Starting September 12, Taiwan will allow visa-free entry to visitors from the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Travelers from Taiwan’s 14 diplomatic allies will also benefit.
According to health authorities, all 26 countries in Europe’s Schengen Area plus the UK and Ireland will be allowed to enter without visas.
The move effectively reopens Taiwan’s borders to some foreign tourism, more than two years after authorities stopped visa-free entry to keep COVID at bay.
Health authorities say they aim to balance the need to control Taiwan’s COVID outbreak while stimulating the economy and allowing international exchange.
The number of travelers allowed in each week will stay at 50,000 for the time being.
Visitors will still need to undergo three days of isolation on arrival, followed by four days avoiding crowded places and restaurants.