TAIPEI (TVBS News) — China will waive application fees for first-time Taiwanese travelers seeking the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (臺灣居民來往大陸通行證) during the second half of 2025, officials announced on Wednesday (June 25). The temporary policy, effective from July 1 through Dec. 31, represents a significant gesture aimed at increasing cross-strait movement. Zhu Fenglian (朱鳳蓮), spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office (國台辦), described the initiative as part of broader efforts to facilitate travel and strengthen exchanges between China and Taiwan.
The initiative emerged from a joint decision by multiple Chinese government agencies, including the Ministry of Finance (財政部), the National Development and Reform Commission (國家發展和改革委員會), and the National Immigration Administration (出入境管理局), with the latter designated to handle implementation details. Under current regulations, Taiwanese travelers typically pay NT$1,500 (about US$51) for standard permit processing or NT$2,400 (approximately US$82) for expedited services. These substantial fees have long represented a financial barrier for some potential travelers crossing the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwanese applicants who choose the convenience of home delivery for their travel documents will still incur additional fees ranging from NT$50 (about US$1.70) to NT$200 (approximately US$6.80), even during the fee waiver period. Analysts view this policy initiative as part of China's broader strategy to strengthen grassroots connections between ordinary citizens across the Taiwan Strait. The temporary fee elimination could potentially stimulate significant increases in cross-strait travel, business activities, and cultural exchanges during the six-month implementation window. ◼
