Taiwan will reinstate visa-exempt entry for US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and diplomatic allies’ nationals beginning Sept. 12 to raise economic and social activity levels. (Staff photo/Pang Chia-shan)
 

Taiwan is set to restore visa-exempt entry for the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and diplomatic allies’ nationals, according to the Cabinet-level Central Epidemic Command Center.

The changes, set to start from September 12, are in line with international trends and government policy to balance disease prevention with raising economic and social activity levels.

Arrivals still need to observe the mandatory policy of three days of quarantine and four days of self-initiated epidemic prevention, the CECC said. Border measures and epidemic prevention measures will be adjusted on a rolling basis according to pandemic developments, the center added.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa-free visitors from the mentioned countries and regions can engage in business, exhibitions, inspections, international exchanges, sightseeing, as well as family and social visits.

However, those who intend to engage in activities that, according to the laws and regulations of relevant agencies, do require a permit must still obtain one, the MOFA said. Those who intend to enter Taiwan for purposes that require qualifications, such as religious work, must obtain a visa from an R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas mission before entering Taiwan, the ministry added.

Latest CECC statistics confirm 5,503,725 COVID-19 cases and 10,115 deaths in Taiwan. (DL-E)