Step 1: Check Your Trail
First, confirm whether your route requires:
- Park Entry Permit
- Mountain Entry Permit
- Both
- No permit
On Taiwan Hiking Guide, you can find this information under National Park Permit and Police Permit on each trail page.
Step 2: Check the Application Window
Permit application periods vary by national park and route.
Use the official Hike Smart Taiwan Service to select the national park, route and planned entry date. The system provides the applicable application period for the selected route.
Do this before booking a fixed hiking schedule whenever possible.
Step 3: Check Cabin or Campsite Availability
For multi-day routes, check whether your itinerary requires a mountain cabin or designated campsite.
Popular locations such as Paiyun Lodge can be highly competitive, and receiving accommodation may be part of the permit process.
Step 4: Apply for the Park Entry Permit
Go to the English version of Hike Smart Taiwan Service and select:
Online Application → Apply for Park Permit
Choose the appropriate national park and hiking route, then complete the required itinerary and participant information.
The system also allows you to save a draft before submitting your application.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
You can check your application status online.
Depending on the route and accommodation arrangements, applications may be reviewed directly or may involve allocation or a lottery.
Do not treat an application as approved until its status has been officially confirmed.
Step 6: Apply for a Mountain Entry Permit if Required
If your route also requires a Mountain Entry Permit, complete this step after following the instructions associated with your Park Entry Permit.
For supported applications, the Hike Smart Taiwan Service can transfer your application information to the National Police Agency’s Mountain Entry Permit system.
Make sure that both permits have been approved before starting a route that requires both.
Step 7: Check Again Before Your Hike
Permit approval does not guarantee that a trail will remain open.
Typhoons, earthquakes, landslides, snow, maintenance work and other conditions can result in temporary closures or changes to access rules.
Before leaving, check the latest trail status and announcements from the national park.
Official Application Website
Park Entry Permit applications, application status, cabin availability and current trail information are available through the English version of the Hike Smart Taiwan Service.
Mountain Entry Permit applications are administered by the National Police Agency.
Permit rules and application windows can change. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official websites before your hike.