Hong Kong will enable Taiwan citizens to apply for visas free of charge and enter the city for up to a month without a visa, reciprocating a similar move by Taiwan authorities last year (see story here).
The iPermit Scheme is an online visa application system, which currently costs HK$50 (US$6). Eventually, the Immigration Department of Hong Kong will process the online applications free of charge. Details of developments and implementation date have yet to be announced.
Furthermore, from September 1 onwards, Taiwanese citizens who hold a Mainland China Travel Permit will be allowed to stay in Hong Kong for up to 30 days without a visa, up from the current seven days visa-free entry allowed.
Both Hong Kong and Taiwan have been fostering positive ties by recently signing a new civil aviation agreement that would increase the number of flights per week between the two destinations (see story here). This move was due to a high demand for travel on these routes: according to the Hong Kong Tourism board, arrivals from Taiwan in June this year rose by 7.7 percent from last year.
For more information, visit www.immd.gov.hk
Alisha Haridasani