5 Major Cities in Taiwan to Apply for a Passport: Official MOFA Locations and Complete Transit Guide

If you are preparing for your very first overseas journey, congratulations! To travel abroad, you must first obtain a passport. Because Taiwanese law requires first-time applicants to present themselves in person to undergo official identity verification, here is a detailed guide to the five official locations within Taiwan where you can apply for a passport, along with alternative options across local districts.

Passport Application Locations in Taiwan

Northern Taiwan: Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

• Address: 3–5F, No. 2-2, Sec. 1, Jinan Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 10051
• Phone: +886-2-2343-2888
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:00 (No lunchtime closure). Passport application counters extend office hours every Wednesday until 20:00.
• Transit Tips: Take the Taipei Metro to Taipei Main Station (Exit M8), NTU Hospital Station (Exit 2), or Shandao Temple Station (Exit 2), and walk to the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Central Taiwan: MOFA Central Taiwan Office

• Address: 1F, No. 503, Sec. 2, Liming Rd., Nantun Dist., Taichung City 408 (Executive Yuan Central Taiwan Joint Services Center)
• Phone: +886-4-2251-0799
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:00 (No lunchtime closure).
• Transit Tips: Take Taichung City Bus and alight at “Liming-Shizheng N. 2nd Rd. Intersection” or “Executive Yuan Central Joint Services Center,” then walk to the office.

Southwestern Taiwan: MOFA Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Office

• Address: 2F, No. 184, Wufeng N. Rd., East Dist., Chiayi City 600
• Phone: +886-5-222-7009
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:00 (No lunchtime closure).
• Transit Tips: Take Chiayi City Bus to “City Hall” or “Wufeng N. Rd.” bus stop, then walk to the office.

Southern Taiwan: MOFA Southern Taiwan Office

• Address: 3F, No. 6, Zhengnan St., Lingya Dist., Kaohsiung City 802 (Executive Yuan Southern Taiwan Joint Services Center)
• Phone: +886-7-715-6600
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:00 (No lunchtime closure).
• Transit Tips: Take the Kaohsiung MRT to “Lingya Sports Park Station” or “Wukuaicuo Station,” then walk to the Executive Yuan Southern Joint Services Center.

Eastern Taiwan: MOFA Eastern Taiwan Office

• Address: 1F, No. 60, Zhongmei Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County 970
• Phone: +886-3-833-1041
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:00 (No lunchtime closure).
• Transit Tips: Take Hualien City Bus to “Zhongmei Rd.” or “Hualien County Government,” then walk to the office.

Identity Verification at Local Household Registration Offices

For residents living far away from the five regional MOFA offices, local household registration offices across all cities and counties offer identity verification proxy services.

First-time applicants who cannot travel to BOCA or regional branch offices can visit their local household registration office. Once the household registration staff confirms the applicant’s identity in person, the application documents can be forwarded directly to MOFA on your behalf. This is a tremendous convenience for rural and remote communities.

Mobile Consular Services in Kinmen and Matsu

MOFA’s Bureau of Consular Affairs operates regular “Mobile Consular Services” in Kinmen and Lienchiang (Matsu) for first-time applicants and passport renewals. This initiative spares offshore island residents the expense and time of flying to Taiwan proper just to process travel documents.

Checklist Before Heading Out

Before visiting any passport office, make sure you have:

• Original National ID Card (or official identification documents).
• Compliant ID photos matching strict passport biometric specifications.
• Application fee.
• Advance reservation: Many branches offer online appointments to avoid peak-hour queues.

Reader FAQ

1. Does a first-time applicant have to appear in person?

Mizuc’s Analysis: Yes. Because biometric identity verification is legally required for first-time passports, you cannot simply appoint an agent. However, you don’t have to travel all the way to one of the five major offices; you can complete the identity check at your local household registration office.

2. How long does it take to receive the passport?

Mizuc’s Advice: Standard passport processing takes approximately 4 to 6 business days. During peak holiday seasons, processing times may increase. Expedited processing is available for an additional urgent fee, but travelers are strongly advised to apply at least one month before departure.