As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, the Immigration Agency warns against bringing pork products into Taiwan.

The Immigration Agency of Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior issued a press release stating that as the Dragon Boat Festival (Zongzi Festival) approaches, many people will take advantage of the long holiday to return to their hometowns to visit relatives or travel abroad. Therefore, it is especially reminded that when returning to Taiwan, epidemic prevention measures must be strengthened, and it is strictly prohibited to bring pork and its products from African Swine Fever outbreak areas into Taiwan. Failure to comply with the regulations for the prevention and control of animal infectious diseases may result in a maximum fine of NT$1 million. According to statistics from the Immigration Agency, in the past year, a total of 542 travelers from countries (regions) with African Swine Fever outbreaks illegally carried pork products into Taiwan. All were fined NT$200,000 each. Among them, 144 were foreign tourists who were unable to enter Taiwan because they refused to pay the fine. The Immigration Agency stated that the global situation of African Swine Fever is still severe. Although Taiwan was certified by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in April this year to regain its status as an disease-free area, border epidemic prevention still requires continuous cooperation with the four-party joint inspection and quarantine system (CIQS) to strengthen quarantine and supervision at airports and ports to ensure border epidemic safety. In addition, the Immigration Agency also reminds the public not to cause unnecessary losses due to temporary cravings. Therefore, before returning to Taiwan, please check your luggage again to ensure that you have not brought any unauthorized animal products. If you have any doubts about whether the items you are carrying comply with regulations, you can directly inquire with quarantine officers.