Students from 11 low-risk countries and areas will be allowed to return to Taiwan, as the self-ruled island eases travel restrictions after bringing the coronavirus outbreak under control.

The new policy announced by the Ministry of Education on Wednesday will see students from 11 low-risk countries and areas such as Hong Kong, Macao, Australia and New Zealand re-entering the island following the coronavirus pandemic. Mainland China is not included in the list.

Strict border controls have been in place since March to combat the spread of COVID-19, with foreign nationals currently not allowed to enter Taiwan unless special permission has been given. All incoming visitors must undergo a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days.

Priority will be given to final-year students who are due to graduate this year. Institutions will have to submit a list of eligible students to the government and arrange the venue of quarantine. The incoming students will be isolated in off-campus hostels on arrival.

Business travellers from low-risk places can also apply to shorten their quarantine period from Monday if they are staying on the island for less than three months, according to Taiwan Centers for Disease Control.

They must not have travelled to other countries within 14 days before departure and must provide a certificate that proves they are free of COVID-19. These travellers will be allowed to leave quarantine on the fifth day after arrival if they pay for another test, the centers said.

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