Mainland expands permit-issuing ports for Taiwan residents to 100

The number of mainland ports authorized to issue single-entry travel permits upon arrival for Taiwan residents will increase to 100 starting November 20, according to the National Immigration Administration.

First-time visitors from Taiwan will benefit from two new perks: free access to over 3,000 scenic sites across the Chinese mainland and exemption from the permit application fee.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, stated that Taiwan residents who haven't applied in advance for the five-year permit can get a single-entry permit upon arrival. With a valid Taiwan ID, a Taiwan travel document, and a photo, they can apply for a single-entry permit at their port of entry within 30 minutes. These allow stays of up to three months.

Taiwan residents entering the Chinese mainland via the "Mini Three Links" through Fujian ports can apply for a single-entry permit either at port counters or online, and collect it after approval upon arrival.

Zhu stressed that the Chinese mainland does not place any marks on travel documents for Taiwan residents and strictly safeguards their personal information in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

With winter approaching, Zhu warmly welcomed Taiwan compatriots to visit northeastern and northwestern China for ice and snow sports, cultural activities, and travel, visit relatives, or explore ancestral roots across the Chinese mainland. She said the Chinese mainland will continue to improve conditions and services for Taiwan visitors.

Zhu also highlighted cultural exchanges at the 11th Cross-Strait Cultural Forum held last week in Beijing. She noted that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same cultural roots, language, traditions, and customs. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee has laid out plans to advance cultural development and deepen cross-Strait exchanges to preserve and promote Chinese culture together.

She said the Chinese mainland will continue to strengthen cross-Strait exchanges, improve shared cultural understanding, deepen emotional connections, and foster a stronger sense of unity for compatriots on both sides of the Strait, thereby reinforcing the foundation for peaceful reunification.