Taiwan’s Finally Freeing Travelers!
On September 22, Taipei rolled out a fresh wave of life‑changing news: the island is set to drop the mandatory quarantine for all arrivals around October 13. It’s also stepping up the welcome back of the rest of the world, easing restrictions that have lingered since the start of the pandemic.
What’s Changing?
- After a short break, visa‑free entry is back for citizens of every country that was previously granted the privilege, including Singapore.
- International travelers will no longer need to take a PCR test on arrival.
- The weekly limit for arrivals is being bumped up by 10,000—from 50,000 to 60,000.
- In the near future, the limit is slated to rise to 150,000 per week.
Why the Shift?
Despite a staggering six million domestic cases since the start of the year—thanks to the relentless Omicron—Taiwan’s workforce has proven it’s almost back to normal. More than 99 % of those infected report no or only mild symptoms.
With a high vaccination rate and the daily case count stabilising after a brief spike, the government believes the situation is “under control.” This pinch‑point toward normalcy is part of the “new Taiwan model,” which balances caution with optimism.
Sneak Peek at the Future
- From October 13, all arrivals are slated to exit the mandatory quarantine period, making chatting with travelers a breeze.
- Those who test positive will still be required to quarantine at home or in designated hotels—a rule that keeps the safety net tight.
What about the Virus?
Things have gone from a subdued quake to a bit of a flare‑up, with over 46,000 new cases reported just last Wednesday. Taiwan’s folks, however, have proven they’re resilient: no bans on leaving and returning—only a stay-at-home or hotel quarantine, and that’s it.
Wrap‑Up
Before the pandemic, Taiwan was a favourite playground for Asian travelers, especially from Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Now, with COVID restrictions easing, the island is positioning itself to welcome tourists and revive local businesses that felt the lockdown crunch. Whether it’s grabbing a bubble tea or exploring night markets, the spirit of Taiwan’s hospitality is up to 100%.
