By / ScenicSpots.com Fresh (compiled and reported)
The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation announced that starting from the early hours of March 19, domestic travel agencies are prohibited from organizing outbound tours and also from receiving overseas tour groups. This ban will initially remain in effect until April 30. In recent days, Taoyuan Airport has seen an influx of international students, exchange students, and workers returning to Taiwan from abroad—both short-term and long-term. It is estimated that around 10,000 people are entering the country per day, and strict quarantine measures have been implemented at Taoyuan Airport.
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A continuous stream of travelers returns to Taiwan at Taoyuan Airport. (Photo / ScenicSpots.com Fresh)
Just the first quarter losses for Lion Travel Group, the largest domestic travel agency, exceed NT$5 billion. Travel agencies have been impacted by the pandemic since February, and the Ministry of Transportation’s ban barely adds to their concerns—the standstill in travel business is unlikely to end by the end of April. Some operators estimate the impact could extend into the third quarter. Meanwhile, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation has launched the “COVID-19 (Wuhan Pneumonia) Tourism Industry Relief, Recovery, and Revitalization Plan,” which not only provides subsidies to businesses but also promotes and assists with talent training.
With the surge of inbound travelers at Taoyuan Airport, many foreign passengers arrive in Taiwan only to find they are not allowed entry. Taiwanese passengers who successfully enter the country must take “epidemic prevention taxis.” The sudden increase
Regarding the ban on foreign nationals entering the country, it is also related to flight departure times. Non-citizens who depart for Taiwan after 00:00 Taipei Time on the 19th will not be allowed to enter unless they hold a residence permit, diplomatic or official certification, business performance certification, or other special permits. It is initially estimated that there will still be flights arriving in Taiwan from Japan, Thailand, Singapore, and other places on the 19th, but unfortunately, foreign nationals on those flights are likely to be denied entry into Taiwan.
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