Taiwan Tightens Cross‑Strait Travel Regulations: A Shift in Policy and Its Impact on Civil Servants’ Visits to China

Published on December 26, 2025

Taiwan has made significant changes to its cross-strait travel policies. The Cabinet is set to approve draft amendments to the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. The draft amendments are aimed at tightening controls on civil servants and others visiting mainland China. The updated provisions may impact public officials’ movements, cross-strait relations, tourism, and business sectors.

Background of Cross‑Strait Relations and Travel Controls

The Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area has served as the primary legal framework for regulating interactions between Taiwan and Mainland China. Enacted to maintain national security, protect the interests of Taiwanese citizens, and ensure that cross‑strait engagement does not undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty, this act has undergone periodic revisions. Its provisions have always balanced the need for diplomacy and people‑to‑people exchanges with the reality of Taiwan’s complex political relationship with China.

Historically, Taiwan has maintained strict regulations governing travel to Mainland China, particularly for public servants, as their travel could be seen as influencing or compromising the island’s national security. The latest draft amendments, however, aim to enhance these regulations further, reflecting an evolving geopolitical landscape and Taiwan’s emphasis on national security in the face of increasing tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

The Key Provisions of the New Amendments

The most notable change under the proposed amendments is the introduction of a formal approval process for civil servants intending to travel to China. Previously, such travel was largely subject to a notification requirement, but under the new provisions, civil servants will now need to obtain explicit approval from their respective agencies. This process will apply to all public officials, regardless of whether their trip is official or personal. The amendments stipulate that travel plans must undergo a thorough evaluation, ensuring that national security and public interests are not compromised by the individual’s visit to Mainland China.

For civil servants with access to sensitive government data, classified intelligence, or national security-related information, the travel restrictions are even stricter. These individuals will be subject to multi‑agency reviews before any travel can be approved. This heightened scrutiny reflects the authorities’ growing concern over security breaches and espionage risks. With the growing influence of China in global geopolitics, Taiwan’s government has expressed its commitment to reducing potential vulnerabilities by strengthening oversight of civil servants’ engagements with the Mainland.

Mandatory Post‑Travel Reporting for Civil Servants

In addition to the approval process before travel, the amendments also introduce mandatory post‑travel reporting requirements. Upon their return, civil servants will be required to submit detailed reports outlining the specifics of their trips, including their itinerary, contacts with Mainland officials or institutions, and the purpose of the visit. These reports will be scrutinised by relevant authorities, and the information could be made public to ensure transparency and maintain public trust.

The reporting mandate will help ensure that public officials’ interactions with Mainland China are fully accounted for, contributing to the broader goal of transparency in governance. This new requirement will undoubtedly increase the administrative burden on officials, but it will also provide a more structured approach to monitoring cross‑strait engagement, which is expected to help safeguard Taiwan’s national interests.

Post‑Service Restrictions and Political Sensitivity

The proposed amendments also address post‑service engagement with China. Former public servants, particularly those who have held high‑ranking positions or had access to classified information, will face restrictions on their activities after leaving office. Under the new regulations, they will be prohibited from participating in Chinese government events or military functions that could be seen as undermining Taiwan’s sovereignty. These restrictions are intended to prevent any influence from former Taiwanese officials that might pose a threat to the country’s security or political standing.

The government’s stance is clear: Taiwan’s sovereignty must remain intact, and any post‑service engagement with Mainland China, especially in political or diplomatic capacities, could be seen as compromising national interests. These restrictions are also likely to prevent Taiwan’s former officials from being seen as sympathetic to Chinese government positions, further maintaining a firm stance on the island’s independence.

Implications for Cross‑Strait Relations and Travel

The amendments will not only affect the movement of civil servants but also have broader implications for cross‑strait relations. Taiwan’s government is already known for being cautious in its dealings with Mainland China, and these new regulations serve as a further indication of the direction Taiwan’s policies are taking in response to China’s increasing political and military assertiveness.

The effect on Taiwan’s tourism and business sectors is also noteworthy. As cross‑strait travel has been a critical component of Taiwan’s tourism industry, particularly in the pre‑pandemic years, the implementation of stricter controls could potentially reduce the volume of travel between Taiwan and China. While private citizens will still be able to visit China with the necessary permits, the new regulations may lead to a decline in the number of Taiwanese public sector workers engaging in cross‑strait tourism and business.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in travel to Mainland China, with Taiwanese citizens exploring both cultural and business opportunities across the Strait. However, these new restrictions could deter public sector employees from making such trips, as they would face bureaucratic hurdles and increased scrutiny. It remains to be seen whether this will affect the broader tourism industry, including the number of Taiwanese visitors travelling to China for leisure, as these restrictions apply mainly to civil servants.

Public and Political Reactions to the Amendments

As expected, the draft amendments have sparked debate within Taiwan. Proponents of the changes argue that the stricter controls are necessary to protect Taiwan’s sovereignty and ensure the safety of sensitive information. They point to the increasing threats posed by foreign influence and the risks of espionage, which have become significant concerns for Taiwan’s security establishment.

On the other hand, critics of the amendments have expressed concerns that the new rules could stifle people‑to‑people exchanges and hamper opportunities for cultural and economic engagement. Some opposition politicians and members of the public feel that the tightened controls could deepen the divide between Taiwan and China, making it harder to foster any form of reconciliation or cooperation.

A New Chapter in Cross‑Strait Policy

The proposed amendments to the Act Governing Relations Between the People of Taiwan and the Mainland Area open a new chapter in Taiwan’s policy towards China. As tensions across the Taiwan Strait rise, these shifts reflect Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining national security while balancing the need for international engagement. The full impact of these amendments will take time to play out, and the public will most likely continue to monitor how these measures shape Taiwan’s future interactions with Mainland China.

The restrictions on civil servants’ travel to China will significantly impact cross-strait relations. It remains to be seen whether these changes will have a long-term impact on the Taiwanese public or if they will primarily shape interactions between public officials and the political elite. In either case, the new regulations demonstrate Taiwan’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and ensuring the security of its people in an increasingly complex global landscape.