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Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, in the Legislative Council today (April 13):
Question:
Since the 15th of last month, the Government of Canada has imposed a new stipulation requiring holders of passports exempted from the visa requirement (including Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport) to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to check-in for flights to Canada. Regarding the entry requirements imposed by foreign governments on HKSAR passport holders, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the number of countries/territories, other than Canada, which have granted visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders but require the holders to obtain an eTA before entry;
(2) whether it has considered imposing the same entry requirement on holders of passports issued by those countries/territories in (1); if it has, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) as it is stated on the web page of the Government of Canada that eTA is electronically linked to the passport of the person to whom eTA has been issued, and the Immigration Department has accepted applications for HKSAR e-Passport from members of the public only since February 5, 2007, of the current number of HKSAR passports whose validity period has not expired and which are not e-Passports, as estimated by the authorities, and how the authorities will assist holders of those passports in applying for the eTA concerned?
Reply:
President,
(1) A total of 156 countries or territories currently grant visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to HKSAR passport holders. Among them, only Canada requires HKSAR passport holders to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to check-in for a flight. So far, the HKSAR Government has not received any official notice from other countries or territories of the same arrangement.
(2) The Immigration Department (ImmD) reviews its visa policy (including visa-free arrangement) from time to time and considers making adjustments or introducing new measures where necessary to ensure that, while facilitating travel convenience for genuine visitors, its visa policy is able to maintain effective immigration control. The HKSAR Government does not have any plan to implement pre-arrival registration in respect of the country mentioned in part (1) of the question (i.e. Canada) at present.
(3) According to information provided by the Government of Canada, starting from March 15, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals (including holders of HKSAR passport) who fly to or transit through Canada by air, whether on the strength of an electronic passport (e-Passport) or a non-e-Passport, are required to obtain an eTA prior to check-in for a flight. The application procedures for both e-Passports and non-e-Passports are the same, while the entry requirements for other means of travel (by land or sea) remain unchanged. As at end of February 2016, there are about 340 000 unexpired HKSAR non-e-Passports. For the new arrangements for entry into and transit through Canada, the ImmD has uploaded relevant information onto its official website. In addition, through the Travel Industry Council and the Airline Operators Committee of the Hong Kong International Airport, the ImmD has notified travel agencies and airline companies of the new arrangements for entry into and transit through Canada. Members of the public may visit the website of the Government of Canada at Canada.ca/eTA for details on application for an eTA. In case of enquiry, members of the public are also advised to consult the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong before travelling.
Ends/Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Issued at HKT 14:30
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