Taiwan continues visa-free entry for some countries in the latest reopening step

Taiwan will resume visa-free entry for visitors from countries including the United States and Canada from next week, the government said on Monday, as it further eases restrictions, the government said on Monday. control measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Taiwan has kept its entry and quarantine regulations in place as much of the rest of Asia has relaxed or lifted them entirely, although in June it cut the number of days in quarantine for many people. arrivals are down to three days from the previous seven.

Taiwan has reported more than 5.3 million domestic cases since the start of the year, due to the more contagious Omicron variant. But with more than 99% of them showing no or mild symptoms, the government has eased rather than tightened restrictions in what it calls the “new Taiwan model”.

Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center said the resumption of visa-free entry for visitors from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and diplomatic allies will begin Monday. next.

The decision was made based on the fact that most countries in the world have reopened their borders and resumed pre-pandemic border measures and the need to balance epidemic prevention, economic activities , social and international exchange.

Command center director Victor Wang told reporters that three days of quarantine and the need for PCR testing on arrival will remain for the time being, as will the current limit of 50,000 visitors a week.

Taiwan, which has a well-immunized population, has ended the requirement for a negative PCR test prior to departure.

Throughout the pandemic, Taiwanese citizens and foreign residents have never been banned from leaving and then re-entering, despite having to be isolated at home or in hotels.

Before the pandemic, Taiwan was a popular tourist destination for mainly Asian tourists, with Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia being the most important markets.