02 Feb 2023 | 09:05 AM UTC
Taiwan: Authorities to lift COVID-19 testing requirements for international travelers from Feb. 7 /update 80
Taiwan to lift COVID-19 testing measures for international travelers from Feb. 7. Eased domestic and international curbs in effect.
Event
Officials in Taiwan will lift COVID-19 testing measures for international travelers from Feb. 7. Inbound passengers are no longer required to take a rapid antigen test (RAT) on the day of arrival or the following day before leaving their hotel or residence. Travelers will only need to take a self-administered RAT if they develop COVID-19 symptoms during the seven-day self-health monitoring period. Authorities will provide individuals with one free RAT, instead of four.
The government will no longer conduct on-arrival tests for entrants directly traveling from mainland China from Feb. 7. Inbound passengers from mainland China transferring from Hong Kong and Macau will not be required to present a negative on-arrival PCR test or a rapid test within 24 hours before departure.
Domestic Measures
Facemasks remain mandatory on public transport and in indoor settings, with approved exceptions for sports competitions, exercise, and singing, among other areas. Individuals in private vehicles also do not need to wear facemasks if traveling alone or with household members. Residents are advised to carry a facemask when leaving home. Individuals violating facemask requirements may face fines up to NTD 15,000. Local governments can adjust measures depending on COVID-19 activity.
The self-quarantine period for locally acquired COVID-19 cases is five days. People that receive a negative RAT result on day five do not have to practice self-health management. Individuals that test positive must practice self-health management until they receive a negative RAT result or reach seven days of self-quarantine. Household contacts of COVID-19 cases do not have to self-quarantine, but they must continue self-health monitoring for seven days. Asymptomatic close contacts can continue to enter the public provided they have a negative RAT result within the previous 48 hours.
International Travel Restrictions
Taiwan permits entry without quarantine for approved entrants. Officials permit cruise ships. However, flights to mainland China remain restricted indefinitely; airlines can only fly to airports in Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (SHA, PVG), Xiamen (XMN), and Chengdu (CTU).
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Allow additional time for health screenings when arriving in or traveling across Taiwan.
