MAC tightens Taiwan entry controls for Hong Kong, Macao visitors

2020/02/12

Taiwan will deny entry to most visitors from Hong Kong and Macao under an upgraded border control regime unveiled Feb. 10 by the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council.

 Taking effect Feb. 11, the measure is aimed at protecting the people of Taiwan from a possible outbreak of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.
 
 The only exceptions are those needing to visit Taiwan to fulfil contractual business arrangements or complete corporate relocations, as well as spouses and minors of ROC (Taiwan) nationals with valid resident permits. All three groups are subject to a 14-day mandatory home quarantine after entry.
 
 The Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications also announced that effective immediately, all tours to or transiting Hong Kong and Macao are suspended until March 31, while tours to or transiting China are suspended until April 30.
 
 According to Central Epidemic Command Center under the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Centers for Disease Control, 475 out of 925 individuals undergoing home quarantine due to close contact with confirmed cases of the virus are cleared to resume everyday activities.
 
 As of Feb. 10, 18 cases of the virus were confirmed in Taiwan, with 42,638 identified in China and 439 reported in 26 other countries and territories.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)