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Hong Kong residents intending to travel abroad during the Easter holidays should apply for travel documents as early as possible.
An Immigration Department spokesman said today (March 4) that the number of people travelling abroad usually increased at that time of the year. "To avoid a last-minute rush, people are advised to apply for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passports well in advance of their trips," he said.
Under existing arrangements, applications for HKSAR passports can be submitted to the Immigration Department by post or placed in the drop-in boxes provided at Immigration headquarters and all Immigration branch offices. Those who wish to submit applications for HKSAR passports in person are encouraged to book an appointment at Immigration branch offices by visiting the website www.esd.gov.hk or calling the 24-hour hotline, 2598 0888.
The normal processing time for the HKSAR passport is 10 working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and general holidays). Requests for the urgent issue of an HKSAR passport will only be accepted in justifiable circumstances, and no priority will normally be granted to pleasure trippers.
For children under 11 years of age not holding a Hong Kong permanent identity card, the processing time is 19 working days. For collection by HKSAR Travel Documents Local Delivery Service, an extra one to two working days may be required for the delivery service.
HKSAR passport application forms and information on application procedures and documents required are available at Immigration Headquarters and all Immigration branch offices.
To date, 134 countries and territories have granted visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders.
Applications for identity cards and other Registration of Persons services may also be in high demand at this time of the year. To avoid congestion, applicants are requested to submit their applications well before school or public holidays.
Applicants who wish to apply for identity cards are encouraged to book an appointment by visiting the website, www.esd.gov.hk, or calling the 24-hour hotline, 2598 0888.
For further information, please visit the website at www.immd.gov.hk or call the Immigration Department at 2824 6111; fax 2877 7711.
Ends/Sunday, March 4, 2007
Issued at HKT 09:00
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