The seventh automatic 30-day extension of stay for foreign visitors who have legally remained in Taiwan for 180 days or more was announced by the National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior Jan. 13.
The extension applies to all foreigners who entered Taiwan on or before March 21 using a visitor or landing visa, or through a visa-waiver program, according to the NIA. Previous extensions were announced July 17, Aug. 14, Sept. 14, Oct. 15, Nov. 13 and Dec. 14.
The measure will help reduce risks connected with unnecessary movement of international travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic while alleviating the burden on community-level disease prevention efforts, the NIA said. Further policy changes will be decided in conjunction with the Central Epidemic Command Center based on the current situation at home and abroad, the agency added.
Following the global outbreak of the pandemic, the Bureau of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced five automatic 30-day extensions of stay for foreign nationals who entered Taiwan on or before March 21, providing visitors with up to an additional 150 days in the country. Responsibility for the extensions then transferred to the NIA for individuals remaining past the maximum permitted 180-day stay. (YCH-E)
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