Source: CCTV.com

04-17-2009 11:37

The Hong Kong SAR government has announced that Taiwan residents holding valid cards for residing in the Chinese mainland will soon be able to enter Hong Kong as visitors without additional documentation.

Taiwan residents have always been bound by certain travel restrictions when going to Hong Kong. But in 10 day's time, that will all change.

The Hong Kong SAR government has announced that Taiwan  residents holding valid cards for residing in the Chinese  mainland will soon be able to enter Hong Kong as visitors  without additional documentation.

Rita Lau NG Wai-Lan, secretary of HK Commerce & Economic Development Bureau, says, "from April the 27th, Taiwan residents holding a card for residence in the mainland don't need to get an entry-and-exit permit from the relevant mainland departments if they want to visit Hong Kong. They can stay for up to seven days. The new measures will be more convenient for Taiwan travellers."

It's hoped Taiwan and Hong Kong will further reach visa agreements in the future.

Yan Changshuo, Honorary Chairman of Taiwan Visitors Association, says, "the Hong Kong SAR government has made a big step. This is definitely a positive move that we had hoped for. We will call on the Taiwan authorities to make a similar move that gives more freedom to Hong Kong residents visiting Taiwan."

Hong Kong officials say the relaxed rules will bring more economic benefits to the area. Taiwan travellers transferring in Hong Kong can now leave the airport and go into the region if they have a few hours to spare.

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Editor:Qin Yongjing