Taiwan Government Introduces New Hotline to Assess Travel Risks to China, Hong Kong, and Macau
In response to growing concerns over the safety of Taiwanese citizens traveling to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has launched a new hotline service. The aim of this initiative is to help travelers assess potential safety risks before embarking on their journey to these regions, the MAC announced on Monday.
This move comes amid an increasing number of Taiwanese individuals seeking advice on travel safety, particularly in light of recent geopolitical developments and security laws introduced by Beijing. As the number of inquiries grows, the MAC has rolled out this new service to provide essential information and support for Taiwanese citizens considering travel to the Chinese mainland and its neighboring territories.
Increasing Demand for Travel Risk Evaluation Services
The new hotline is introduced as a response to a significant rise in the number of Taiwanese citizens using the Online Registration System for Taiwanese Citizens Visiting Mainland China. According to data released by the MAC, the number of individuals registering for travel to mainland China through the system has surged 14-fold compared to the same period in 2023.
The increase in travel registrations has also been observed in the cases of Taiwanese citizens planning to visit Hong Kong and Macau, which saw a five-fold rise over the same period.
The online registration system is not mandatory, but the MAC encourages travelers to use the service to ensure their safety while visiting these regions. The new hotline service, available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., aims to assist individuals with any inquiries related to the registration process or to evaluate the safety risks of their planned travels.
Hotline Details and How to Access It
The MAC has partnered with the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) to provide the hotline service. The following numbers are available for travelers based on their destination:
- For Mainland China:
- MAC Hotline:Â 2397-5589 ext. 5011
- SEF Hotline:Â 2175-7000 ext. 7033
- For Hong Kong and Macau:
- MAC Hotline:Â 2397-5589 ext. 6015
These hotlines will provide information on travel safety, offer guidance on the registration system, and assist with any concerns travelers may have.
Rising Safety Concerns Amid Legal Changes in China
The introduction of this hotline comes amid growing concerns over safety risks for Taiwanese citizens in the wake of China’s national security laws. These laws, which were amended and enacted in recent years, have resulted in increasing reports of illegal detentions, interrogations, and other forms of harassment of Taiwanese citizens by Chinese authorities.
In particular, the Chinese government has recently implemented new legal guidelines targeting individuals who advocate for Taiwan independence. The Taiwanese government has raised its alert level for travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, now placing these areas under the orange travel alert, which is the second-highest warning level.
The MAC has issued a statement urging Taiwanese citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to these regions due to the increased safety concerns and unpredictable legal environment.
Table: Contact Information for the New Hotline Service
| Region | MAC Hotline | SEF Hotline | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland China | 2397-5589 ext. 5011 | 2175-7000 ext. 7033 | Weekdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Hong Kong | 2397-5589 ext. 6015 | N/A | Weekdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Macau | 2397-5589 ext. 6015 | N/A | Weekdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
FAQs: Taiwan’s New Travel Risk Assessment Hotline
- What is the purpose of the new hotline?
- The hotline is designed to assist Taiwanese travelers in assessing safety risks before traveling to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. It also helps travelers with the Online Registration System.
- How can I use the hotline?
- You can call the MAC or SEF hotlines listed above during weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for advice on travel safety and to discuss any concerns related to your trip.
- Do I need to inform the government before traveling to these regions?
- While it is not mandatory to inform the government, the Online Registration System allows Taiwanese citizens to voluntarily register their travel plans for safety reasons.
- Why has Taiwan raised its travel alert to orange?
- The alert was raised due to ongoing safety concerns stemming from China’s national security laws and reports of illegal detentions of Taiwanese citizens.
- How does the new service help travelers?
- The service provides information on the risks of traveling to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and offers assistance in navigating the online registration process.
