Where can I obtain a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time? Do I need to pay for it myself, or does the government cover my testing expenses? Is it difficult to obtain such a test report?
- In principle, a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report must be issued by a legally-established hospital or clinic (including medical testing laboratories) at the place of departure, and testing expenses shall be paid by travelers themselves.
- Taiwan has been requesting foreign nationals coming to the country to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time since July 2020. According to a survey taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the medical systems of most other countries possess the COVID-19 testing capability (especially those countries/areas with direct flights to Taiwan). At present, most countries have generally required inbound passengers to take this measure to maintain the safety of their borders.
- Since the entry measure that requires foreign nationals coming to Taiwan to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test report was enforced in July, 2020, the implementation has been smooth, and most travelers have been able to obtain test reports. If overseas nationals need to take a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, it is recommended they contact the health authority of the place of departure, the airline, or the R.O.C. missions abroad to inquire about the list of local medical institutions capable of providing a COVID-19 RT-PCR test.
