In a typical year, Taiwan is an exciting destination in Asia to visit. Its city’s beautiful skylines, night markets, natural beauty, temples, quirky cafés, and museums draw in visitors worldwide. Taiwan is a destination that everyone should experience at least once.

However, the past few years have not been typical travel years. COVID-19 has impacted travel across the globe. Quarantines, closures, and restrictions have become the new norm in almost every country. Health advice about COVID-19 in continually changing, but we’ve got the latest information for you. 

So, what about Taiwan?

If you’re interested in visiting there, stay tuned. This article will provide an overview of everything you need to know about traveling to Taiwan and COVID-19.

Taiwan is one of the most secure places in the world when it comes to COVID-19. The island has done better at curbing COVID-19 than almost any other nation in the world. There have been a total of 9 million COVID-19 cases in Taiwan as of January 6, 2023, with 15,455 deaths from the pandemic. 

COVID-19 CASES IN TAIWAN

As of January 5, 2023, there have only been 9,007,371 confirmed COVID-19 cases throughout the pandemic. 8,547,547 of these people have recovered from the coronavirus.

VACCINE

Taiwan began vaccinating its residents in March of 2021. Taiwan has administered 64,721,772 vaccines as of January 6, 2023. Roughly 91% of the country’s population is now vaccinated. 

As of December 5, 2022, the Central Epidemic Command Center announced that, due to the increase in the number of inbound travelers, it plans to adjust the eligibility criteria for the government’s program to cover the medical expenses of people diagnosed with COVID-19 during their isolation period (based on the nationality/National Health Insurance status at the time of diagnosis). The adjustments about eligibility will take effect on January 1, 2023. 

The government will cover medical expenses related to isolation and treatment of R.O.C. nationals, non-R.O.C. nationals that are enrolled in the NHI program, and employed foreign nationals in Taiwan during their isolation period.

Non-R.O.C. nationals not enrolled in the NHI program will not need to pay their medical expenses during their isolation period if they are diagnosed with COVID-19 in Taiwan.

Taiwan has lifted the face mask mandate for outdoor settings. However, you should still wear a mask if you experience COVID-like symptoms or when social distancing isn’t possible. 

WHO CAN ENTER

As of January 6, 2023, if you’re entering Taiwan on a direct flight from China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau), you must take a saliva-based PCR test on arrival at the airport. 

From January 6 on, if you’re flying from China to Taiwan (including from China to Taiwan transiting through Hong Kong and Macau), you must also present a PCR test taken within 48 hours before boarding your flight or a rapid antigen test (RAT) taken within 24 hours before boarding. 

If you test negative, you can go to your accommodation for 7 days of Self-initiated Epidemic Prevention. If you test positive, you’ll need to isolate and practice self-health management until you test negative, or 7 days have passed since the last day of your isolation period. 

If you’re traveling from locations other than China, you don’t have to do any testing or quarantine, but you will need to undertake 7 days of Self-initiated Epidemic Prevention. The Self-initiated Epidemic Prevention period can take place in a private residence, provided it meets the criteria.

ISOLATION PERIOD

As of January 6, 2023, Taiwan still requires any visitors to the country to do a 7-day self-initiated epidemic prevention. This self-initiated prevention can take place in a home or a residence of a friend or family member that meets the requirement of the one person per room. This rule means you should have a separate bathroom for the self-initiated prevention. 

If a residence for quarantine fails to meet the requirement of one person per room, the arrival can stay at a quarantine hotel but cannot stay at a general hotel. 

Within the country, people are free to move about with little to no restrictions and no curfews. Masks are no longer required in public spaces and the tourist experience is intact for those living in Taiwan.

TRANSPORTATION

Flights are still running between Taiwan and many international destinations. There are no restrictions on public transportation within the country, and everything is operating on its regular schedule.

TOURS/TOUR SITES

Many tours and tourist destinations are still operating in Taiwan with increased safety measures. These protocols include masks and social distancing.

RESTAURANTS

Dining, restaurants, night markets, and street food are open for business. Many places look like they did pre-COVID. There are robust options for those looking to dine out in Taiwan.

NIGHTLIFE

Taiwan still has nightlife and celebrations. Most recently, the island held numerous Lunar New Year celebrations. Taiwan even successfully held a famous EDM music festival, ULTRA Taiwan, last November.

Awesome!  We can’t wait for you to join us!

Why not go ahead and start planning your trip? Take a look at all of our wonderful tours in the greater Hualien area, and feel free to contact us with any questions whatsoever.

Want to go ahead and reserve your spot? No problem! If you’re dates change, we’re happy to change your reservation at no cost. We’re here to help any way we can. That’s the Island Life Way!

About Island Life Taiwan

Based in Hualien, Taiwan (adjacent to Taroko Gorge National Park), Island Life Taiwan designs all of our unique daily itineraries to help you discover the rich natural beauty and culture of Taiwan, in the most enjoyable, and most immersive way possible. We’re dedicated to showing you the most amazing locations in eastern Taiwan, while having the most fun and avoiding the crowds. More than just a tour operator and adventure outfitter, our team truly loves showing this awe-inspiring part of the world to our guests, and when you love what you do, it shows.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us and let us help you pick the tour or adventure that’s right for you!

We’d Love to Help You Plan the Perfect Hualien Visit!