On November 26, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) reported that the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529 is spreading globally and is highly transmissible. The CECC announced that to reduce of the risk of the variant entering the community in Taiwan, it would add South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe to its list of key high-risk countries starting 00:00 on November 29, 2021 (time of arrival in Taiwan). Details about related quarantine measures are listed below.

Beginning 00:00 on November 29 (arrival time), travelers who have visited the six countries in the last 14 days (transits included) will be required to quarantine in group quarantine facilities for 14 days after arrival and to undergo PCR tests (upon checking in and at the end of quarantine) for COVID-19; they will also be required to practice an additional 7-day self-health management (a COVID-19 rapid test using a home test kit on the sixth or seventh day). Such travelers will not be required to pay group quarantine facility accommodation and testing fees, and the 7+7+7 and 10+4+7 quarantine programs for the Lunar New Year don't apply. Furthermore, flight crew members of Taiwanese airlines returning to Taiwan from "key high-risk countries"(transits included) will be required to undergo quarantine in a quarantine hotel or a company dormitory that meets related regulations for 14 days and take PCR tests upon arrival in Taiwan and at the end of their quarantine period. Such crew members will also be required to practice an additional 7-day self-health management.