COVID-19: High-risk countries list, quarantine requirements updated

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Taiwanese government has updated its high-risk countries list and quarantine requirements.

Key Points:

• As of Dec. 1, authorities listed Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe on their high-risk countries list.
  • Individuals who have travel history from these 10 countries within 14 days of intended arrival must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a designated facility and an additional seven-day self-health management following the quarantine.
• From Dec. 14 until Feb. 15, travelers from countries not designated as high-risk must take a PCR test upon arrival and complete one of the three, 14-day quarantine options:
  • Program A. Individuals undergo a 14-day hotel quarantine, take a PCR test between day 12 and 14 of quarantine and practice an additional seven-day self-health management.
  • Program B. Individuals undergo a 10-day hotel quarantine, take a PCR test on day 9 or 10 of quarantine, continue quarantining for four days at home, take another PCR test on day 13 and practice an additional seven-day self-health management.
  • Program C. Individuals must have received two doses of an approved vaccine 14 days before arrival to use this option. Individuals undergo a seven-day hotel quarantine, take a PCR test on day six or seven, continue quarantining for seven days at home, take a rapid test on day 10, take a PCR test on day 13 and practice an additional seven-day self-health management.

Additional Information: Non-Republic of China nationals without a valid Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) remain barred from entry. Exceptions may be made for individuals who obtain entry permission for emergency or humanitarian reasons. Transit travelers continue to be barred from entering Taiwan.

BAL Analysis: The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus will make travel to Taiwan from the aforementioned countries more difficult in the days and weeks ahead. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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