Can Citizens from Two Countries No Longer Travel to Taiwan? CDC Confirms: Visa Issuance Suspended, Border Controls Strengthened – Cause Unrelated to China

The Ebola virus outbreak in Africa is showing signs of intensification, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) experiencing rapid viral spread. On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the Ebola virus situation in the DRC and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that this outbreak is caused by the 'Bundibugyo ebolavirus,' for which the medical community has not yet developed effective treatments or preventive vaccines, placing global infection control efforts under severe strain.

According to the latest international outbreak monitoring data obtained by the CDC, confirmed cases in the DRC continue to rise. As of August 10, the country has reported a cumulative total of 4,449 confirmed cases, resulting in 2,061 deaths and 886 recoveries, with a case fatality rate of 46.3%. This alarming mortality rate has prompted global health authorities to remain highly vigilant.

In response to the evolving outbreak in Africa, the CDC completed a risk assessment on May 17 and officially raised the international travel advisory level for both the DRC and Uganda to Level 3 'Warning' on May 27. This was accompanied by a comprehensive upgrade of monitoring and inspection operations at Taiwan's international ports, strengthening cross-agency border security coordination mechanisms.

CDC Deputy Director-General Lin Ming-cheng stated that, given the risk of continued escalation in both countries, the government further strengthened border controls starting May 29. Drawing on preventive measures adopted by countries such as the United States and Canada, the CDC coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, and Ministry of Transportation to implement new border quarantine measures effective from 00:00 on June 2.

These measures temporarily suspend visa issuance for residents of the DRC and Uganda. Even those who have already obtained visas are temporarily barred from entry. The initial implementation period is 90 days, scheduled to run until August 30. However, four categories of individuals are exempt: international students with approved degree programs in Taiwan, diplomatic and government personnel, non-Taiwanese spouses of Taiwanese nationals and their minor children, and those entering for urgent humanitarian reasons such as attending funerals or visiting critically ill relatives. Lin explained that the CDC will reconvene relevant agencies on August 21 to review the effectiveness of current border control and quarantine measures and discuss potential adjustments.

Regarding port quarantine, from June 3 to June 30, the CDC provided free voluntary testing services at four international airports—Taipei Songshan Airport, Taoyuan International Airport, Taichung Airport, and Kaohsiung Airport—for asymptomatic Taiwanese nationals and incoming travelers with recent travel history to the DRC and Uganda. In addition to distributing self-health management notices upon arrival, the CDC offered on-site testing. As of August 14, a total of 10 individuals returning from affected regions voluntarily underwent testing, with nine returning negative results and one still under examination.

What should travelers do if they develop fever or vomiting after returning? The CDC urges individuals with recent international travel plans to avoid visiting areas affected by Ebola outbreaks. All incoming travelers must actively comply with government quarantine regulations. From the day of entry and throughout the subsequent 21-day self-health management period, travelers are required to report their health status daily via the 'Public E-Reporting System' with truthful and accurate information.

Lin emphasized that the CDC will continue to closely monitor international outbreak developments, implement necessary prevention and control measures, and stay updated with the latest information from WHO expert meetings. During the self-health management period, if individuals experience symptoms suggestive of Ebola virus infection—such as fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or abnormal bleeding—they must immediately report to quarantine personnel or call the toll-free epidemic hotline 1922. Health authorities will then arrange medical assistance to safeguard Taiwan's domestic healthcare and public health security.