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The Immigration Department announced today (May 15) that, based on the principle of reciprocity, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government would further streamline the immigration arrangements for Taiwan residents to visit Hong Kong. From September 1 this year, eligible Taiwan residents may make prior entry registration on their own through the Internet free of charge. They will be notified of the result instantly. After successful registration, they may visit Hong Kong on the strength of their registration notification slip while holding a valid travel document for re-entry to Taiwan. Prior entry registration is valid for two entries into Hong Kong in two months, with a stay of 30 days on each entry. The Immigration Department is working on the implementation arrangements, which will be announced in due course.
An Immigration Department spokesman said, "The HKSAR Government has implemented various immigration facilitation measures for Taiwan visitors in recent years. Starting from January 1, 2009, the limit of stay for Taiwan visitors on the strength of Multiple Entry Permits or iPermits has increased from 14 days to 30 days on each arrival in Hong Kong, and the restriction that only two iPermits could be applied for in every month has been lifted. Also, starting from April 27, 2009, Taiwan residents holding a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (commonly known as 'Tai Bao Zheng') may enter Hong Kong as visitors and stay for seven days without the need to apply for any endorsement, and starting from September 1, 2011, the limit of stay for such holders has been extended to 30 days."
The spokesman added, "The HKSAR Government has all along aimed at providing convenient and speedy immigration clearance for visitors. We believe that the new arrangement of prior entry registration for Taiwan residents will further enable them to visit Hong Kong, and contribute to Hong Kong-Taiwan exchanges."
Ends/Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:38
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