Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare Centers for Disease Control issued a new announcement on September 30, confirming the changes.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare Centers for Disease Control (CDC) previously announced adjustments to entry quarantine measures, and stated that entry quarantine would be fully lifted starting in October. Here are the details.

Starting September 29:

Broadly speaking, entry requirements did not change much, except that the airport PCR test on arrival was canceled.

  1. Arrival PCR testing is canceled and replaced with rapid antigen test kits distributed for self-testing at home
  2. After arrival, travelers must still use non-public transportation (such as a private car) to go to their place of home quarantine
  3. Visa-free entry resumes

Starting October 13:

  1. The rules are relaxed to 7 days of self-initiated epidemic prevention, with no quarantine required after arrival
  2. Asymptomatic travelers may use public transportation and dine in at restaurants after arrival, but should wear masks whenever possible
  3. Travelers from non-visa-free countries may apply for visas, including for tourism and social visits

Applications for entry permits to Taiwan by Category 3 persons (Mainland Chinese nationals) have still not resumed for the time being. Entry permit applications by Hong Kong and Macau residents for tourism purposes have likewise not reopened. So unless you have a necessary reason to visit Taiwan, such as family visits or business, and can obtain a visa, it is still not possible to transit in Taiwan on the way back to Mainland China.

Once this does reopen, using Taiwan as a routing option back to Mainland China could quickly become as overcrowded as Hong Kong was, with a surge of people trying to return. Consider the risks and benefits accordingly.