The Taiwan border remains closed to foreign nationals except for those who hold alien resident cards and those who obtain permission for emergency or humanitarian reasons. The government has published an updated guidance on entry restrictions and requirements.

Key Points:

  • Taiwan nationals and ARC holders seeking to enter Taiwan must show a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within three working days of their incoming flight’s scheduled departure time.
  • All travelers are required to undergo 14-day quarantine and must arrange their location of quarantine prior to arrival and follow other regulations and instructions by the Taiwan Centers of Disease Control.
  • Travelers from Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Israel, Myanmar, Peru or the United Kingdom (or transiting through one of these countries within the previous 14 days) must quarantine in group facilities for 14 days and undergo testing at the start and end of the quarantine period.
  • Travelers also must complete a health declaration form in the Quarantine System for Entry site (https://hdhq.mohw.gov.tw/) before departure for Taiwan and be prepared to show a confirmation message to quarantine staff as a condition of entry.

Background: In response to the pandemic, Taiwan closed its border to foreign nationals, including those from Hong Kong and Mainland China, as well as those holding valid visitor visas or resident visas. On July 26, the Central Epidemic Command Center announced that strict border control measures will remain in place due to the resurgence of infections and transmission of the Delta variant around the world. Taiwan’s overseas missions will continue to suspend visa issuance. Exceptions are being considered on a case-by-case basis for emergencies and humanitarian reasons.

BAL Analysis: Travelers are encouraged to check with their local Taiwanese mission for the testing requirements. Those with urgent travel needs who are impacted by the entry ban or new restrictions should work closely with their immigration provider to discuss the best available options. 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 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced last week that it would extend visa-free entry for an additional year for citizens of Brunei, the Philippines, Russia and Thailand.

Key Points:

  • Visa-free entry will be extended for nationals of Brunei, the Philippines, Russia and Thailand for tourism purposes until July 31, 2022.
  • The Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asia Countries will be extended until Dec. 31, 2022. Tourist groups of five or more who are traveling with an approved travel agency from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam will continue to be allowed to use electronic visas to enter the country.
  • The extension will not alter current COVID-19 travel bans. Foreign tourists remain barred from entering the country until at least July 26.

Additional Information: MOFA stated that it will continue to review and refine visa policies to attract more visitors and increase border security.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has extended entry restrictions and visa processing until July 26.

Key Points:

  • Non-Republic of China (ROC) nationals without a valid Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) are barred from entering or transiting through Taiwan.
  • Individuals holding visitor or residence visas are not allowed to enter Taiwan.
  • Visa application processing remains suspended.
  • These measures will be in place until July 26 and will be adjusted on a rolling basis.

Additional Information: Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for those who have received entry permission for emergency and humanitarian reasons.

BAL Analysis: Employers should continue to identify affected employees and reschedule travel as necessary. 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 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has increased entry and quarantine measures for travelers from “key high-risk countries.”

Key Points:

  • As of June 27, individuals traveling from or transiting through key high-risk countries within 14 days of intended arrival must undergo a 14-day group quarantine in designated facilities and take PCR tests at the beginning and end of the isolation period.
    • Currently, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Israel, Peru and the U.K. are listed as key high-risk countries.
  • Travelers arriving from any other country must undergo a 14-day quarantine in a designated hotel or group quarantine facility and will take a PCR test before the end of the isolation period.

Additional Information: Officials imposed the increased quarantine measures in response to the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant.

BAL Analysis: 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 Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@balglobal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@balglobal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has extended entry restrictions and visa processing until July 12.

Key Points:

  • Non-Republic of China (ROC) nationals without a valid Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) are barred from entering or transiting through the country.
  • Individuals holding visitor or residence visas are not allowed to enter the country.
  • Visa application processing remains suspended.
  • These measures will be in place until July 12 and will be adjusted on a rolling basis.

Additional Information: Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for those who have received entry permission for emergency and humanitarian reasons.

BAL Analysis: 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 Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@balglobal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@balglobal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has extended entry restrictions and visa processing until at least June 28.

Key Points:

  • Non-Republic of China (R.O.C.) nationals without a valid Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) are barred from entering the country.
  • Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for individuals who have obtained entry permission for emergency and humanitarian reasons.
  • Individuals intending to transit through Taiwan are barred from entering the country.
  • Visa application processing remains suspended.
  • These measures will be in place until June 28 and will be adjusted on a rolling basis.

Additional Information: Foreign nationals needing entry into Taiwan for emergency or humanitarian reasons must obtain special permission from the CECC before applying for special entry permit visas.

BAL Analysis: 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 Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

Taiwan has announced a new travel ban to take effect on May 19, barring non-resident foreign nationals and transit travelers from entering the country.

Key Points:

  • With effect from midnight on 19 May (departure time at the airport of departure), Taiwan will temporarily bar non-R.O.C. nationals without valid ARCs from entry.
  • Exceptions may be made for individuals who have obtained entry permission for emergency or humanitarian reasons.
  • Transit travelers will also be temporarily barred from entry.
  • These measures will be in place until June 18, and will be adjusted on a rolling basis.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has announced new rules limiting travel from India.

Key Points:

  • Under a change that took effect May 4, non-Chinese nationals without an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), who have stayed in or transited through India within 14 days of travel, are barred from entering Taiwan.
  • The ban is not applicable to Chinese nationals or non-Chinese nationals holding an ARC.
    • Chinese nationals or individuals holding an ARC must undergo a mandatory quarantine at designated group quarantine facilities if they have traveled in or through India within 14 days of arrival into Taiwan.
    • PRC tests will be administered upon arrival and before the quarantine period is completed.
    • After receiving a second negative test, individuals must complete a seven-day, self-health management.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Taiwan now requires travelers to provide an affidavit with information regarding their quarantine upon arrival in Taiwan.

Key Points:

  • The affidavit must state that the location of the 14-day home quarantine in Taiwan meets relevant regulations, including that it must be a quarantine hotel or in a home with one person per residence.
  • Taiwan also continues to enforce a COVID-19 testing requirement, mandating that travelers present a negative PCR test taken within three business days before departure for Taiwan.
  • Information on the latest requirements for specific categories of travelers is available here.

Analysis & Comments: The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Taiwan has changed COVID-19 entry policies for some foreign nationals and residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Mainland China. The changes took effect March 1.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals. Foreign nationals holding valid Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs) will be permitted entry. Foreign nationals who are non-ARC holders may apply for a special entry permit at representative offices (TECO) for reasons other than tourism and regular social visits.
  • Residents of Hong Kong and Macao. Hong Kong and Macao residents holding valid ARCs will be permitted entry. Hong Kong and Macao residents who are non-ARC holders may apply for a Taiwan Exit & Entry Permit (TEEP) at TECO if: their purpose of entry is for special humanitarian or emergency reasons; they are the spouse or underage child of a Republic of China (ROC) national; they are entering to fulfill contractual obligations; they are making internal transfers within multinational enterprises; they are students approved by the Ministry of Education; they are visitors receiving medical care with the approval of the Ministry of Health and Welfare; or they have obtained permission under special programs.
  • Residents of Mainland China. Mainland China residents holding valid ARCs will be permitted entry. Mainland China residents who are non-ARC holders may also apply for a TEEP at TECO if their purpose of entry is for special humanitarian or emergency reasons; they are the spouse or underage child of a ROC national; they are the spouse or underage child of a foreign national with a valid ARC; they are students approved by the Ministry of Education; they are visitors receiving medical care with the approval of the Ministry of Health and Welfare; or they have obtained permission under special programs.

Additional Information: Also as of March 1, short-term business travelers from low- and medium-risk countries or regions may be eligible to apply for shortened quarantine periods. These travelers will be required to present documents detailing their travel itinerary and business activities in Taiwan, and must also provide a COVID-19 RT-PCR test issued within three days before their flight to Taiwan. More information is available here.

Taiwan’s Fall-Winter COVID-19 Prevention Program, which had been set to end Feb. 28, was recently extended and will continue to remain in effect. Under this program, all travelers arriving in Taiwan, including transit passengers, must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within three days before boarding their flight to Taiwan. They must also abide by the mandatory mask-wearing rules where applicable.

Analysis & Comments: 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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.