BANGKOK, 9 July 2020: Taiwan’s entry regulations for foreign nationals changed last week as part of government efforts to gradually reopen the country while spurring economic activity in the post-pandemic new life.
Foreign nationals are permitted to enter Taiwan but not tourism or social visits. You will need to apply for a visa before travelling.
They must apply for a permit at the overseas offices, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Applications by students and those who wish to study Mandarin must comply with Ministry of Education conditions.
All non-nationals are required to present an English-language negative Covid-19 test certification valid up to three days prior to their flight to Taiwan. They must undergo a 14-day home quarantine on arrival.
Exemption of this requirement is extended to diplomatic personnel, migrant workers and students whose entry is managed by the MOFA, the Ministry of Labor and the MOE, respectively, as well as vessel crews and those facing emergency humanitarian emergency situations, according to the MOFA.
Taiwan closed its borders to most foreign nationals 19 March in an effort to combat coronavirus. Exceptions were made for those holding a valid resident certificate or taking part in approved business, diplomatic or other special missions.
UK
Effective 10 July 2020, unless they have visited or stopped in any other country or territory in the preceding 14 days, passengers arriving from the countries identified in the UK government’s travel corridors list will not be required to self-isolate on arrival in England. In Asia, the countries or territories on that list are Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. Thailand is not on the list.
Travellers, regardless of nationality who visited Thailand in the last 14 days and Thai nationals who subsequently visit the UK are subject to a 14-day self-isolation on arrival in the UK. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to UKP1,000 (Rules may differ for Scotland and Wales.)
However, the UK Foreign Commonwealth Office’s advice against all non-essential international travel has been eased back a notch. Thailand is among the 67 countries where the alert has been downgraded that makes it easier to apply for travel insurance.
MALDIVES
Sri Lankan Airlines is now operating weekly commercial flights to Colombo, with an onward connection to London Heathrow until 30 July. Meanwhile, Emirates and Etihad announced last week flights from Male to London effective. 16 July onwards. There is a change of plane in Dubai and the Abu Dhabi hubs.
The visa on arrival service in the Maldives will be reinstated 15 July when the country’s borders reopen, according to the Government of the Maldives’ announcement. The Maldives was excluded from the UK’s FCO alert that eased the warning against all non-essential travel for 67 countries.
SINGAPORE
Travel to Singapore is subject to entry restrictions. Short-term visitors from anywhere in the world are not able to enter Singapore.
Long-term pass holders and dependants need approval before entering. Everyone granted permission to enter Singapore will be issued with a 14-day Stay at Home Notice (SHN).
Singapore and specific cities in China have initiated a green lane for business travellers and those on official business that fast tracks entry.
TURKEY
The Turkish Government has reopened most of its international land, sea and air borders, and some scheduled international flights have now resumed. All arrivals into Turkey will be subject to medical checks, and travellers should be aware that localised lockdowns or curfews could be in place.
