Qualified foreign nationals visiting Taiwan for short-term business purposes can apply to reduce their 14-day mandatory quarantine beginning June 22, as the country gears up to reopen borders for international trade activities in the post-pandemic new life.
According to the Central Epidemic Command Center, the rule applies to travelers arriving from the low-risk countries and territories of Australia, Bhutan, Brunei, Fiji, Hong Kong, Macao, Mongolia, New Zealand, Palau, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as low-to-moderate risks countries of Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.
To be eligible for reduced quarantine, visitors must not stay in Taiwan for more than three months and must not have traveled to other countries or territories in the 14 days prior to boarding their inbound flights. Applicants must submit documents prepared by their local host companies, travel itineraries and disease prevention plans, as well as a negative COVID-19 test result issued within three days prior to flying to Taiwan.
After checking in to a quarantine hotel, visitors can contact local health authorities to conduct a self-paid COVID-19 test on the fifth or seventh day after arrival, depending on the risk level of the country of departure. Individuals with a negative test result can leave quarantine but will still have to practice self-health monitoring until the 22nd day after arrival.
This requires taking body temperature twice a day and reporting health status to the relevant authorities. Visitors can follow their travel plans during this time, but must make a list of all the people they come in close contact with and wear a mask when visiting public areas, the CECC said.
Taiwan has closed its borders to most foreign nationals since March 19 as part of its coronavirus pandemic response, with exceptions made for those holding a valid resident certificate or visitors taking part in approved business, diplomatic or other special missions. (SFC-E)