The Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone in Fujian province officially issued an upgraded version of the Mainland Travel Permit (MTP) for Taiwan travelers, local news portal ptnet.cn reported on Monday.

The old and new versions of the Mainland Travel Permit (MTP) for Taiwan people. Pingtan started issuing new MTPs on July 6, which are easier to carry and will make the customers clearance more efficient, authorities said. [Photo/ptnet.cn]

Compared with its old version, which was made into a booklet, the new MTP has a much slimmer form - a card equipped with a smart security chip – which is easier to carry and will make customs clearance more efficient, authorities said.

Authorities in the Chinese mainland officially removed entry-permit requirements for Taiwan residents on July 1. The revised rule enables Taiwan residents to enter and exit the mainland without having to apply for a visa-like document on every visit.

Li Yunhui, head of a Taiwan businessmen association in Pingtan, was first to obtain the new MTP in Pingtan at noon, July 6.

“The issuance of the new MTP and the removal of mainland entry rules definitely made travel and business activities in the mainland more practical for Taiwan residents. It is of great significance for cross-Straits communication and the construction of a ‘Common Homeland’ in Pingtan,” he said.

Authorities in Pingtan announced that they would stop issuing the old versions of the MTP. But travelers with old MTPs can still use them within the period of validity.

Taiwan people in Pingtan can apply for the new MTP at the local security bureau, at a cost of 250 yuan ($40).