Taiwan Coronavirus Update
Taiwan Considered Safe to Visit by Foreign Governments
Updated: February 20, 2020
(Updated Daily)
The US and other nations have declared Taiwan ‘Safe to Visit’ during the coronavirus situation in Mainland China. Taiwan continuously ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, and the recent coronavirus outbreak in Mainland China hasn’t changed that. In response to many readers asking about the safety of visiting Taiwan right now, here is some information on the status of travel to “The Heart of Asia”.
Very Few Cases in Taiwan
At the time of our latest update (Feb. 20, 2020), only 24 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Taiwan and most of them are people who visited Mainland China or Hong Kong in January or their immediate family. All of these people are stable* (or already fully recovered and released) and everyone they contacted have been quarantined. With 24 people infected out of 23 million people in Taiwan, you’re currently more likely to get hit by a scooter crossing the street than contract the coronavirus.
A sampling of countries declaring Taiwan safe to travel (as of Feb. 20, 2020) with links to their Taiwan travel advisory pages.
02/16/2020 UPDATE: There has now been one death in Taiwan attributed to COVID-19 in Taiwan. An elderly man who also had diabetes and Hepitits B succumbed to the combination of ailments on 02/15.
Taiwan Follows US Lead in Safety Precautions
Taiwan has followed America’s lead in strict safety precautions since the outbreak in Mainland China. Taiwan has used thermal scanning of visitors arriving from abroad for a decade, but have made large improvements since the outbreak began. It helps simplify the screening process that there is only one primary international airport in Taiwan.
A few of the safety restrictions in place in Taiwan:
- All travel to Taiwan from China, Hong Kong and Macau has been banned
- All people from China, Hong Kong and Macau have been banned from Taiwan
- All visitors to Taiwan who have visited China, Hong Kong or Macau in the past 14 days of any nationality must undergo a 14 day quarantine in Taiwan.
International Flights On Schedule to Taiwan (but Cruise ships banned)
No delays or cancellations of international flights from Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, etc. to Taiwan. Unlike Mainland China, Taiwan air travel is running smoothly and uninterrupted. Large carriers such as United and Eva Air have direct daily flights to the US and more. Travel to Europe and Canada are equally well serviced. No restrictions internationally on guests returning to their home countries from Taiwan as well.
To prevent the virus from reaching Taiwan, all cruise ships have been rerouted away from Taiwan indefinitely.
Taiwan has Western Style Medical Facilities
Unlike rural Mainland China, Taiwan has been a top destination for medical tourism for decades due to their advanced modern hospitals and doctors trained in the United States. While Taiwan is one of the few tropical/subtropical countries in the world without Malaria and other tropical sicknesses, even if visitors somehow get sick from something, there are great facilities in nearly every region of the country and medical expenses are extremely affordable. All hospitals can also prepare proper paperwork for insurance reimbursement in guests home countries.
Taiwan Appreciates Cleanliness
Having been influenced by the US and Japanese throughout the past century, Taiwan is more similar to Japan in their cleanliness culture and standards than Mainland China. There is no outdoor garbage. Food inspection is commonplace. Homes are typically kept clean and kitchens sterilized. Water treatment is similar to in the US.
Visiting Taiwan
Now is a great time to visit Taiwan. Without tourists from Mainland China, Taiwan’s monuments, museums and national parks are wide open and easier than ever for other international guests to enjoy.
Pics Of The Week!
(Feb. 7th – Feb. 14th 2020)
At Island Life Taiwan Adventures we take the safety and security of visitors from abroad very seriously. We do our absolute best to provide credible and timely information in our travel advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. The content on this page is provided for information only. The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. While we make every effort to give you correct, up to the minute information, it is provided on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Island Life Taiwan, LLC. does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
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!
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