Taiwan Says “Bye‑Bye” to the 7‑Day Lock‑Down
In a surprising move that’s set to send travel calendars back into action, Taipei has declared that starting Oct. 13 anyone coming from abroad can ditch the dreaded 7‑day quarantine. That means jet‑setting tourists can finally book that beach getaway or museum tour, and the island will welcome eager visitors with open arms.
How the Decision Came About
- Since June, the government reduced the isolation period from 7 days to just 3 for arrivals.
- By the end of August, the numbers of infections inside Taiwan had surged to 6.3 million, all thanks to Omicron’s popularity.
- Those infected? 99 % were either symptom‑free or only had mild aches and pains.
Faced with a well‑vaccinated population and a pandemic that’s essentially “under control,” the Cabinet spokesman, Lo Ping‑cheng, told reporters that the island was ready to open its doors back to the world.
What’s Still Up Front
While the visa‑free status tight‑knocks on homes laid down in the past haven’t changed, arrivals will still get a reminder to:
- Keep a close eye on their health for a solid week.
- Take rapid tests as a safety net.
Those two short steps may feel bureaucratic, but they’re designed to keep the community safe while still letting people make those dream trips.
Other Rules that Got Lifted
- Arrivals are no longer forced to take a PCR test.
- Visa‑free entry is back for all citizens that previously had that privilege.
Taiwan has never been a country that locks its citizens out. People have always been free to leave and return, even if a two‑week home‑or‑hotel quarantine was sometimes required. The new policy sends a clear message: the “new Taiwan model” believes that a healthy, vaccinated populace and no widespread community transmission means the world can come back in peace.
What It Means for You
If you’re planning to work on a sunny beach or just get a taste of Taipei’s night markets, you can now safely book that trip. The government’s final touches on the travel regime make it possible for the rest of the world to reconnect with the island’s culture, hospitality, and, of course, its delicious bubble tea.
