Traveling to the mainland just got easier—6 Q&As to help you understand the "Card-style Taiwan Compatriot Permit"

▲ The card-style Taiwan Compatriot Permit is now fully in use (Photo / Reporter Tsai Wen-jun)

Reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Interview & Report

The mainland's "card-style Taiwan Compatriot Permit" has been fully implemented starting today. In the future, it will be even easier for Taiwanese travelers to go on spontaneous trips to the mainland. But how do you apply for one? What are the advantages of using the card-style permit? Many travelers are still unsure. Below are 6 Q&As about the card-style Taiwan Compatriot Permit to help you better understand the new system.

Q1. How do I apply for a card-style Taiwan Compatriot Permit?
Lin Chia-an, manager of Ding Yun Travel Agency, said that Taiwanese travelers need to prepare one 2T photo, a copy of their passport, and copies of the front and back of their ID card, then submit an application through a travel agency. The one-time processing fee is about NT$1,400, and it usually takes around five working days.

Lin Chia-an reminds that previously, the photo requirements for the paper version of the Taiwan Compatriot Permit were not very strict.But with the new card-style permit,the photo specifications are stricter—it must be a 2T color photo with a white background and a full-face shot, and it must be a recent photo taken within the last six months. Additionally, you cannot wear a white top when taking the photo.

Q2. How long is the validity period of the card-style Taiwan Compatriot Permit?
Five years

▲ In the future, you can pass through customs, buy tickets, or check into hotels by simply using chip recognition. (Photo / Screenshot from Xinhua News Agency)

Q3. What are the advantages of the card-style Taiwan Compatriot Permit?
Chen Hsiu-mei, chairperson of the Mainland Travel Committee under the Taipei Travel Agents Association, said that the card-style permit is not only more convenient to carry, but its biggest advantage is saving money.

Chen Hsiu-mei explained that with the old paper version, travelers had to pay for an entry endorsement every time they visited the mainland.With the introduction of the card-style permit, the mainland has also implemented a visa-free policy for Taiwanese travelers. Therefore, as long as you hold a card-style Taiwan Compatriot Permit, you can freely enter and exit the mainland for tourism during its validity period without having to pay additional endorsement fees.

Secondly, after applying for the card-style permit, Taiwanese travelers can apply for self-service clearance registration with the mainland border inspection authorities using the card, enabling them to use self-service channels in the future.

Thirdly, purchasing transportation tickets and accommodation has also become more convenient. Lin Chia-an from Ding Yun Travel Agency also pointed out that previously, when checking into hotels with the paper version, travelers had to hand over their permits for copying. With the card-style version, your identity can be verified just by scanning the embedded electronic chip.

▲ The paper version of the Taiwan Compatriot Permit (right) will no longer be issued starting today. (Photo / Screenshot from Xinhua News Agency)

Q4. My paper version of the Taiwan Compatriot Permit hasn’t expired yet. Can I still use it?
Yes, you can still use it, or you can choose to switch to the card-style version early.

Q5. How can Taiwanese businesspeople in the mainland apply for the card-style Taiwan Compatriot Permit?
Chen Hsiu-mei said that it has been confirmed that first-tier mainland cities (such as Beijing, Shanghai, etc.) have public security authorities that can process card-style Taiwan Compatriot Permits, but second-tier cities still require confirmation from the Taiwan Travel Association.

Q6. If I haven’t applied for a card-style Taiwan Compatriot Permit, can I get a visa on arrival at my destination?
At ports with permit-issuing agencies, one-time valid Taiwan Compatriot Permits (i.e., visa on arrival) can also be issued for Taiwanese travelers who do not hold a Taiwan Compatriot Permit. Each costs either 50 RMB or 100 RMB, with a validity period of three months.

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