Taiwan to adjust entry rules for inbound travellers in two phases

閱讀中文版本

No more on-arrival PCR testing from 29 September 2022; a '0+7' self-initiated epidemic prevention policy is expected to replace the original three days of quarantine from 13 October 2022.

In response to the gradual relaxation of border restrictions across the globe, Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), after a thorough evaluation, has announced the adjustment of its quarantine policy for arriving travellers in two phases to cater to social and economic development as well as citizens' needs.

Effective 00:00 on 29 September 2022 (incoming flight's scheduled arrival time):

• The weekly cap on arriving travellers will be increased from the current 50,000 to 60,000.
• On-arrival saliva PCR testing for arrivals when they arrive at the airport/port (Day 0) will end. Instead, four rapid test kits will be given to arrivals aged two and older by workers at international airports/ports upon arrival. Arrivals can use the test kits during the first three days and the self-initiated epidemic prevention period. Children under two years of age are not required to take rapid tests during the entire seven-day period. When to use rapid tests:
  1. On the day of arrival or the first day of quarantine: designated staff will call arrivals to inquire about the result of such a rapid test.
  2. The last day of the three-day period (the third day of quarantine).
  3. During the self-initiated epidemic prevention period, a negative result from an at-home rapid test taken within two days is required before an arrival goes out.
  4. When symptoms develop during the three-day period and the four-day self-initiated epidemic prevention.
• Travellers who have experienced any suspected COVID-19 symptoms in the 14 days before arrival should voluntarily report their symptoms on the Quarantine System for Entry. Such travellers should receive a health assessment by a quarantine officer upon arrival and cooperate in undergoing a test at the airport/port or the hospital.
• Three days of quarantine and four days of self-initiated epidemic prevention, which is briefly called the ‘3+4’ quarantine policy, remains in place. Arrivals may spend the three-day period and the four-day self-initiated epidemic prevention at his or her home or a residence of his or her friend or family member that meets the requirement of the ‘one person per room’. This rule means a single room used to undergo self-initiated epidemic prevention, in principle, should have a separate bathroom. If a residence for quarantine fails to meet the requirement of one person per room, the arrival can stay at a quarantine hotel but cannot stay at a general hotel.
• Arrivals are allowed to take quarantine taxis, drive oneself, or get a ride from a friend, relative, one's company or organisation to the quarantine location.
• Visa-free access will be fully restored for travellers from countries granted Taiwan's visa exemption treatment to enter Taiwan. These travellers are allowed to engage in activities that do not require a permit, such as business, exhibition visits, fact-finding missions, international exchanges, visiting relatives, tourism, and social events in Taiwan. For activities that, according to the laws and regulations of relevant agencies, do require a permit, travellers must apply to the central competent authority of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) for permission and obtain a special entry permit (visa) from an R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas mission.

Epidemic prevention rules for arrivals in the self-initiated epidemic prevention period remain unchanged:

• Avoid going outside unless necessary.
• A negative result from an at-home rapid test taken within two days should be presented if an arrival needs to go out to work or buy daily necessities.
• Masks must be worn at all times when outside and social distancing must be maintained.
• Avoid going to crowded venues or contact with nonspecific persons.
• An arrival fulfilling business contractual obligations may dine alone or with specific persons in a separate space in a restaurant, provided that table dividers must be installed or social distancing must be maintained.
• Non-urgent medical services or examinations should be postponed.

Scheduled to take effect on 13 October 2022

The implementation date of the second phase of the respective policy will be based on developments in the pandemic situation. The following measures are expected to take effect on 13 October 2022:

• The weekly cap on arriving travellers will be increased to 150,000 on a trial basis.
• A seven-day self-initiated epidemic prevention period ('0+7' quarantine scheme) will be adopted to replace the original three days of quarantine.
• The COVID-19 Health Declaration and Home Quarantine Notice will no longer be issued to arriving travellers.
• Four rapid test kits will be given to arrivals aged two and older by workers at international airports/ports upon arrival. Arrivals can use the test kits during the self-initiated epidemic prevention period. Children under two years of age will not be required to take rapid tests during the self-initiated epidemic prevention period. When to use rapid tests:
  1. On the day of arrival or the first day of the self-initiated epidemic prevention period.
  2. During the self-initiated epidemic prevention period, a negative result from an at-home rapid test taken within two days is required before a traveller goes out.
  3. If symptoms develop during the self-initiated epidemic prevention period.
• Travellers who have experienced any suspected COVID-19 symptoms in the 14 days before arrival should voluntarily report their symptoms to Taiwan CDC's quarantine officers at airports/ports. Such travellers should cooperate in undergoing a test at the airport/port or the hospital if they are assessed to require medical attention.
• Those without COVID-19 symptoms can take public transportation.
• Travellers from countries not granted Taiwan's visa exemption treatment will thereafter be allowed to apply for visas to enter Taiwan for regular social visits and tourism. The ban on tour groups will also be lifted.

Epidemic prevention rules to follow during the seven-day self-initiated epidemic prevention period:

• In principle, an arrival should stay at home or a residence of a friend or family member or a hotel room that meets the requirement of 'one person per room' (with an en suite bathroom) in the self-initiated epidemic prevention period.
• During the self-initiated epidemic prevention period, arriving travellers should avoid coming into contact with persons who have a high risk of developing severe COVID-19 (including elderly people 65 and older, children under six, and individuals who are immunocompromised or have a weak immune system).
• During the self-initiated epidemic prevention period, arriving travellers should rest at home if they experience symptoms. If they don't experience symptoms, a negative result from an at-home rapid test taken within two days is required before they go out, go to work, or attend school.
• Arriving travellers can dine alone or with specific persons in a separate space in a restaurant if they need to eat. They should immediately put on a mask when they leave their seat or finish eating. Masks can be temporarily removed when dining and should be put on after finishing dining.
• Arriving travellers cannot visit or stay with a hospitalised individual in a hospital. Non-urgent medical services or examinations should be postponed. Arriving travellers should avoid going to long-term care facilities.
• Travellers with COVID-19 who have mild symptoms can receive home care at a quarantine hotel or at the place where they undergo self-initiated epidemic prevention (general hotel not included).

Image / Unsplash

Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!