Taiwan announces 30-day extension for foreigners entering Taiwan on or before March 21

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many countries to shut down their borders to control the spread of the virus. Flight bans around the world have also caused airlines to have fewer flights, making it hard for travelers to go back or home or leave the country they’re currently at.

With this, the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that they are granting a 30-day extension to foreigners and travelers who entered Taiwan on or before March 21, 2020.

(ALSO READ: What We Can Learn From Taiwan About Fighting the Coronavirus)

The statement issued is as follows:

1. In response to border control measures and flight bans implemented around the world to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, MOFA announces that all travelers who entered Taiwan on or before March 21, 2020, on a visitor visa, a landing visa, or through a visa-waiver program and who have not overstayed their legal stay period will be granted an automatic 30-day extension. No application is required. The total period of stay cannot exceed 180 days. These conditions are subject to change and may be adjusted as circumstances require.

2. In addition, the National Immigration Agency (NIA) has announced the Expanded Overstayers Voluntary Departure Program. Foreign nationals who have overstayed their legal stay  period and turn themselves in from March 20 to June 30 are entitled to penalty relief measures: They will not be detained or receive an entry ban, and will be given only a minimum fine. For further information, please visit the NIA website at https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/141457/142068/217277/

The COVID-19 virus has currently infected more than 300,000 people worldwide. As of writing, the Philippines has reported over 380 cases in the country.