Taiwan to end hotel quarantine on October 13

Taiwan will end the mandatory quarantine requirement for all visitors from October 13, while also planning a staged phase-out of compulsory face masks in public spaces.

The country’s Central Epidemic Command Center earlier today confirmed the adoption of a “new Taiwan model," with a “0+7" system where visitors will need to self-monitor using daily rapid tests for the first week of their arrival.

Taiwan has required three days of hotel quarantine since the country began a progressive reopening on September 12.

Arrivals are no longer required to undergo a PCR test, and the country once again allows visa-free entry for visitors from Australia, New Zealand, the US and Canada, the EU “and diplomatic allies.”

CECC chief Wang Bisheng has previously noted most countries around the world have opened their borders to promote “economic and social activities and international exchanges.”

Earlier this year, the CECC flagged the reopening of Taiwan’s borders as part of a “coexistence” with the virus, although there have been signs Taiwan won’t follow the lead of other countries in completely throwing open its borders without quarantine for vaccinated travellers before the end of year.

Taiwan’s China Airlines, EVA Air and newcomers Starlux are all understandably eager to ramp up international flights, although it now looks less likely that Qantas will make good on the prospect of starting direct flights to Taipei.