Sample of the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Pingtan county in Fujian province got approval from the Bureau of Exit and Entry Administration of the Ministry of Public Security to grant five-year Mainland Travel Permits for Taiwan Residents (MTP) on Nov 30, ptnet.cn reported.

Pingtan is the first county on the mainland approved to do so. The approval will bring great convenience to Taiwan people who want to visit the Chinese mainland.

Officials with the entry-exit administration department of Pingtan public security bureau, Fujian province are seen operating the card-making machines for the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

The entry-exit administration department of the Pingtan public security bureau made it easier for Taiwan residents to apply for the permit by setting up agencies in Taiwan's Taipei and Taichung cities. The residents can submit their application materials at the agencies and send them to the Pingtan public security bureau online. The Pingtan bureau will complete all procedures, including approval and card-making, in two days, which is incredibly time-saving.

In addition, the Pingtan public security bureau rolled out a series of supportive measures. For instance, Taiwan residents who are eligible for the MTP can get a three-month driver's license.

Some Taiwan people were pleased to hear about this new policy and said that it is now more convenient for them to apply for a mainland travel permit.

Local authorities said that the policy will attract more Taiwan residents to come to the Chinese mainland via Pingtan and help facilitate the county's opening-up.