Instant Guide: 5 Key Differences Between Paper and Chip-Based Taiwan Compatriot Permits

▲ Chip-based Taiwan Compatriot Permits are now available. (Photo / Screenshot from China News Service)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Starting July, mainland China has implemented a visa-free policy for Taiwan residents' Compatriot Permits and began issuing "chip-based Taiwan Compatriot Permits" (referred to as electronic Taiwan Compatriot Permits on the mainland) from the 6th. Leveraging the identification features of chip cards, this allows Taiwanese travelers to more conveniently purchase transportation tickets or check into accommodations when visiting the mainland in the future.

According to Xinhua Net,the "chip-based Taiwan Compatriot Permit" is currently only accepted for application at entry and exit management departments of public security authorities in Fujian Province, as well as permit service units in Hong Kong and Macau, while applications for paper-based Taiwan Compatriot Permits have been suspended. Other cities still process paper-based Compatriot Permits.。

The main differences between chip-based and paper-based Taiwan Compatriot Permits are:

1. Removal of holder's occupation and current residential address
2. Addition of the holder's Taiwanese ID name
3. Card displays the document function in English
4. Removal of the endorsement section
5. Enables self-service clearance using the chip-based Taiwan Compatriot Permit

According to China News Service, the chip-based Taiwan Compatriot Permit is similar in size to a credit card, and the application fee remains unchanged. Additionally, the electronic Taiwan Compatriot Permit number continues to follow the "one person, one number, lifelong unchanged" rule, using an 8-digit personal lifelong number. Taiwanese residents who have previously applied for a 5-year valid Taiwan Compatriot Permit will retain the same permit number after exchanging for an electronic version.

How can Taiwanese travelers apply for a Taiwan Compatriot Permit in Taiwan? Shi Yi, the Mainland Convener of the Taiwan Travel Quality Assurance Association, stated that Taiwanese travelers need to apply for the permit through a travel agency. The application process for the chip-based permit is the same as for the paper version. Travelers need to prepare one photo, a copy of their passport, copies of the front and back of their ID card, and submit the application to a travel agency—all travel agencies can process it. Each application costs NT$1,300, and the processing time is 5 working days.