The African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak continues to spread globally, with 73 countries and regions currently affected. In Asia, only Taiwan and Japan have remained free of the outbreak. However, Taiwan’s quarantine authorities have already detected 62 cases this year (2024) at international airports where foreign nationals attempted to bring pork products into the country illegally. Those unable to pay the fines on the spot were refused entry. With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, the demand for gift-giving is increasing. To prevent ASF from entering Taiwan through international mail and courier services, the Immigration Agency urges new residents and migrant workers not to have pork products mailed to Taiwan by friends or relatives from home countries. Additionally, travelers returning home for family visits should avoid bringing pork or pork products into Taiwan, and should not take airline meals off the plane to avoid fines.
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With the increasing number of incoming travelers, there have been multiple cases of foreign nationals illegally bringing pork products into Taiwan this year. Those unable to pay the fines on the spot were refused entry. For instance, a South Korean mother visiting Taiwan for the first time was found bringing unfinished in-flight meals (including pork buns) into the country and was denied entry for failing to pay the fines. Her daughter, traveling with her, also canceled her trip and accompanied her mother back home, ruining what was supposed to be a much-anticipated journey due to the leftover in-flight meal. In another case, a Thai tourist transiting from Macau to Canada planned a brief visit to Taiwan during the layover but was found carrying Macau-style pork floss egg rolls. Unable to pay the fines, the mini trip to Taiwan was ultimately canceled.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, many new residents and migrant workers often send or bring food products from their home countries to Taiwan due to homesickness and gift-giving traditions. However, facing the ongoing ASF threat, the Immigration Agency once again reminds everyone not to carry or mail pork products from ASF-affected areas into Taiwan. Violators can face fines of up to NT$1 million. To avoid hefty fines due to nostalgia, please adhere to the regulations and help maintain Taiwan’s biosecurity.
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