Intermittent turbulence in the Middle East airspace due to the ongoing conflict has made way for other countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Ethiopia to emerge as convenient transit hubs connecting North America with major Asian destinations, including India. EVA Air, a leading carrier of Taiwan, operates an extensive network and connects its US gateways to India, Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines via Taipei. It is one of the airlines operating safe routes and flights bypassing the conflict-led region in West Asia.
Enter Taiwan, Enjoy a Gift: Free Taipei Layover Program
EVA Air flights from USA to India hold a few benefits, the first and foremost being free Taipei layover tours with a NT$600 gift voucher as a welcome gift. This is part of the Taiwan Tourism authority’s “Enter Taiwan, Enjoy a Gift” program for international transit passengers. The ‘Enter Taiwan, Enjoy a Gift’ program allows eligible travelers to take free half-day guided or self-guided tours and explore Taipei during a layover of up to 24 hours. Free Taipei layover tours are designed to let you visit key landmarks.
Taipei Layover Program objective and validity
The ‘Enter Taiwan, Enjoy a Gift program’ is valid until October 31, 2026. The objective is simple. Taiwan wants international transfer traffic to experience Taipei not just as a transit hub or connection point but also as a tourist stopover. International travelers transiting to the US, India, or any other country via Taipei are expected to explore the Taiwanese culture and hospitality, even if only for a few hours.
Who are eligible for free Taipei layover tours
If you choose to travel on EVA Air with Indian Eagle tickets from USA to India, you must meet the following criteria for a free Taipei layover tour:
- Non-Taiwan passport holders: Only passengers holding a passport from a country other than Taiwan (Republic of China) are eligible.
- Transit through Taoyuan Airport: Your itinerary must have a layover at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).
- Enter Taiwan during layover: You must clear immigration and enter Taiwan (not just remain inside the transit area) and stay for up to 24 hours before your next flight.
- Online registration: You must register in advance on the official campaign website with basic details such as passport number, flight information, and dates.
Can only EVA Air passengers access the free Taipei layover program?
Free Taipei layover tours are available to most passengers, irrespective of airlines. Transit passengers of EVA Air and its codeshare partners, including Air India can get the best of guided or self-guided tours in Taipei. Several EVA Air flights from SFO, JFK, DFW, ORD, and SEA to Taipei further connect to major Indian airports through its codeshare partner, Air India.
How to claim your free NT$600 gift voucher
First, you must register on Taiwan Layover Tourism portal (halfdaytour.taiwan.net.tw) using your passport and flight PNR, prior to arrival in Taipei. After immigration clearance, you need to visit the Taiwan Tourism Administration Visitor Service Center located in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 of Taoyuan International Airport. Once your travel documents are successfully verified, the NT$600 voucher is issued immediately. The process usually takes only a few minutes and can be completed comfortably within a normal layover window.
Enter Taiwan, Enjoy a Gift: How to use NT$600 voucher and where
The NT$600 (around US$18–20) voucher comes with clear usage guidelines:
- The voucher can be used only inside Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
- Accepted at selected restaurants, cafés, duty-free shops, convenience stores, and retail outlets
- The voucher cannot be used outside the airport, including in Taipei city
- It cannot be exchanged for cash and is non-transferable
- Any unused balance is forfeited
