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People intending to travel abroad during the summer holidays have been urged to apply for travel documents as early as possible.
An Immigration Department spokesman said the number of people travelling abroad usually increases at this 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.
The spokesman said that the processing time required for HKSAR passport applications was 10 working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and general holidays), and 19 working days for children under 11 not holding a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Some countries require visitors to have a passport with a validity of at least six months. For applications submitted by post, via drop-in-box or online, an extra two to three working days might be required to handle formalities. Applications for a replacement passport due to loss or damage might require a longer processing time.
Requests for urgent issue of a HKSAR passport will be accepted only in justifiable circumstances, and no priority will normally be granted to pleasure trippers.
To date, 135 countries and territories have granted visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders.
HKSAR passport application forms and information on application procedures and documents required are available at Immigration Headquarters and all Immigration branch offices. They can also be downloaded from the website at www.immd.gov.hk. For enquiries, please visit the Immigration website or call the Immigration Department at 2824 6111 or fax your enquiry to 2877 7711.
Applications for identity cards and other Registration of Persons services are also expected to be high at this time of the year. To avoid peak days, applicants are advised to submit their applications well before school or public holidays.
Applicants who wish to apply for identity cards are encouraged to make an appointment in advance by visiting the website, www.gov.hk/icbooking, or calling the 24-hour hotline, 2598 0888.
Ends/Monday, June 23, 2008
Issued at HKT 09:44
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