Foreign nationals who entered Taiwan on or before March 21 and have legally remained in the country for over 180 days will receive another 30-day automatic extension of stay, according to the NIA Sept. 14. (Courtesy of NIA)
 

The National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior announced Sept. 14 a third automatic 30-day extension of stay for foreign visitors who have legally remained in Taiwan for 180 days or more.

According to the NIA, the extension applies to all foreigners who entered Taiwan on or before March 21 using a visitor or landing visa, or through a visa-waiver program. Previous extensions were announced July 17 and Aug. 14.

The move will help reduce any risks associated with the unnecessary movement of international travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NIA said. Further extensions or policy changes will be decided at a later date in conjunction with the Central Epidemic Command Center based on the current situation at home and abroad, it added.

Following the March declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization, governments around the world have tightened border controls and imposed flight bans as part of efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, leaving many travelers unable to easily return home.

Given these restrictions, the Bureau of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced five automatic 30-day extensions of stay for foreign nationals who entered Taiwan on or before March 21, providing visitors with an additional 150 days in the country. Responsibility for the extensions then transferred to the NIA for those remaining past the maximum permitted 180-day stay. (SFC-E)