Taiwan blocks DRC and Uganda arrivals for 90 days in Ebola response

A 90-day Ebola entry ban from DRC and Uganda

Taiwan blocked entry and visa issuance for residents and citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda at midnight on June 2, citing an escalating Ebola outbreak. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control and Ministry of Foreign Affairs set the suspension at 90 days, running into late August.

The bar applies even to travelers already holding valid Republic of China visas. Visa applications lodged from the two countries aren't being processed during the window, the Taiwan CDC said. The agency raised its Travel Health Notice for both countries to Level 2 (Alert) alongside the entry measures.

Four exemption categories remain open: degree students with confirmed admission to a Taiwanese institution, diplomats and officials, non-ROC spouses and minor children of Taiwanese nationals and case-by-case humanitarian or emergency approvals. Exempt travelers still face health screening at the border.

Who the rules touch

Tourists, business travelers and short-stay nomads from DRC or Uganda can't enter Taiwan during the 90-day period, regardless of prior visa status.

Travelers of any other nationality, including ARC-holding expats and visa-exempt visitors, can still enter if otherwise eligible. Anyone who has been in DRC or Uganda within 21 days before arrival must follow Taiwan CDC's Ebola protocols, including symptom monitoring for the remainder of that 21-day window and possible screening at the airport.

Airlines including EVA Air are applying the rules at check-in. Refunds and rebookings fall under standard fare conditions; no government fees apply.

Steps for affected travelers

• Exempt applicants (students, diplomats, ROC spouses, minor children) should apply through a Taiwan embassy or representative office and bring supporting documentation for both the exemption and health screening.
• Humanitarian or emergency cases are reviewed individually by MOFA in coordination with overseas missions. No published form or fee exists; requests typically go through the nearest Taiwan mission.
• Travelers with recent DRC or Uganda stays should keep travel-history records ready for border officials and plan for up to 21 days of self-monitoring after arrival.
• Existing ticket holders from the two countries should contact carriers about refunds or rebooking past the August window.

Read our full Taiwan guide for the complete picture and more nomad news on regional Ebola measures.