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Premier confirms "0 7" policy to start on 13 October
Premier Su Tseng-chang has confirmed that, starting on 13 October, most border controls will be lifted and new arrivals will only observe 7 days of "self-health management". Su also says the cap on the number of people entering Taiwan will rise to 150,000 per week, and the ban on outbound packaged tours will be cancelled. That means local people are finally able to visit overseas as part of a group arranged by a travel agency.
In addition, Taiwan has resumed visa-free entry for passport holders from a total of 65 countries today and they can stay here for up to 90 days without a visa. Su says he inspected Taoyuan International Airport yesterday and saw that preparations are complete for receiving an anticipated influx of travellers. He also notes that all quarantine hotels should go back to normal operations with the assistance of local governments.
The first stage of Taiwan's lifting of border controls took effect today, meaning that arriving visitors are no longer required to take saliva-based PCR tests at the airport.
Inbound visitors will instead be given four rapid test kits and follow, until 13 October, the “3 4” measure of quarantine for three days, and monitor their health for four days, to make sure they do not exhibit Covid-19 symptoms. Quarantine must still be done on a one-person-per-room basis for nationals at their residences, while international visitors should book a room at a quarantine hotel.
In related news, the Central Epidemic Command Center says members of inbound tour groups will be allowed to continue traveling in Taiwan, even if other members of their group test positive for the coronavirus during their trip. However, they will need to take a rapid test and obtain a negative result every two days.
