To prevent the Ebola virus from entering the country, Taiwan has implemented strict border control measures. Recently, the government has further tightened restrictions.

Since May 27, all travelers who have visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or Uganda within the last 21 days have been subject to entry quarantine measures and 21 days of self-monitoring. As of this Tuesday, general residents of the DRC and Uganda are now prohibited from entering Taiwan. 

Spouses of Taiwanese nationals, diplomatic and official personnel, and students previously admitted to Taiwanese degree programs are exempt from this entry ban. 

On Wednesday, Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Director General Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) visited Taoyuan International Airport. The minister was briefed on border preparedness measures and then personally inspected frontline quarantine operations. 

Shih explained that the government decided to introduce these additional border screening measures given the worsening Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda, this viral strain’s high fatality rate and the lack of fully effective vaccines or treatments, and the fact that early symptoms are often nonspecific and easily overlooked. 

Lo added that from June 3 through June 30, free Ebola testing will be offered to asymptomatic travelers arriving from the DRC and Uganda at all four primary international airports. Taiwanese citizens and other incoming travelers with a travel history to the DRC or Uganda who do not show symptoms will be offered voluntary testing.

For travelers arriving from affected areas who exhibit symptoms, Lo said that referral systems for medical treatment have already been established at ports of entry. Contract hospitals will provide medical evaluation, while border agencies and airport authorities will assist with expedited processing.

Taiwan’s CDC has raised the travel alert level for the DRC and Uganda to Level 3: Warning. Anyone with a history of travel to affected areas experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola infection — such as fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bleeding — should immediately notify quarantine personnel or call the 1922 epidemic prevention hotline for assistance in obtaining medical care.