https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/141457/142068/323774/
In conjunction with the relaxation of border and quarantine restrictions, the NIA announced that automatic extensions will no longer be granted to foreign persons (foreign nationals, people of the Mainland China Area, Hong Kong/Macao residents and nationals without registered permanent residence in the Taiwan Area) who entered Taiwan on or before March 21, 2020 and have not overstayed the allowed duration of stay. On October 5, 2022, those aforementioned persons will be granted 30-day automatic extension for the last time, allowing them to depart no later than November 30, 2022.
The NIA explained that, in order to reduce the risk of further COVID-19 outbreak caused by the movement of people, while also considering the need of family reunions, in the past 2 years, the NIA has granted monthly automatic extensions to eligible foreign persons, thus saving them the trouble of traveling to NIA service centers for in-person applications. There were more than 420,000 persons had benefited from this convenient and thoughtful program. Considering the worldwide recovery from the pandemic and in compliance with the CECC’s gradually eased border controls policy, the NIA has decided that the automatic extension policy shall come to an end.
The NIA said that since automatic extensions will no longer be granted, foreign persons who have previously benefited from the automatic extension program shall depart before exceeding their allowed duration of stay. Meanwhile, in order for them to make travel arrangements, a grace period will be given. All foreign persons whose automatic extensions expire on or before November 30, 2022, would not be considered as overstaying as long as they depart by November 30, 2022. However, other foreign persons whose automatic extensions expire on or after December 1, 2022, shall depart before the last day allowed by the automatic extension. To those who are not sure about the date of allowed duration of the stay, they may visit NIA service centers for assistance.
The NIA also maintained that, if a foreign person has been hospitalized for diseases or pregnancy, which may endanger his/her life if going abroad, or has met forces majeure, natural disaster or other inevitable incidents, he/she may still submit relevant documentation and apply for an extension at NIA service centers.
【Q&A】
Q1: I was eligible for automatic extensions. When should I depart Taiwan?
A1: In conjunction with the relaxation of border restrictions, after October 5, 2022, automatic extensions will no longer be granted to foreign persons (Foreign nationals, People of the Mainland China Area, Hong Kong/Macao residents and nationals without registered permanent residence in the Taiwan Area) who entered Taiwan on or before March 21, 2020 and have not overstayed their allowed duration of stay.
However, considering many eligible foreign persons whose duration of stays expire on and after November 4, 2022, in order for them to do further arrangements for departure, those who depart by November 30, 2022 will not be considered as overstaying.
It is advised that foreign persons should depart before exceeding the allowed duration of stay, as follows:
1. If your last day of the automatic extension is November 30, 2022 or earlier: You will not be considered as overstaying if you depart by November 30, 2022. If you depart on December 1, 2022 or later, you will be considered as overstaying, starting from the day following the last day of your allowed duration of stay authorized by the automatic extension.
2. If your last day of the automatic extension is December 1, 2022 or later: You may continue to stay until the last day permitted by the extension. If you depart after the last day of the automatic extension, you will be considered as overstaying, starting from the day following the last day of your allowed duration of stay authorized by the automatic extension.
Q2: How can I check the last day of my extension? Are there any other procedures I should follow before departure?
A2: You are advised to submit your passport or Entry & Exit permit to NIA services centers, where NIA officers may put a stamp on your passport or Entry & Exit permits to show the last day of your duration of stay. You may also go to the airport early on the date of departure to allow sufficient time for immigration inspection to verify your duration of stay.
Q3: Upon my departure, would I be considered overstaying and fined by the NIA, given that I don’t have any documents to prove these extensions?
A3: At airport checkpoints, NIA officers will carefully verify and check for all previous extensions. If you have been granted automatic extensions, and you are still within the extended duration of stay, there will be no fines. .
Q4: In case of special circumstances arising, can I still extend my stay in Taiwan?
A4: If you fall within any of the following circumstances, please submit relevant documentation and apply for an extension at NIA service centers before exceeding the allowed duration of stay:
1. Have been more than 7 months pregnant or less than 2 months after childbirth or miscarriage.
2. Have been hospitalized for diseases or pregnancy, and may endanger your own life if going abroad.
3. Have a following relative hospitalized or deceased in the Taiwan Area because of serious illnesses or critical injuries:
●Foreign nationals, Hong Kong/Macao residents, nationals without registered permanent residence in the Taiwan Area: Spouse, lineal relative by blood, collateral relative by blood within the third degree, or relative by marriage within the second degree, who has registered permanent residence in the Taiwan Area.
●People of the Mainland China Area: Spouse, relative by blood within the second degree, parent-in-law, or children-in-law, who has registered permanent residence in the Taiwan Area.
4. Have met forces majeure, natural disaster or other unforeseen incidents.
