Canadian Government Warns Tourists Of $6500 Fine Amid Asian Destination's Mandatory Drills
The Government of Canada has recently updated several travel advisories, including warnings about strict U.S. border entry rules, as well as tighter security and summer fires in the world's most visited country. Now, Global Affairs Canada has a guideline in place about a top Asian destination's mandatory national security drills, which do not exempt tourists. In fact, violations could cost visitors up to 6,500 CAD in fines. This comes after a U.S. tourist was detained in another Asian country for breaking a local outdoor ban—highlighting a growing global crackdown on foreigners who break local laws. Here's what travelers should know about this vacation spot's ongoing exercises that are set to disrupt communications, transportation services, and traffic.
Canada's Updated Travel Advisory For Taiwan Warns Of $6500 Fine Over Mandatory Drills
Crowds of tourists enjoying Ximending, the famous night market and shopping street in Taipei, TaiwanCredit: Shutterstock
On Aug. 5, the Canadian government updated its travel advisory for Taiwan with information on its nationwide Urban Resilience (Air Defense) Exercises from Aug. 7 and 13, 2026. Travelers are alerted that these are "mandatory drills" that will simulate situations, such as disaster rescue operations and internet network disruptions.
Schedule For Taiwan's Urban Resilience Exercises
Region
Schedule
Tainan
Kaohsiung
Pingtung
August 7 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Miaoli
Taichung
Changhua
Nantou
Yunlin
Chiayi County
Chiayi City
August 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Taipei
New Taipei
Taoyuan
Keelung
Hsinchu City
Hsinchu County
Yilan
August 13 from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
During this time, there may be disruptions in transportation, traffic, and communication, including 4G and 5G mobile data services in central and northern Taiwan. If you are outdoors during the drills, you may be ordered to seek shelter. Canadian travelers are cautioned that anyone who does not comply with instructions, including tourists, could be fined between 30,000 and 150,000 TWD (1,300 to 6,500 CAD).
What Are Taiwan's 2026 Urban Resilience And Air Defense Drills For?
Taiwan's countrywide urban resilience and air defense drills, as part of the annual Han Kuang exercises—Taiwan's largest and most significant annual military war game—simulate responses to a potential Chinese invasion, test civil defense coordination, and assess backup communication networks during emergency disruptions. The Taiwanese government is set to slow mobile internet speeds for the first time during the drills on Monday, Aug. 10, in central Taiwan. This is to evaluate how citizens would communicate amid bandwidth constraints in case of emergencies, from disasters to a Chinese invasion.
Is It Safe To Travel To Taiwan Now?
Tourists at the famous Sun Moon Lake in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, TaiwanCredit: Jedsada Kiatpornmongkol/Shutterstock
The Canadian government maintains a Level 1 travel advisory for Taiwan, making it a generally safe destination for tourists, with low security and crime risks. Visitors are advised to "take normal security precautions," such as standard situational awareness and common-sense personal safety habits. While violent crime is rare in Taiwan, Global Affairs Canada warns that petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, still occurs. The Canadian government also notes that road conditions and safety "vary greatly" across the country:
Road conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season (May-October)
Some roads can become impassable during heavy rains and due to landslides
Motorcycle and scooter drivers "don't respect traffic laws" and are "extremely reckless."
Lastly, protests take place now and then. Even the most peaceful demonstrations can escalate into violence at any time, as well as halt traffic and public transportation.
Travel Safety Tips For Taiwan
Crowded Dihua Street, the oldest street in Taipei, TaiwanCredit: Shutterstock
Travelers heading to Taiwan are urged to avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are typically held, follow local authorities' instructions, and monitor local media for updates on the protests or other security situations. When shopping, tourists are also told to be vigilant about credit card and ATM fraud:
Always pay attention when paying using your card, especially when it is being handled by others.
Avoid using card readers that have an unusual feature.
Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
Only use ATMs in well-lit and secure public areas such as inside a bank or business establishment.
Check your account statements for any unauthorized transactions.
Aside from keeping these safety tips in mind, Canadians must also be aware of Taiwan's current entry requirements for travelers, which were updated in October 2025.
Taiwan's Entry Requirements For Canadian Travelers
People pass through an automated passport check at the immigration control at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), which serves Taipei, TaiwanCredit: VTT Studio/Shutterstock
Canadians are not required to secure a tourist or business visa for stays up to 90 days in Taiwan. You may extend your stay for another 90 days once you are in the country by placing a request with the Taiwanese Bureau of Consular Affairs. However, a visa must be obtained before arrival if you are planning to stay for more than 180 days.
In some cases, customs officials in Taiwan may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket, as well as proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your trip.
Additionally, travelers are told to ensure their passports are valid for at least six months beyond their scheduled departure from the Asian destination. Effective October 1, 2025, most visitors to Taiwan, including Canadians, must now complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) online within 3 days before arrival.
It can be done via the official TWAC website and is free of charge. Travelers are advised that there are fraudulent websites or third-party agents that charge service fees for TWACs. They may also get your personal information for unauthorized purposes.
