[Forward Information] Taiwan to bar foreign nationals from entering the country starting March 19 in response to the continued spread of COVID-19

1. Taiwan will bar foreign nationals whose flights depart after 00:00 Taipei Standard Time (GMT+8) on March 19 from entering the country in accordance with measures announced by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC). Exemptions will be granted to Alien Resident Certificate holders, personnel on diplomatic or official business, persons who can prove they are fulfilling commercial and contractual obligations, and persons requiring special permission.
 
2. In accordance with CECC regulations, the exempted foreign nationals listed in the previous paragraph must observe a 14-day home quarantine upon arrival. Relevant government agencies shall be responsible for any necessary arrangements regarding their lodging, movements, and work venues in Taiwan.
 
Please refer to the website of the Ministry of Health and Welfare for regulations and details concerning the 14-day home quarantine:

Link (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/MPage/V6Xe4EItDW3NdGTgC5PtKA)
 
3. The aforementioned entry restrictions are subject to change depending on the development of the COVID-19 outbreak. Changes will be announced by the CECC.
 
4. Implementation details

4.1. Starting March 19, only the exempted foreign nationals listed above will be allowed entry into Taiwan. (Foreign nationals whose flights depart before 00:00 Taipei Standard Time (GMT+8) on March 19 will still be allowed entry, including those who transfer or transit through a third country.)
 
4.2. Foreign nationals who are eligible for visa-free entry or hold a visitor or resident visa and wish to enter Taiwan from March 19 must hold relevant documents to qualify for exempted status. These documents must be presented to the National Immigration Agency (NIA) personnel at the port of entry for approval. Those holding special entry permits issued by R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas missions, valid Alien Resident Certificates, or MOFA ID Cards will be allowed entry following inspection by NIA personnel.
 
4.3. Foreign nationals unable to determine whether their documents meet the criteria for exempted status may visit an R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas mission prior to departure to apply for a special entry permit.
 
4.4. Apart from the criteria for exempted status listed above, R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas missions may also grant special entry permits when there are clear and urgent reasons for a foreign national to visit Taiwan based on, for example, humanitarian grounds or approval by competent authorities in Taiwan.
 
4.5. In addition to applying for a special entry permit at an R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas mission, those requiring special permission to visit Taiwan may also present relevant documents to NIA personnel at the port of entry, who will then make a decision whether to approve entry.
 
4.6. Cases in which there is any confusion over the interpretation of the aforementioned entry regulations shall be dealt with through coordination by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the NIA. (E)