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People intending to travel abroad during the Christmas holidays are reminded to apply for travel documents as early as possible.
An Immigration Department spokesman said 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. Applicants 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 15 working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and general holidays).
To date, 136 countries and territories have granted visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders.
Application forms and information leaflets on application procedures and documents required are available at Immigration Headquarters and all Immigration branch offices. For enquiries, visit the website, www.immd.gov.hk, or call the Immigration Department on 2824 6111; fax 2877 7711.
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.
Ends/Monday, October 30, 2006
Issued at HKT 09:30
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