On September 22, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that the measures listed below are scheduled to be relaxed, effective 00:00 on September 29 (incoming flight's scheduled arrival time), after the pandemic situation will be observed for a week.
I. Weekly cap on arriving travelers: in principle, the weekly cap will be increased from the current 50,000 to 60,000.
II. Testing measures:
A. On-arrival saliva PCR testing for arrivals when they arrive at airport/port (D0) will be ended. Instead, four rapid test kits will be given to arrivals aged 2 and older by workers at international airports/ports upon arrival. Arrivals can use the test kits during the first three days and the self-initiated epidemic prevention period.
B. Travelers who have experienced any suspected COVID-19 symptoms in the 14 days before arrival should voluntarily report their symptoms on the Quarantine System for Entry. Such travelers should receive a health assessment by a quarantine officer upon arrival and cooperate in undergoing a test at the airport/port or the hospital.
III. Quarantine period and location: the day of arrival counts as Day 0; a three-day quarantine and four-day self-initiated epidemic remain in place. Arrivals will be allowed to spend the seven-day in a residence under the rule of "one person per room."
IV. Transportation from the place of arrival to the quarantine location: taking quarantine taxis, driving oneself, and getting a ride from a friend, relative, one's company or organization are still allowed.
V. Visa exemption treatment will be fully restored.
The CECC further explained that, in order to steadily ease relevant border measures, it has worked with related government agencies to proactively prepare for an increase in the arriving traveler cap, "0+7" quarantine scheme and other policies. The CECC will decide on the implementation date of the respective policy based on developments in the pandemic situation. The following measures are expected to take effect on October 13:
I. Weekly cap on arriving travelers: in principle, the weekly cap will be 150,000 on a trial basis.
II. Quarantine period and location: the day of arrival counts as Day 0; a seven self-initiated epidemic prevention will be adopted to replace the original three days of quarantine. Also, the COVID-19 Health Declaration and Home Quarantine Notice will no longer be issued to arriving travelers.
III. Testing measures are listed below.
A. Four rapid test kits will be given to arrivals aged 2 and older by workers at international airports/ports upon arrival. Arrivals can use the test kits during the self-initiated epidemic prevention period.
B. Travelers who have experienced any suspected COVID-19 symptoms in the 14 days before arrival should voluntarily report their symptoms to Taiwan CDC's quarantine officers at airports/ports. Such travelers should cooperate in undergoing a test at the airport/port or the hospital if they are assessed to required medical attention.
IV. Transportation for arrivals: those without COVID-19 symptoms can take public transportation.
V. Travelers from countries not granted Taiwan's visa exemption treatment will be allowed to apply for visas to enter Taiwan for regular social visits and tourism. The ban on tour groups will be also be lifted.
