Public Services

Introduction

The following aims to provide information on the iPermit Scheme through which entry permits, i.e. iPermits are issued by electronic means. It is not legally binding. The Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) may revise the information according to changes in circumstances without prior notice.Enquiries may be made with the Immigration Department for up-to-date information on the iPermit Scheme.

Existing Arrangement for Visitors from Taiwan

Under the existing arrangements, Chinese residents of Taiwan have to apply for entry permits (i.e. Taiwan Visit Permits) for visits to Hong Kong. Applications for single-journey or multiple-journey Taiwan Visit Permits must be submitted through the authorised airlines in Taiwan to the Immigration Department for processing. Single Taiwan Visit Permits are valid for 3 months and good for a stay of up to 90 days. Multiple Taiwan Visit Permits are valid for either 1 year (regular-size) or 3 years (jumbo-size), both good for a stay of 30 days on each landing. For single, one-year multiple and three-year multiple entry permits, the prescribed fees are HK$160, HK$325 and HK$650 respectively.

Purpose of the iPermit Scheme

The Scheme aims to enhance the travel convenience of visitors from Taiwan and offers an additional choice for Taiwan residents in applying for entry permits to visit Hong Kong.

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must be a Chinese resident of Taiwan born in the Mainland or Taiwan who are not in possession of any travel document issued by other authorities outside Taiwan (except “Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents” (commonly known as “Tai Bao Zheng”), and Entry Permit issued by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR). He/She has to hold a document valid for at least six months for re-entry to Taiwan when making an application for iPermit.

General Procedures

Under the Scheme, a new type of entry permit, i.e. iPermit, will be processed and issued as follows :

1. The Chinese resident of Taiwan has to approach the office of an authorised airline (or its representative) in Taiwan to make an application by presenting his/her identification documents indicating his returnability to Taiwan. The staff of the authorised airline (or its representative) will input the applicant's data into a computer system and transmit the application through Internet to the iPermit System of the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The application will be processed by the iPermit System automatically.
2. The result of the application will be made known to the applicant instantly. If an application is approved, an e-notification slip will be printed through the iPermit System at the office of the airline (or its representatives) in Taiwan. The authorised airline (or its representatives) shall also make prior arrangement with the applicant for collection of the original copy of iPermit in Taiwan before he or she boards a flight for Hong Kong.
3. In case an application cannot be finalized by the iPermit System, a message will be returned to the computer in the office of the airlines (or its representatives) in Taiwan to advise the applicant to make application through the paper application process as set out in paragraph "Existing Arrangements for Visitors from Taiwan" above.
4. The applicant must check the data in the e-notification slip and the iPermit to confirm data accuracy. For applications of children under 16 years of age, either the parent or the legal guardian should check the data accuracy. For the removal of doubt, the e-notification slip is not a valid document for immigration clearance in Hong Kong.
5. The iPermit must be signed by the applicant upon collection. For applications of children under 7 years of age, it should be signed by either the parent or the legal guardian. Failure to do so may result in the invalidation of an iPermit.

Validity of iPermit

An iPermit is valid for two months and good for two trips to Hong Kong, with a stay of 30 days on each landing.

Fee

The prescribed fee for the issue of an iPermit is HK$50. However, the airlines and the handling agents may levy a handling charge on their clients. The handling charge may vary among airlines or agents.

Entry and Conditions of Stay

Holder of an iPermit is subject to immigration control under the provisions of the Immigration Ordinance, Chapter 115, Laws of Hong Kong. Upon arrival examination, an iPermit holder needs to fulfill the normal immigration requirements, that is, in possession of a personal document valid for at least 6 months for re-entry to Taiwan, valid onward/return booking and sufficient fund as well as bona fide purpose of visit before entry to Hong Kong is granted.

Holder of an iPermit is not allowed to take any form of employment, whether paid or unpaid, establish or join in any business, or take up study in any school or education institution in the HKSAR.

Authorised airlines / agents under the Scheme

The iPermit Scheme has been launched since 18 March 2002. Mandarin Travel Centre, as a representative of the authorised airlines, has set up a number of agent offices in different parts of Taiwan to receive applications. Information on these agents may be obtained from the 'Mandarin Travel Centre'.

Another representative of the authorised airlines, namely 'Mekong Tours', has 3 agent offices in Taipei, Kaohsuing and Tainan respectively to receive applications. Information on these agents may be obtained from the 'Mekong Tours'.

Visitors from Taiwan who wish to apply for iPermits may approach the agents of 'Mandarin Travel Centre' or 'Mekong Tours' in Taiwan to submit applications.

Enquiries

Enquiries concerning the iPermit Scheme should be addressed to :

1. Other Visas and Permits Section, 7th Floor, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong [Tel. No. (852) 2829 3141 Fax No. (852) 2824 1161]; or
2. Information and Liaison Section, 2nd Floor, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong [Tel. No. (852) 2824 6111 Fax No. (852) 2877 7711]; or
3. through Internet : enquiry@immd.gov.hk 。