Taiwan and China have agreed to study the possibility of allowing Chinese tourists to stop over in Taiwan without an entry permit. That’s the word from Transportation Minister Yeh Kuang-shih on Thursday.
Chinese tourists are required to submit the permit to customs officials upon leaving China even if they make only a brief stopover in Taiwan. However, no paperwork is required for Taiwanese tourists stopping in China before flying to a third country.
Yeh said that if the two sides are able to reach an agreement, it will make Taiwan’s air travel network more complete.
“Of course, I think that’s very important because no cities will be excluded in our air travel network," said Yeh.
"Also, we will be able to attract and boost the number of other [inbound] tourists once the network is complete.”
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) said it would greatly benefit Taiwan’s aviation industry if China agrees to forgo the requirement. The CAA said the move could generate at least two billion Taiwan dollars for Taiwan.