Documents Needed for Mainland Chinese Traveling to Taiwan
Mainland Chinese residents traveling to Taiwan for tourism, visiting relatives, studying, or business purposes need to prepare the relevant legal documents in advance. Following the proper procedures is essential for a smooth trip. This article will share the necessary documents for mainland Chinese residents traveling to Taiwan, helping you prepare efficiently and ensure a successful trip.
It is important to note that mainland Chinese residents traveling to Taiwan must strictly abide by relevant national laws and regulations and cross-strait regulations. Documents and procedures must be processed through officially designated channels; do not trust unofficial intermediaries or false information. Avoid travel disruptions due to incomplete documents or irregular procedures. Furthermore, the required additional materials and approval processes vary slightly depending on the purpose of travel. You should understand and prepare accordingly based on your specific circumstances to ensure a smooth journey.
What Core Documents Are Required to Travel to Taiwan
For mainland Chinese citizens traveling to Taiwan, a regular passport is not used. Instead, a “two documents and one visa” system is employed, which includes:
1. Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Taiwan for Mainland Residents
2. Endorsement for Travel to Taiwan
3. Entry and Exit Permit Taiwan Republic of China
Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Taiwan for Mainland Residents
This is the core identification document for mainland Chinese residents traveling from mainland China to Taiwan. It is issued uniformly by the exit and entry administration departments of the mainland Chinese public security organs and is equivalent to a “passport for travel to Taiwan.” Regardless of the purpose of travel—tourism, visiting relatives, business, or study—all mainland Chinese residents must first obtain this document before traveling to Taiwan. They must then apply for the corresponding type of visa for Taiwan based on their needs.
The document is a card-type document. It has a built-in chip that stores personal identity information and travel records to Taiwan, making it easy to verify and carry. To apply for this document, mainland Chinese residents must go to the exit and entry administration department of the public security organ in their place of residence or a qualified location. They need their original resident identity card, a recent passport-style photograph, and must fill out an application form.
The processing time for this document is usually 7-10 working days. The specific time may vary depending on the local exit and entry administration department. The document is valid for 10 years. For applicants under 16 years old, the validity period is 5 years.
Endorsement for Travel to Taiwan
The Taiwan entry permit is a permit attached to the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents. It is issued by the entry and exit administration department of the public security organs in mainland China. It clearly indicates the purpose of travel, the destination area, and the validity period. It is an important document for mainland residents traveling to Taiwan. A Mainland Travel Permit without an entry permit cannot be used for normal exit from mainland China. Different travel purposes correspond to different types of entry permits. The current types of entry permits for mainland residents traveling to Taiwan are as follows. Detailed explanations are provided below, based on the latest policies:
- Group Tourist Visa
The group tourist visa is mainly for mainland residents traveling to Taiwan in groups. Applicants must register through a designated travel agency and travel with the group. This type of visa is currently suspended.
- Individual Tourist Visa
The individual tourist visa allows mainland residents to travel to Taiwan individually, without a group. Except for some areas in Fujian Province, other areas of mainland China are currently unable to process individual tourist visas.
- Family Visit Visa
The family visit visa is not restricted by mainland region. It is for all mainland residents who need to visit relatives in Taiwan, or for mainland spouses to reunite or reside in Taiwan. The family relationship must be within the third degree of kinship. When applying for this visa, applicants need to submit proof of relationship with their Taiwanese relatives, such as a notarized certificate of kinship or marriage certificate. Copies of the Taiwanese relatives’ identity documents must also be provided. The visa will be issued after approval. The validity period of the visa is determined by the length of the family visit.
- Business Visa
This visa is mainly for mainland residents who need to travel to Taiwan for business activities due to genuine business dealings between enterprises in mainland China and Taiwan. When applying for this visa, applicants need to provide relevant materials such as cooperation contracts, business invoices, and business invitation letters from both sides. These documents prove the authenticity of the business dealings. The relevant departments will strictly verify the submitted materials. After confirmation, the visa will be issued. The validity period of the visa is determined by the length of the business activity. Multiple-entry or single-entry visas can be applied for.
- Invited Visa
This visa is for mainland residents who are genuinely invited by relevant Taiwanese organizations to participate in various exchange activities such as science and technology, culture, sports, and academics. When applying, applicants need to provide a formal invitation letter from the Taiwanese inviting party. The letter should clearly state the theme, duration, and information of the inviting organization. Relevant personal qualification documents should also be submitted, such as work certificates or academic certificates related to the exchange activity. After approval, a visa with a corresponding validity period will be issued.
- Study Visa
The study visa is not restricted by mainland region. This visa is for mainland Chinese residents planning to study at high schools, undergraduate, or graduate institutions in Taiwan. There are specific time limits for applying for this visa; applications must be submitted in the year of high school, undergraduate, or graduate school graduation. Applicants must provide relevant documents such as the admission letter and enrollment certificate from the Taiwanese institution. The visa is valid for the duration of the academic program, allowing for multiple entries and exits between mainland China and Taiwan during that period.
- Other Visa Types
In addition to the common visa types mentioned above, there are other less common visa types, such as those for medical purposes, permanent residency, crew members, and fisheries. These are primarily for mainland Chinese residents with specific travel needs. The application requirements for these visas are stricter and require relevant supporting documents for the respective fields. Due to the smaller number of applicants, these are not listed in detail here. Those with relevant needs should consult their local immigration authorities.
Entry and Exit Permit Taiwan Republic of China
This is the core permit for mainland Chinese residents to enter Taiwan. It is indispensable, along with the Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Taiwan for Mainland Residents and the corresponding visa. The Exit-Entry Permit and visa are required for exiting mainland China, while the entry permit is required for entering Taiwan. All three are necessary for smooth travel between the two sides of the strait. It’s important to note that this document is issued by the Taiwan immigration authorities (National Immigration Agency of the Ministry of the Interior). Mainland residents cannot apply directly; applications must be submitted through a legally recognized agency in Taiwan.
The prerequisite for applying is having already obtained the other two documents mentioned above. Otherwise, the application cannot be submitted. The required documents and requirements vary slightly depending on the visa type, but the core documents are generally the same. These mainly include: the original Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Taiwan for Mainland Residents and a copy of the visa page; a copy of both sides of the applicant’s ID card; a recent passport-sized photo with a white background; proof of financial means; and a travel itinerary. Specific requirements need to be checked in the relevant government documents.
The processing time is usually 7-10 business days, depending on the processing speed of the agency and the Taiwan National Immigration Agency. The processing fee varies slightly depending on the agency. This is an electronic document. After processing, an electronic version will be sent via email. Applicants can print a color copy themselves and carry it with them for inspection at Taiwan’s ports of entry.
Furthermore, mainland residents residing overseas or in Hong Kong or Macau can apply for a personal travel entry permit to Taiwan using their passport, Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Taiwan for Mainland Residents, and corresponding documents. The application process is basically the same as for mainland residents. For details, please consult a local Taiwan-approved agency.
Key Notes for Mainland Travelers to Taiwan, China
In addition to preparing the three core documents mentioned above, mainland Chinese residents traveling to Taiwan should also pay attention to the following key matters to ensure a smooth and compliant trip:
Document Verification: Before traveling, be sure to carefully check that all the above documents are complete. Confirm that the visa type matches the purpose of travel. Ensure that both the documents and visas are valid. Avoid being unable to leave or enter due to expired documents or mismatched visa types.
Application Channels: All documents must be processed through officially designated channels or legitimate agencies. Do not trust unofficial intermediaries. Avoid submitting false documents, being scammed, or having your documents invalidated due to irregular procedures.
Compliance with Regulations: After arriving in Taiwan, you must strictly abide by the relevant regulations of Taiwan. Do not engage in activities that do not match your visa type, such as engaging in business or work activities with a tourist visa. Do not overstay your visa. Do not enter areas restricted by local authorities.
Document Retention: Keep copies of all documents, power of attorney for agency services, and electronic copies of your entry permit to Taiwan for future verification. Carry the original documents with you during your stay in Taiwan. If your documents are lost, contact the mainland Chinese representative office in Taiwan and the Taiwan Immigration Agency immediately.
Policy Updates: Cross-strait travel policies may be adjusted based on actual circumstances. It is recommended that you check the official information of the mainland Chinese public security immigration management department and the Taiwan Immigration Agency, or consult your local immigration office 1-2 months before your trip. Understand the latest policy requirements to avoid disruptions to your trip due to policy changes.
Conclusion
Traveling to Taiwan is like attending an event; you need a Mainland Travel Permit, which is essentially your entry ticket. The entry permit to Taiwan, on the other hand, is like a special invitation letter from the event organizer (Taiwan, China).
By following the steps, preparing the necessary documents in advance, and choosing a reputable travel agency to assist you, you can successfully obtain all the required documents and embark on your long-awaited trip to Taiwan. When planning your itinerary, consider learning more about the local customs and culture of Taiwan to make your trip even more enriching. If you have any other questions, please feel to contact us.
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