Effective immediately, residents from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao who lose, damage or forget their Mainland Travel Permit can apply for a seven-day electronic substitute, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said in new measures released on 24 October 2025. The e-permit, issued via the “NIA 12367” app in under ten minutes, enables holders to board domestic flights and trains and check into hotels—previously impossible without the physical booklet.
Policy details: • Applicants must upload a selfie, proof of itinerary and a ¥20 processing fee; approval is instantaneous for holders with no adverse immigration record. • A backend verification service now links travel documents with residence permits, allowing automatic identity confirmation at e-gates in 230 mainland airports and rail hubs.
Impact: Roughly 18 million cross-strait trips were made in 2024; lost documents stranded thousands each year. The e-permit removes a pain-point for short-term assignees and students, reducing reliance on manual counter services that operate only during weekday business hours.
For corporate mobility teams the change means fewer project delays when Taiwan staff rotate between Shanghai and Shenzhen; travel managers should add the 12367 app to pre-departure briefings.
Geopolitical context: Beijing frames the measure as “equal treatment” for Taiwan compatriots and part of a broader package that also streamlines social-security enrolment and driver-licence conversion. Critics in Taipei view it as an attempt to deepen integration ahead of Taiwan’s 2026 local elections, but business groups welcomed the practical convenience.
Policy details: • Applicants must upload a selfie, proof of itinerary and a ¥20 processing fee; approval is instantaneous for holders with no adverse immigration record. • A backend verification service now links travel documents with residence permits, allowing automatic identity confirmation at e-gates in 230 mainland airports and rail hubs.
Impact: Roughly 18 million cross-strait trips were made in 2024; lost documents stranded thousands each year. The e-permit removes a pain-point for short-term assignees and students, reducing reliance on manual counter services that operate only during weekday business hours.
For corporate mobility teams the change means fewer project delays when Taiwan staff rotate between Shanghai and Shenzhen; travel managers should add the 12367 app to pre-departure briefings.
Geopolitical context: Beijing frames the measure as “equal treatment” for Taiwan compatriots and part of a broader package that also streamlines social-security enrolment and driver-licence conversion. Critics in Taipei view it as an attempt to deepen integration ahead of Taiwan’s 2026 local elections, but business groups welcomed the practical convenience.
