Many travelers wanted to know is Taiwan safe to visit in 2020 during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak?
We wanted to provide valuable Taiwan Travel Restrictions information for travelers visiting or planning a trip to Taipei and other parts of Taiwan for pleasure or business during the Coronavirus outbreak.
What is the current Taiwan travel restrictions?
Taiwan will be restricting foreign travelers’ entry to Taiwan effective March 19, 2020. The countries covered by this ban included Singapore, Japan, Canada, USA, and EU countries. Entry to Taiwan will only be allowed to visitors holding valid Taiwan citizenship, Permanent Residence status, diplomatic visa, or signing important contracts.
Latest update from Taiwan Centers for Disease Control
As of April 3, 2020, there have been 135 confirmed Coronavirus cases in Taiwan.
According to Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control, “these confirmed cases included 48 indigenous cases and 291 imported cases. Of 339 confirmed cases, 5 died from the novel Coronavirus, and 50 were released from isolation while the remainder is in a stable condition and remains hospitalized in isolation.“
Is it safe to travel to Taiwan now during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Covid-19 is a global pandemic that affects over 204 countries worldwide. Compared to other countries, Taiwan has done an excellent job containing the spread of Coronavirus. Before the Coronavirus outbreak, every week, tens of thousands of people travel between Taiwan and mainland China yet there are fewer than 339 cases of Covid-19 in Taiwan.
According to a Stanford Health Policy’s report, Jason Wang, MD, PhD, an associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford Medicine, credits Taiwan’s use of big data analytics, new technology, and proactive testing, to contain the spread of the Coronavirus in Taiwan.
Many countries, including New Zealand, Israel, Korea, have praised Taiwan’s policy for containing the Coronavirus in Taiwan. In a recent CNN article, it said that Taiwan’s coronavirus response is among the best globally.
If you are still traveling to Taiwan during this period, please make sure you fill out an electronic health declaration form from the Ministry of Health and Welfare before you arrive in Taiwan. Please click the below link to access the health declaration form. If you cannot fill the form through the electronic process, please make sure you fill in the “Health Declaration and Home Quarantine Notice” or “Health Declaration Card” when you land in Taiwan.
Major countries’ Taiwan Travel Advisory
As of March 21th, 2020, major countries such as the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand have advised their citizens to avoid non-essential travel outside their countries.
The Taiwanese government has since implemented several measures to contain the spread of the virus. As of April 3, 2020, the Taiwan government has issued a level 3 warning for visitors visiting Taiwan from all the countries. For more information, please click the following link to learn more.
All foreign nationals coming to Taiwan will not be allowed to enter or transit in Taiwan. Foreign nationals with valid Taiwan residence permits will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. Travelers showing symptoms of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) may be required to undergo testing, isolation, and quarantine.
Most International Flights to Taiwan canceled (All Cruise ships banned)
Most international flights scheduled to fly to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport have been canceled. If you are planning a trip to Taiwan, please check with your airline carrier before you leave. Make sure your airline is still running flights to Taiwan. All cruise ships are banned from docking in Taiwan at the current moment.
One last piece of advice for travelers: currently, the Taiwanese government is controlling the sale of masks in Taiwan. Only Taiwanese residents are allowed to buy face masks at local pharmacies. Taiwanese resident is limited to purchasing three face masks per week.
Starting from March 21, 2020, face masks will be available at duty-free shops in Taiwan’s airports. Three adult face masks will cost NTD $50.
So we advise bringing your own face masks if you are still visiting Taiwan.
Please note that this blog is for information only. Travelers should consult his/her physicians and visit their respective country’s foreign travel advisory website before travel.