Starting from June 22, Taiwan will begin easing Covid-19 border controls to allow business travellers from Singapore to visit, as well as some other countries which have been deemed to low to medium risk, Reuters reported.

However, they will still be subjected to testing and a shortened period of quarantine, with a period of five days for travellers from low-risk countries, and seven days if they are from a medium-risk country, Taiwan News reported.

Singapore is a medium-risk country

Speaking at a press conference on June 17, Taiwan's Minister of Health and Welfare and Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) head, Chen Shih-chung, further stated that Singapore was a medium risk country.

He noted that while Singapore had over 40,000 cases, over 90 per cent of the cases were migrant workers who lived separately from the population, and therefore there was "less impact" on the community.

Other areas from which business travellers are allowed include Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, New Zealand, and Australia.

Several conditions must be fulfilled prior to entry

Such travellers must fulfil several conditions prior to entry, however.

They must provide proof of having tested negative for Covid-19 from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, details of where they are going in Taiwan, and proof that their trip was at the company's invitation, Reuters and Taipei Times reported.

In addition, local sponsors of the trip must ensure that their guests in question have made reservations at hotels that have been certified as disease prevention centres, and present a plan that includes, among other details, transportation arrangements.

Chen further added that the island was still hesitant in opening Taiwan's borders to international tourists as "they will not enjoy their trips" if they can only visit certain locations, or make contact with certain people.

Even so, he added that the island was generally "leaning" towards re-opening its borders to "certain countries or territories under the principle of reciprocity and mutual authentication."

Thus far, Taiwan has recorded 445 cases of Covid-19, with only seven deaths. It currently only has four active cases.

Top photo by Matthias Ang