CECC approves entry of foreign students to taiwan; 14+7 days quarantine before entering campus

According to [Taipei Times], as part of the government’s measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, only Taiwanese and foreign residents of the nation can enter Taiwan, barring most foreigners from starting their studies at local schools. Exceptions have been made on a case-by-case basis for emergencies and on humanitarian grounds.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has approved a plan to allow international students enrolled in Taiwanese universities to enter the country, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said on Friday. Students include the following:

Overseas degree students, newly enrolled students

recipients of the government-funded Huayu Enrichment Scholarship for Chinese-language learners.

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Principles for incoming foreign students to Taiwan. (Photo / Provided by the CECC)

The MOE has sent letters to universities and colleges announcing the application for entry of foreign students will be open on August 24. Universities would next week begin informing prospective students about requirements for entering Taiwan and disease prevention measures, the ministry said.

Principles for entry of foreign students to Taiwan:

1. Before entry

• Freshman students without valid visas/residence permits/entry permits must send letters to the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
• Department of Higher Education Director-General Chu Chun-chang (朱俊彰) said that people planning to enroll in local schools could only enter the nation if they have the approval of their university regarding arrangements for their mandatory quarantine.
• They must also have a visa and present the result of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test from within three days of boarding a plane to Taiwan, Chu added

2. After entry:

• Upon arrival, they would undergo a quick test for COVID-19 at the airport, enter their 14-day quarantine and undergo another PCR test upon ending quarantine, he said.

3. After quarantine:

• Before being allowed on campus, they would have to monitor their health for another seven days, he added.

CECC approves entry of foreign students to Taiwan; 14+7 days quarantine before entering campus. (Photo / Retrieved from United Daily News)

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Furthermore, the MOE pointed out that all incoming foreign students must arrive at Taoyuan International Airport. If a large number of students are arriving at one, they must inform the MOE and the MOE will dispatch manpower and provide pick-up and check-in services at quarantine venues.