**Conditions for application:
Mainland compatriots fulfilling one of the following criteria may apply: (1) Those having outstanding accomplishments and high international reputations or those who have made special contributions toward Chinese culture; (2) Mainland scholars or students currently abroad in free countries or areas with a scholarly position or development potential.
**Method of application:
Those applying in free countries or areas first have their applications accepted by ROC embassies, consulates, or other institutions, and the documents are forwarded to the Ministry of Education. Those in the mainland may have relatives, friends, or scholarly, cultural, or athletic organizations on Taiwan apply to the MOE for them. If the MOE approves that the applicant meets the above conditions, the documents are forwarded to the Bureau of Entry and Exit for a travel permit and are then sent back to the ROC embassy/consulate/institution or to the local agents on Taiwan.
**Necessary documents:
(1) One copy of a travel plan;
(2) One copy of an application for a travel permit (with four two-inch upper-body photos);
(3) One letter of guarantee;
(4) A copy of a reentry permit or a residence certificate for a third area or a Hong Kong ID card;
(5) (Only for those applying on behalf of others:) One copy of a letter requesting the bearer to apply on behalf of the applicant. **Relevant regulations:
(1) Permission to visit will not be granted to those falling under Article 12, sections 1-4 of the Principles for Implementation of the National Security Law During the Period of Communist Rebellion (i.e. one who (a) Participates in a Communist or other rebellious organization or its activities; (b) Participates in a violent or terrorist organization or its activities; (c) Has been implicated in sedition or aiding an outside enemy; or (d) Has been involved in a serious crime or in habitual crime outside the Taiwan region).
(2) During inspection for entering the Taiwan area, besides the travel permit, the return trip air ticket and valid re-entry permit for a third area (valid for at least six months) will also be checked. Those without the necessary documents or a return air ticket must return on the original flight.
(3) Passports or travel documents issued by the Chinese Communists and the re-entry permit for a third area must be left with the airport service center of the Bureau of Entry and Exit when the applicant enters the Taiwan area. These will be returned upon leaving.
(4) Applicants' stays on Taiwan are limited to fifteen days or less in principle.