Mainland increases entry points for Taiwan compatriots

The number of entry ports on the Chinese mainland authorized to issue single-entry on-arrival travel permits for Taiwan compatriots will increase to 100 from Thursday, a Chinese mainland spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

The 100 ports are 56 airports, 27 seaports, and 17 rail and road ports across the mainland.

Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, explained that Taiwan compatriots with valid identity documents can apply for a single-entry travel permit upon arrival at the designated entry ports, with the entire process taking only 30 minutes.

Zhu further emphasized that Taiwan compatriots coming to the mainland, whether for permit issuance or entry and exit, will not have any markings on their documents.

"Relevant mainland authorities strictly and effectively protect the personal information security of Taiwan compatriots in accordance with applicable laws and regulations," she said.

Taiwan compatriots visiting the mainland for the first time will enjoy two exclusive benefits, Zhu added. One is that the application fee for the travel permit will be waived, and the other is that they will have free access to over 3,000 scenic spots across the mainland, Zhu said.

"We will continue to create better conditions and improve services for Taiwan compatriots coming to the mainland," she added.