Visa Exemption for Taiwanese Residents Forthcoming

China

Starting July 1, Taiwanese residents will be eligible for visa-free travel to mainland China using only a Compatriot Travel Certificate, according to an updated regulation implemented by the Ministry of Public Security.

Taiwanese residents who hold a Taiwanese passport and Taiwanese identification card will be able to travel under one of two types of Taiwan Compatriot Travel Certificates: a single-entry Certificate with a three-month validity period that can be obtained at the port of arrival for emergent entries (as determined by the immigration authorities), or a multiple-entry Certificate with a five-year validity period. The five-year multiple-entry Certificate is expected to be upgraded to an E-Taiwan Compatriot Travel Certificate this year.  This E-Certificate will contain a digital data chip that will allow self-service clearance at the port of entry.

Taiwan residents who intend to work in mainland China will still need to apply for a work permit.

Taiwan residents who enter mainland China still need to register their temporary residence within 24 hours of arrival (except for remote areas where registration must be completed within 72 hours).  Those who do not comply with registration requirements may face a fine of up to 500 RMB per person.

What This Means for Foreign Nationals

Taiwanese residents should benefit from the visa exemption and should be sure to abide by the registration and work permit requirements, where applicable.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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