More ports aid traveling Taiwan people

Beginning Nov 20, the number of ports authorized to issue single-entry travel permits to Taiwan residents traveling to the Chinese mainland will increase from 58 to 100, the National Immigration Administration announced on Monday.

The additional 42 land, air and sea port entry points are located in provincial-level regions such as Tianjin, the provinces of Shandong, Guangdong, Yunnan and Gansu, and the Xinjiang Uygur and Inner Mongolia autonomous regions.

Taiwan residents arriving at the designated ports without valid travel documents can apply for a single-entry permit from immigration authorities. Upon approval, they will receive a permit and be granted entry, the NIA said.

In addition, starting Wednesday, the "facial recognition" smart clearance system — currently operational at Shenzhen Bay Port and Gongbei Port in Zhuhai — will expand to additional ports, including Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, Wutong Ferry Terminal in Fujian province, and several ports in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai in Guangdong. Taiwan residents over age 14 holding five-year travel permits to the mainland who consent to facial and fingerprint data collection for border checks may use these smart lanes for expedited entry and exit.

Meanwhile, mainland residents wishing to visit relatives in Taiwan can apply for a family visit endorsement at any county-level or higher immigration authority starting Wednesday. In October, Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, announced the planned expansion of ports where Taiwan residents can apply for entry permits upon arrival.

Chen said these policies aim to create more open, convenient and secure conditions for Taiwan residents traveling to the mainland, fostering exchanges, cooperation and the peaceful, integrated development of relations across the Taiwan Strait.