IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Foreign nationals with recent travel history in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau have been prohibited from entering Taiwan.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals who have visited or resided in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau during the past 14 days will not be permitted to enter Taiwan, regardless of their visa status, unless they hold a Taiwan Resident Certificate, in which case they must quarantine themselves at home for 14 days from the day after their return.

  • Implementation time frame: Feb. 7.
  • Visas/permits affected: Potentially all entry permits and visa waivers.
  • Who is affected: Employees who have visited or resided in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau in the last 14 days and their employers.
  • Business impact: Employers of foreign nationals with recent travel history in mainland China may experience delays affecting employee mobility.
  • Next steps: Employers should anticipate further restrictions on travel from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Analysis & Comments: The entry ban originally applied to mainland Chinese residents coming from the provinces of Hubei and Guangdong only, and was then extended to all residents of mainland China. That the updated travel ban now includes foreign nationals who have spent any time in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau in the last 14 days, as well as mandated home quarantine for Taiwan Resident Certificate holders returning in the same circumstances, indicates that Taiwan will continue to implement stricter measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Employers will likely experience mobility delays for employees and business visitors in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. The response to the coronavirus continues to evolve, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.

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