Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A decent private school, if you are looking for a less rigorous program, is
Taipei Lan-
guage Institute
(
www.tli.com.tw
)
.
You normally apply for a program in your own country. Once accepted, apply for a multi-
entry extendable visitor visa at a local trade office or ROC mission. You must start classes
within the first month upon arrival and after four months of good standing apply for a res-
ident visa at the
Bureau of Consular Affairs
(
www.boca.gov.tw
)
. After receiving your
visa apply for an ARC (Alien Resident Card) at the
National Immigration Agency
(
www.immigration.gov.tw
)
, formerly the Foreign Affairs Police. Remember to renew your
ARC each year. Note that your school may not do much to help you through the process.
Having a resident visa without an ARC is the same as not having one at all. You need
an ARC to stay legally in Taiwan on your resident visa.
Legal Matters
Taiwan's legal system is under heavy criticism these days because of erratic judgements,
political bias in arrests and sentencing, and willingness to try frivolous cases. In general,
Taiwanese try to settle disputes out of court and both police and prosecutors encourage
this even for violent crimes such as assault. In general, it is best to avoid trouble which in
many cases means backing down even when you are in the right.
Smuggling drugs can carry the death penalty; possession can also get you arrested. If
caught working illegally, you'll get a fine, a visa suspension and an order to leave the
country. You may not ever be allowed back.
Knowingly transmitting HIV to another person is punishable by up to seven years in
prison. This law also allows for mandatory testing of members of high-risk groups, namely
sexual partners of HIV carriers and intravenous drug users, as well as foreigners who
come to work certain jobs and require an ARC. Adultery is also a crime.
Libel and slander are criminal offenses in Taiwan and in recent years it has become
very common for people to be prosecuted for insults, which can include telling someone
to f-off, or even simply giving them the middle finger. While you won't go to jail over this,
you may be required to publically apologise and pay compensation. Control your temper
in public.
If you're detained or arrested, contact your country's legation in Taiwan or the
Legal
Aid Foundation
(
www.laf.org.tw/en/index.php
). You have the right to remain silent and to
request an attorney (your legation can provide a list of English-speaking attorneys), al-
though authorities are under no obligation to provide an attorney. You also have the right
to refuse to sign any document. In most cases, a suspect can't be detained for more than
24 hours without a warrant from a judge - notable exceptions are those with visa viola-
tions.
Legal ages:
»
Voting: 20
