COVID-19: Entry requirements, quarantine measures updated

IMPACT – HIGH

Taiwan recently updated its COVID-19 testing policy, as well as quarantine measures, for inbound travelers.

Key Points:

• With effect from July 26, travelers arriving in Taiwan from Philippines will be subjected to the following COVID-19 testing and quarantine measures:
  • Taiwan nationals and certain foreign nationals (i.e., those with an Alien Resident Certificate or a resident visa, migrant workers, foreign students, and foreign diplomats) must be tested for COVID-19 at the airport whether or not they have symptoms. Those who have symptoms shall be transported to a group quarantine facility to await test results; asymptomatic individuals must undergo 14-day quarantine at home or at a quarantine hotel.
  • Foreign nationals without an Alien Resident Certificate must provide a negative COVID-19 test result certificate issued within three days of boarding before they are allowed to board their flight or transit flight. Those who wish to enter Taiwan must also undergo home quarantine for 14 days upon entry. Please click here for more information.
• Foreign nationals who wish to travel to Taiwan for reasons other than tourism/social visits may apply for a special entry permit from a Taiwanese mission by submitting the necessary documents and forms.
• Upon entering Taiwan, all foreign nationals must present an English language certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three working days of their flight to Taiwan and undergo 14-day home quarantine.
• The following visitors may be exempted from the COVID-19 test requirement:
  • Personnel on diplomatic or official business, migrant workers, and students (whose entry is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour, and Ministry of Education and who represent manageable risk levels).
  • Those coming to Taiwan for emergencies and crewmembers on vessels arriving in Taiwan (for whom it may be difficult to obtain a negative COVID-19 test certificate).
  • Foreign nationals holding a valid resident visa or an ARC are also exempt.
  • All other foreign nationals must provide a COVID-19 test certificate upon arrival in Taiwan. Please click here for more information.

Background: Taiwan first announced the COVID-19 test requirement at the beginning of July.

Analysis & Comments: The removal of the testing requirement for foreign nationals holding a valid resident visa or an Alien Resident Card is good news for employers who wish to send such employees to Taiwan. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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