China Visa RequirementsFor Taiwan passport holders
Taiwan (ROC) passport holders can obtain a PRC Mainland Travel Permit or a standard Chinese visa to visit mainland China. The fee is approximately USD 140. Despite political tensions, millions of Taiwanese visit the mainland annually.
Taiwan passport holders require a visa to enter China.
To apply for a PRC Mainland Travel Permit (for Taiwanese residents): apply through authorized travel agents in Taiwan or at designated offices. For a standard Chinese visa (L-type, tourist): apply at the Chinese consulates in Taipei operating under specific arrangements, or at a PRC Embassy or Consulate in a third country using your ROC passport. Required documents: ROC passport or Taiwan ID, passport photos, completed application form, proof of purpose (tour itinerary, hotel bookings). Processing: 4-5 business days standard, expedited available.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid ROC Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months. If you hold a Mainland Travel Permit (Taibao Zheng), that document serves instead for mainland travel.
Completed Chinese Visa Application Form
PRC visa application form (Form V.2013). Available online or at the application office.
Passport-Size Photo
One recent color photo on white background, 33x48mm, taken within 6 months.
Travel Itinerary or Hotel Booking
Hotel bookings or travel agency tour confirmation for mainland China stay.
Flight or Transport Booking
Proof of travel to and from mainland China.
Visa Fee Approximately USD 140
Fee varies by visa type and processing speed. Pay at the authorized application center.
Required at Entry
PRC L-Visa or Taibao Zheng
Enter mainland China with either your ROC passport bearing a PRC L-visa, or the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (Taibao Zheng).
Completed Arrival Card
Fill in the arrival/departure card provided on the plane or at the port of entry.
Current Travel Situation
Taiwan to China: What You Need to Know
The Taiwan-PRC relationship is the most complex bilateral travel situation for ROC passport holders. The PRC considers Taiwan a province and does not recognize the ROC government, yet it allows Taiwanese citizens to visit under specific arrangements. Taiwanese citizens traveling to mainland China may use the "Taiwan Residents Mainland Travel Permit" (台灣居民來往大陸通行證, informally called the "Taibao Zheng"), issued by the PRC authorities. This document is managed through authorized travel agents in Taiwan or directly at PRC entry ports for those with valid prior permits. Taiwanese passport holders can also enter on their ROC passport with a PRC visa obtained through a third country or through authorized channels in Taiwan. The political situation across the Taiwan Strait should be monitored before travel; conditions can change.
How to Get There
If you plan to visit both Hong Kong and mainland China, note that your Hong Kong visa-free status (90 days) is separate from your mainland China visa. Hong Kong and mainland China have separate immigration controls.
Money & Banking
China uses the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY). Cash is still widely used but mobile payment apps (Alipay, WeChat Pay) dominate in cities. Foreign travelers can now add international credit cards to Alipay and WeChat Pay for limited use. ATMs in mainland China may not all accept foreign cards; look for Bank of China or ICBC ATMs for best international card acceptance.
Practical Tips
Flights from Taipei (TPE) to mainland Chinese cities are subject to current cross-strait aviation agreements. Direct flights operate to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and many other cities, though the situation can change based on political conditions. Check with your airline for the latest status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Taiwan passport holders travel to mainland China?
Yes. Taiwanese citizens can travel to mainland China (PRC), but the process is unique due to the Taiwan-PRC political relationship. You can use your ROC passport with a PRC visa obtained through authorized channels, or obtain a PRC Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (Taibao Zheng).
What is the Mainland Travel Permit (Taibao Zheng) for Taiwanese citizens?
The Taibao Zheng (台灣居民來往大陸通行證) is a travel document issued by the PRC specifically for Taiwan residents to enter mainland China. It functions as a travel and identity document within mainland China. Apply through authorized travel agents in Taiwan or at designated PRC offices. For Taiwan residents already holding a Taibao Zheng, renewal and application can also be processed in Taiwan through authorized agents.
Can I use my ROC passport directly at PRC border crossings?
Yes. ROC passport holders are accepted at all PRC international border crossings. However, you still need a valid PRC entry document: either a visa in your ROC passport (obtained in advance) or a Taibao Zheng. Presenting your ROC passport without a valid PRC visa or Taibao Zheng will result in denial of entry.
What is the PRC's position on Taiwan and how does it affect travel?
The PRC considers Taiwan a province of China and does not recognize the ROC government. Despite this, it has practical arrangements for Taiwanese citizens to visit the mainland, reflecting the economic and family ties between the two sides. Millions of Taiwanese visit the mainland annually for business, tourism, and family visits. The Cross-Strait Affairs Council in Taipei is the official body overseeing Taiwan-mainland relations.
What should Taiwanese travelers be aware of when visiting mainland China?
Taiwanese travelers should be aware of: differing legal environment including the Anti-Secession Law; a requirement to avoid political discussions or social media activity that could be deemed hostile to the PRC; restrictions on accessing Google, Facebook, YouTube, and most Western internet services (use a VPN if needed, though VPN use is restricted); and the need to follow local laws and customs. Most visits are incident-free, but the legal environment is different from Taiwan.
How do digital payments work in mainland China for Taiwanese travelers?
Mainland China is dominated by Alipay and WeChat Pay mobile payments. Foreign travelers can now link international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) to Alipay and WeChat Pay for limited use. This significantly improved access for visitors since 2024. Cash (CNY) is still accepted widely. Some areas have become so cashless that having the mobile payment option is essential.
What is the current political situation between Taiwan and China and should I be concerned about travel?
Cross-strait relations fluctuate periodically with political events. Millions of Taiwanese visit mainland China annually without incident. However, Taiwan's government issues advisories that Taiwanese citizens should be aware of legal risks and exercise caution. Check the Cross-Strait Affairs Council (MAC) and Taiwan MOFA travel advisories before planning travel to mainland China.