Taiwan simplifies visits for mainlanders  

台湾简化赴台大陆人士申请流程 3个工作日可发证

(ECNS) -- Application procedures for mainland residents to obtain a Taiwan Entry Permit has been simplified, Want Daily reported on Monday.

The new policy, released by the local immigration agency on Sunday, says that starting Jan 1, 2014, with all the required documents prepared, mainland applicants can obtain the permit within three days for the business-related visits.

Four previous regulations concerning mainland visitors going to Taiwan will be combined into one rule.

Taiwan authorities will simplify the approval of entry permits for mainland visitors, especially for business and professional visits.

They can apply for the entry permits online, and are expected to get the approval in about three days if all the required documents are prepared. But tourist visitors will still have to apply for entry permits on paper.

The previous regulations include "Regulations governing the entry permission to Taiwan area for people from mainland China," "Rules governing permits for professional personnel from the mainland area engaging in professional activities in Taiwan," "Rules governing permits for people from the mainland area engaging in business Activities in Taiwan," and the "Rules governing permits for employees from the mainland in Taiwan due to internal transfers in multinational companies."