However, the ministry clarified that the policy does not constitute a relaxation of Taiwan's current ban on the entry of foreign tourists due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decision to extend the visa-free treatment for the four countries was reached following assessments by relevant agencies in an inter-agency meeting on May 29, 2020. Taiwan's government gave visa-free treatment to selected countries beginning in 2016 under its "New Southbound Policy" which seeks to enhance closer exchanges with neighboring countries, especially in Southeast Asia. The ministry stressed that it will continue to refine its visa policies to attract foreign tourists while still ensuring border and public security. Taiwan will seek the same visa treatment from other governments to make overseas travel by Taiwanese tourists more convenient, the statement said.

Source: The Standard July 23, 2020 17:26 UTC