Implementation of Visa-on-Arrival Policy Boosts Kinmen Mini-Three-Links to Over 540,000 Visitors This Year

▲ Mainland Chinese tourists applying for visa-on-arrival in Kinmen. (Photo / Provided by Kinmen County Government)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

With the implementation of policies such as “visa-on-arrival” and “inter-island transit groups not subject to Taiwan’s daily quota limits,” the number of travelers via Kinmen’s Mini-Three-Links has continued to rise.The Kinmen County Government announced that visitor numbers exceeded 150,000 in April, bringing the cumulative total to 540,000, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. The Kinmen County Tourism Department stated that mainland Chinese tourists account for 36% of the total.This is the main reason for the growth in Mini-Three-Links traffic.

Last year, the Mini-Three-Links set a new record of nearly 1.52 million visitors. After opening visa-on-arrival for mainland Chinese tourists in January this year, the number of travelers on this key cross-strait route has continued to surge. Wang Zhongsheng, Director of the Kinmen County Tourism Department, said that visitor numbers from January to March were higher than in previous years, and the increase became even more pronounced in April, with a single-month record of 150,000 visitors. He predicts that as the peak season approaches, the numbers could hit new highs again.

According to statistical data, most independent mainland Chinese travelers entering via the Mini-Three-Links opt for two-day trips, effectively boosting the local accommodation business. Additionally, transit and one-day tourists bring significant foot traffic to regional attractions and duty-free specialty shops. Currently, there are 44 round-trip flights per day on the Mini-Three-Links, and the total number of visitors in the first four months of this year has increased by over 90,000 compared to the same period last year, a 20% rise. Among this, visa-on-arrival contributed an additional 21,046 visitors, while the 500-person special inter-island transit program added 7,808 visitors.

Director Wang Zhongsheng noted that based on data from the first four months, the proportion of independent and backpacking mainland Chinese tourists has gradually increased. Many visitors come to the tourism service center daily to inquire about accommodation, transportation, shopping, and other matters, indicating that travelers are moving beyond traditional tour packages and exploring various corners of Kinmen.

Wang Zhongsheng stated that after taking office, Magistrate Chen Fuhai has held multiple meetings with industry representatives and visited scenic areas to understand their operational directions and current conditions. Regarding future tourism strategies, Chen Fuhai has instructed the Tourism Department to continue promoting Mainland China tourism and negotiating simplified visa procedures with the Chinese authorities. The department will also seize opportunities to advocate for favorable tourism policies at the central government level. Moving forward, in line with the development of tourism highlights across the five townships, it is expected that the depth and breadth of tourism in Kinmen will be significantly enhanced.