Taiwan has had strict border enforcement since the start of COVID-19, like other popular countries like China and Japan. Their borders are still restricted to tourists.
Only APAC cardholders (Business travellers) and relatives that are visiting are allowed entry. In a media release published by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 12, they stated that even relative visitation is subjected to approval.
Media Release:
Considering the need for and right to family reunions of R.O.C. (Taiwan) nationals and Alien Resident Certificate holders residing in Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), in coordination with other government agencies, announces that starting today, April 12, foreign relatives of R.O.C. (Taiwan) nationals and valid Alien Resident Certificate holders residing in Taiwan may apply to enter Taiwan. They may submit an application for a special entry permit (visitor visa) for the purpose of visiting relatives at R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas missions by presenting proof of relationship to R.O.C. (Taiwan) nationals or Alien Resident Certificate holders residing in Taiwan.Â
This arrangement comes in addition to the other purposes for entry to Taiwan currently allowed by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC)—i.e., joining family (foreign spouses and minors only), study (formal degree programs), studying Mandarin, business visits, investment, fulfilling contractual obligations, employment, emergencies, and on humanitarian grounds, and other cases given special approval by the CECC.Â
Not opening soon
With Taiwan’s zero-covid policy and the recent amount of cases that surged in Taiwan, many netizens are speculating that Taiwan will not open it borders to tourism anytime soon.