2017 Working Holiday Visa Restrictions: Top 10 Popular Countries, with Australia Not Ranking First

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Team, compiled and reported

Traveling abroad is no longer just about sightseeing and admiring the scenery. Working holiday programs have also become one of the activity choices for many young people traveling overseas. It not only allows you to experience the local culture but also enables you to live abroad for an extended period and learn various different cultures. According to a survey by a well-known Taiwanese public opinion website, Japan ranked first in last year’s working holiday destinations, the United States second, while the traditionally popular Australia slipped to third place. Below is a summary of the working holiday restrictions and conditions for the top 10 popular countries. In addition to most countries having an age limit of 30, Canada still allows applications even if you are over 30.

I. Before Departure
● Gather and understand information about the destination country
Young travelers should enhance their English or local language communication skills before departure. They should collect information from local representative offices or institutions in Taiwan regarding job opportunities, language learning centers, living environments, and weather conditions to help them adapt quickly and experience local work and life upon arrival.
● Purchase overseas medical and accident insurance
It is essential to purchase comprehensive annual overseas emergency assistance and medical insurance from domestic or international insurance companies. This insurance should cover accidental injuries, outpatient medical consultations, emergencies, surgeries, medications, emergency evacuations, and more. Without insurance coverage during your stay abroad, medical and hospitalization expenses can be financially burdensome for the average family in the event of an accident or illness.
● Customs and quarantine declaration
Due to varying customs declaration regulations in different countries, it is necessary to understand the relevant restrictions of the destination country before departure. If you need to carry any restricted items, you must truthfully declare them on the customs declaration form upon entry to avoid legal issues.
● Register your travel status abroad
Before departure, register your travel status abroad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Overseas Travel Registration section. Familiarize yourself with the contact numbers of your country’s embassies or consulates in the destination, as well as the 24-hour emergency hotline and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Contact Center, in case of unforeseen circumstances.

II. During Your Stay Abroad
● Proactively contact the local embassy or consulate
After arriving in the destination country, proactively register with the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. This helps the overseas office keep track of the status of working holiday participants and ensures they can provide immediate assistance in the event of natural disasters, civil unrest, emergencies, or search and rescue requests.
● Carefully consider signing employment contracts
Before signing a work contract with an employer, make sure you fully understand the nature of the job, whether it is illegal work, whether the salary meets the local minimum wage standards, whether social insurance is provided, the reasons for contract termination, and whether your physical ability is sufficient for the job.
● It’s not easy to see a doctor for minor illnesses
In many foreign countries, you often need a fixed address to register as a patient at a nearby clinic under the national health insurance system, but making appointments can be difficult. Some hospitals offer walk-in outpatient services where you can register on-site and wait for treatment. Senior nurses can diagnose common colds, treat minor wounds, etc. Those without insurance will need to pay out of pocket or buy over-the-counter medication from pharmacies.
● Always sign a rental agreement when renting a place
When renting accommodation, always sign a contract with the landlord or their agent to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties. When renting or job hunting, try to go with a companion and avoid going alone. Also, pay attention to rental safety and carefully choose your landlord and residence. Try to avoid living in areas with poor security.
● Obey the laws of the host country
Do not carry or use drugs or marijuana, and do not work for illegal organizations to avoid ending up in prison.
● Properly safeguard personal identification documents such as your passport
Life overseas is different from life at home. Young travelers may lose their passports easily due to staying in budget hotels, frequenting workplaces or tourist spots with mixed crowds, or being out at night. Always keep an eye on your personal identification documents.

III. Assistance in Case of Problems Abroad
●Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Contact Center
The “Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Contact Center” operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, handling emergency assistance cases for overseas travelers. The center provides a domestic toll-free “Emergency Service Hotline for Overseas Travelers” at 0800-085-095. For calls from overseas, please dial +886-800-085-095 (with your local international dialing code). In case of emergencies abroad, you can use this hotline to seek assistance. For issues related to passports, visas, or documentation, please call the Consular Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during office hours at (02)2343-2888. For general inquiries about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please call the ministry’s main line during office hours at (02)2348-2999.
 
※The “Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Contact Center” also offers a global toll-free “Emergency Assistance Hotline for Overseas Travelers” at +800-0885-0885 (with your local international dialing code), currently available in 22 countries or regions including Europe, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.