applying for residency in Taiwan, whether for work or study.

(Source: 1, 2, 3)

The law prohibits potential employers from requesting health examination reports from job candidates to prove that they do not have HIV or other communicable diseases.

(Source: 4)

Non-ROC (Republic of China) residents who acquire HIV while in Taiwan should, in general, cover their own their treatment. The Centres for Disease Control in Taiwan (CDCTW) covers Taiwan nationals for the first two years of treatment. CDCTW does not cover non-nationals.

Contact PRAATW for support.

(Source: 1)

 

HIV treatment information for Taiwan

Foreigners living with HIV may only receive HIV-related services through Taiwan’s National Health Insurance if they have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and have taken HIV medications in Taiwan for two years. This means that non-ROC nationals will have to come up with the means to pay for their treatment on their own for the first two years of their stay in Taiwan.

There are specific forms for certain jobs, like “foreign language teacher” or “foreign labour”. The rules are the same regardless.

If you are currently a student or applying to become one, please double-check your school’s health examination requirements for foreign students.

Contact PRAATW for further information.

(Source: 1)

The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) does not offer subsidies for treatment to non-ROC nationals living with HIV in Taiwan. The annual treatment costs for HIV is NTD$300,000 (approximately USD$10,000). Prices may differ depending on the specific regimen. Non-ROC nationals are strongly advised to undergo HIV screening in their homeland prior to visiting Taiwan in order to understand their own health conditions. People living with HIV are strongly advised to stay in their homeland for treatment. People living with HIV who intend to work in Taiwan are advised to purchase medical health insurance in advance to avoid financial burdens. 

(Source: 5)

 

HIV information / HIV NGOs in Taiwan

• Taiwan Lourdes Association
  Phone: +886 2 2371 1406
  Email: [email protected] 
  Web: http://www.lourdes.org.tw

• People with HIV/AIDS Rights Advocacy Association of Taiwan (PRAATW)
  2F, No.48, Sec.1, Chengde Rd.,
  Taipei 103,
  Taiwan
  Phone: +886 2 2556 1383
  Hotline: +886 2 2550 5963
  Email: [email protected]
  www.praatw.org

 

Global Criminalisation of HIV Transmission Scan

The Global Criminalisation Scan is an initiative of GNP+. It aims to collect and keep up to date information on national and state level laws criminalising the transmission of or exposure to HIV. It also aims to provide an easily accessible ‘clearing-house’ of resources, research, and initiatives on the subject and to provide a platform for advocacy initiatives.

Find out more about the scan and the criminalisation of HIV transmission legislation at http://criminalisation.gnpplus.net/.

 

Sources

1. People with HIV/AIDS Rights Advocacy Association of Taiwan, Information and recommendation on Taiwanese policy on foreigners with HIV, consulted May 26, 2021 and via e-mail
2. Taiwan Lourdes Association, by email, December 22, 2016
3. Executive Yuan, Republic of China (Taiwan), press release, April 3, 2014, https://english.ey.gov.tw/News_Content2.aspx?n=8262ED7A25916ABF&sms=DD07AA2ECD4290A6&s=BC21ECD0AD364A3D, consulted July 3, 2018
4. American Institute in Taiwan, 2016 Human Rights Report, ait.org.tw, consulted July 3, 2018
5. Health check for ARC application, Items required for Health Certificate (Form B), Annex I, consulted May 26, 2021

 

updated: 5/26/2021
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