Taiwan''s strict new border controls came into effect Thursday, placing the country into a state of semi-lockdown. All foreign citizens were refused entry, with the exception of residence card holders, diplomats, and those with special entry permits. Thousands of Taiwan citizens flew into Taoyuan airport, despite new rules requiring every traveler to self-isolate for 14 days.
Under Taiwan’s semi-lockdown, foreign citizens without a residence permit are now banned, if they try to enter the country on a plane that left the ground after midnight last night. Taiwanese citizens are also required to self-isolate for 14 days upon entry, no matter where they’ve come from. As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the world, many overseas Taiwanese are rushing home to take shelter.