However, each trip will begin with three days of hotel quarantine.
Taiwan will finally join Asian neighbours in unlocking its borders this month.
The country’s Central Epidemic Command Center has confirmed Monday September 12 will see visa-free entry for visitors from Australia, New Zealand, the US and Canada, the EU “and diplomatic allies.”
However, all arrivals will be subject to a“3+4” system, comprising of three days in a designated quarantine hotel followed by four days of self-monitoring – which the CECC describes as “self-initiated epidemic prevention” – with rapid anti-gen test kits.
Incoming passengers are not required to present a PCR test result before departure for Taiwan, but must undergo a PCR test on arrival.
CECC chief Victor Wang 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.
Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung said of such as move “it is impossible this year. This will be a difficult thing to predict.”
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.