Taiwan says it is discussing Covid-19 vaccine passports with international bodies

The island has previously considered the move but is extremely cautious about reopening its borders

Taiwan is currently battling a surge in cases and is on high alert to stop the Delta variant spreading

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A soldier wearing full protective suit disinfects a public area in Taiwan. Photo: DPA

Published: 9:30pm, 24 Jun 2021Updated: 10:06pm, 24 Jun 2021

Taiwan is in talks with international bodies about Covid-19 vaccine passports, the head of its Centres for Disease Control said on Thursday, which could help ease long-standing travel restrictions.

Taiwan has previously considered such a scheme, but has been extremely cautious about opening its largely closed borders lest it lets in more infections, and is currently on high alert to stop the highly contagious Delta variant.

Taiwan Centres for Disease Control director general Chou Jih-haw told reporters talks with governments and international organisations about vaccine passports have already started.

“We hope we can quickly get into step with the international community,” he said, without giving details.

The government is trying to speed a vaccination programme hobbled by supply delays, with around 7 per cent of a population of 23.5 million having received at least one of the required two doses.

Chou said getting vaccines was still very difficult due to global shortages, but that they were working hard and he had no concrete timetable for when more might arrive.

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