During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan suspended all tourist applications to visit Taiwan, meaning Mainland Chinese residents could not enter Taiwan whether they were living in Mainland China or in a third country. In February 2023, Taiwan resumed independent travel to Taiwan for Hong Kong and Macau residents, but this still did not include Mainland Chinese nationals residing in third countries. As the COVID situation gradually came under control, the Mainland Affairs Council of the Republic of China (Taiwan) announced today that starting September 1, applications for Mainland Chinese nationals in third countries to visit Taiwan for tourism will resume, a limited number of tour groups will be allowed to enter, and business exchanges for Mainland Chinese visitors to Taiwan will also be relaxed.

Mainland Chinese Nationals in Third Countries

Mainland Chinese nationals living, working, or studying abroad are referred to by Taiwan as "third-category persons." Starting September 1, these third-category persons can once again apply online for entry permits to Taiwan. Once approved, they can travel to Taiwan using their passports. However, as before the pandemic, traveling directly from Mainland China to Taiwan is still not allowed and may be blocked by Mainland Chinese border control.

Tour Groups Resume

The Mainland Affairs Council also announced plans to resume cross-strait group travel. Under the preliminary plan, Taiwan will cap arrivals at up to 2000 Mainland Chinese tour group visitors per day. For flights traveling to Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu, and Mainland China, applicant numbers will be counted separately and will not be included in this 2000-person daily quota. As for tour groups organized by Taiwan travel agencies to visit Mainland China, numbers will be managed under a principle of parity, with an initial limit of 2000 travelers per day in principle.

It is worth noting that there will be a one-month preparation period starting from the date of the announcement, and the exact implementation date will depend on the response from the Mainland Chinese side.

Business Exchanges

Starting August 28, Mainland Chinese nationals can begin applying to visit Taiwan for business inspections and trade shows, regardless of whether they are currently in Mainland China.

Impact

After Taiwan reopens, in addition to being able to travel to Taiwan, transiting through Taiwan on the way back to Mainland China will also become much more convenient, without having to worry about being denied boarding on separate tickets. Flying to Taiwan on STARLUX Airlines and then connecting to another airline back to Mainland China will become much easier.