From Channel News Asia

TAIPEI: Taiwan will resume visa free entry for visitors from countries including the United States and Canada from next week, the government said on Monday (Sep 5), as it continues to ease controls put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Taiwan had kept its entry and quarantine rules in place as large parts of the rest of Asia have relaxed or lifted them completely, though in June it cut the number of days spent in isolation for arrivals to three from seven previously.

Taiwan has reported more than 5.3 million domestic cases since the beginning of the year, driven by the more infectious Omicron variant. But with more than 99 per cent of those exhibiting no or mild symptoms, the government has relaxed rather than tightened restrictions in what it calls the "new Taiwan model".

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Centre said the resumption of visa free entry for visitors from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and diplomatic allies would start from next Monday.

Visitors from more than 50 of these countries can stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days while those from Singapore, Malaysia and six other countries can stay for up to 30 days, according to a list published by the island's Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Quarantine will remain at 3 days plus a covid test will be required on arrival. Gettting to Taipei for the Gay Pride Parade at the end of October is now looking more possible.

Taiwan has announced it plans to lift quarantine measures on October 13. Plans - but has said if the still high number of daily cases do not continue to decline, the plan will be delayed. Like Hong Kong, though, some restrictions will remain and visitors will not be able to eat in restaurants.