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The spokesman for the Immigration Department said today (September 29) that, with the increase of residents traveling to Macao and the Mainland for short visits during the coming National Day and Chung Yeung holidays, travelers were reminded to bring along appropriate and valid travel documents when making their trips.

"Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Passports are issued to Hong Kong permanent residents who are Chinese citizens for the purpose of international travel. If traveling to Macao, they may use the Hong Kong permanent identity card, British National (Overseas) passport or Hong Kong Re-entry Permit," the spokesman said.

For travels to the Mainland, Hong Kong permanent residents should bring along their Hong Kong permanent identity card or Re-entry Permit. They should at the same time carry with them travel document required by the Mainland authorities such as the Home Visit Permit.

"For children under 11 years of age and holding Hong Kong identity cards which do not bear any photos, they should carry valid Re-entry Permits or other travel documents affixed with photos to substantiate their identities," the spokesman added.

As the acknowledgement receipts issued to persons who have their identity cards replaced are not acceptable travel documents, holders are advised to apply for Re-entry Permits at the Immigration Branch Offices. Under normal circumstances, the application procedures may be completed on the same day.

For enquiry, members of the public may contact Immigration Department hotline at 2824 6111, by fax to 2877 7711 or through the Internet http://www.immd.gov.hk/.

End/Monday, September 29, 2003

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