Taiwan travellers avail easy entry to Hong Kong

70% are eligible to apply for entry permits for Taiwan under streamlined measures implemented last month.

More than 95% of Taiwan tourist iPermit applications to Hong Kong receive instant confirmation.

This was the message from Acting Secretary for Security Lai Tung-kwok to legislators on Tuesday, saying applicants must apply for entry permits if the computer system cannot process their applications, according to a government report.

Most entry-permit applications can be processed within two working days. The main reason applications are refused is the applicants' failure to fulfil immigration requirements. They may have travel documents with an insufficient validity period, or the stated purpose of their visit may be in doubt.

Last year 33 applications were refused compared with nine in the first nine months of this year. Of the 1.7 million Taiwanese arrivals in the first nine months, 80% held the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents and enjoyed permit-free entry. Three-quarters of the remaining 20% held iPermits.

As for Hong Kong SAR passport holders going to Taiwan, Mr Lai said more than 70% are eligible to apply for entry permits for Taiwan under streamlined measures implemented last month. Further facilitation of Hong Kong resident visits to Taiwan is being studied.