Home > Publications and Press Releases > Press Releases > New Machine-readable Document of Identity for Visa Purposes

Publications and Press Releases

New Machine-readable Document of Identity for Visa Purposes

27 August 2003

       The Immigration Department announced today (Wednesday) that the Department would issue machine-readable Document of Identity for Visa Purposes (MR DI) with effect from September 1, 2003 (Monday).

        "The preparation of the MR DI is completely computerised.  The MR DI is endowed with a number of advanced security features, machine-readable and in line with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).  With the enhanced features, MR DI holders will find it more convenient when travelling," said a spokesman for the Immigration Department.

        "Documents of Identity for Visa Purposes (DIs) issued before September 1, 2003 are still valid until their expiry.  The holders do not have to replace their DIs with the MR DIs," stressed the spokesman.

       The spokesman further stated that the criteria for applying for the MR DI would be the same as those of the existing one.  Applicants can submit their applications in person at any one of the Immigration branch offices as before.  They can also make applications by post or deposit in the drop-in boxes located at the six Immigration branch offices.  As the printing of the MR DI takes time, the processing time for the MR DI will be fifteen working days - same as that of the HKSAR passport. 

       "If an applicant has a genuine need to obtain a MR DI for urgent travel, he may approach any one of the Immigration branch offices for assistance," the spokesman added.

       The fees and validity of the MR DI will remain unchanged.  The fee for a 44-page MR DI is $260 and one for 92-page is $525, both valid for seven years.

       It has been more than 23 years since Document of Identity for Visa Purposes was first introduced in November 1979.