************************************************************
People intending to travel abroad during the Lunar New Year holidays are reminded to apply early for travel documents.
An Immigration Department spokesman said the number of people travelling abroad usually increased 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.
In general, the processing time for an application for a HKSAR passport takes 10 working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and general holidays) after receipt of all necessary documents, and it takes 14 working days for the applications of children under 11 not holding a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Some countries require visitors to have a passport with validity of at least six months. For applications submitted by post, via drop-in box or online, an extra two to three working days may be required to handle formalities. Eligible applicants aged 18 or over may submit HKSAR passport applications at the self-service kiosks installed at Immigration Headquarters and six Immigration branch offices during office hours. Applications for a replacement passport due to loss, damage or change of personal data should be made in person and 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.
Applicants who wish to apply in person are encouraged to make an appointment in advance by visiting the website ( www.gob.hk/tdbooking ) or calling the 24-hour hotline 2598 0888.
So far, 140 countries and territories have granted visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders.
HKSAR passport application forms and information leaflets on application procedures and documents required are available at Immigration Headquarters and all Immigration branch offices. The application forms can also be downloaded from the website at www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hksarp.htm . For enquiries, please visit the Immigration website www.immd.gov.hk or call the Immigration Department at 2824 6111 or fax your enquiry to 2877 7711.
Ends/Sunday, January 17, 2010
Issued at HKT 10:01
NNNN
