Taiwanese Travel Operators Question New Mandatory Mainland Trip Registration Rules

Since September 1, travellers to the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau have been required to register details of their trip, including the purpose of their visit, contact information, travel dates as well as the numbers of their passports and mainland travel permits.

Travel agencies handling mainland-bound inspection visits, exchanges and privately organised groups must submit the information on behalf of their clients or face fines of between NT$10,000 and NT$50,000 (US$330-US$1,650).

The move came ahead of new mainland entry and exit regulations taking effect on September 15, which Taipei has warned could increase risks for Taiwanese visitors.

But travel operators questioned why they should be held responsible if travellers refused to register or give their details.

“Working in the travel industry now feels like selling drugs. We have to operate on the sly, and if we’re caught, we get fined. Are they really trying to force us out of business?” Taipei-based tour operator Lan Hsueh-hua said.