Taiwan Kicks Off Its First Travel Bubble With Palau—Singapore Is the Next Target
Why Palau Got the Cherry on the Cake First
- Palau logged zero Covid‑19 cases, making the deal feel safe.
- Taiwan made a pact for two flights, each carrying 110 travelers.
- All trips run through tour groups—no lone wanderers allowed.
- Both sides agreed to share a “group‑only” policy en route to each hotspot.
Health Minister Chen Shih‑chung explained the logic: “We can easily open a bubble with Palau because its record is spotless, and that makes the policy on both sides straightforward.” He added that keeping Taiwan’s visitors from bringing the virus over to Palau is the real bit of work.
Chen reassured the Palauians with a smile: “They trust that our screenings are spot‑on, and that’s the green flag that let this bubble take off.”
Singapore Wants In – And Taiwan is Ready
After Singapore pulled its own “unilateral lift”—removing the two‑week quarantine and letting travelers only get a Covid test on arrival—Taiwan is ready to match the move.
Health Minister Chen revealed negotiations with Singapore are underway. “Singapore is by far the most proactive,” Transportation Minister Lin Chia‑lung remarked. He hit the pause button when asked to drop more specifics, saying details are still a work in progress.
Where Are the Others Heading?
While Taiwan talks with Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam, Singapore is on the front burner and appearing to be the leading contender for the next bubble together.
What Happens Next?
If Taiwan can assure safe passage for its citizens, tourism will begin to circle across the island chains. Travel bubbles could become a new favorite pastime—if nothing else, they’re a relief for people craving more than endless home boundaries.
