February 8, 2013
No. 007
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) states that Hong Kong and Macau have always
been popular oversea destinations for Taiwanese traveler, and that as the peak tourist
season approaches with the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday this year (2013), Taiwanese
people traveling to Hong Kong during the period should use Hong Kong's free online
service to apply for pre-arrival registration. The MAC also advises travelers not
to bring stun guns or other controlled items when traveling to Hong Kong or Macau,
and that in events of emergency, travelers could request help from Taiwan representative
offices in Hong Kong and Macau.
The MAC indicates that, in response to requests by the Taiwan side, the Hong
Kong government implemented measures on September 1, 2012 to allow Taiwanese travelers
to apply for pre-arrival registration through a free online system. Qualified travelers
no longer need to apply for pre-arrival registration through designated airlines
or travel agencies when visiting Hong Kong, but may register through the online
system instead. Once registration is proven successful, travelers may print out
the registration form for customs inspection upon entering and exiting Hong Kong,
which will save both time and cost for travelers. The validity of registration and
duration of stay through the online system are the same as those of the existing
Taiwan "iPermit" system (registration valid for two months and two entries permitted,
with a stay period up to 30 days per entry).
The MAC reminds the Taiwanese public that Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau differ
on regulations over the types of prohibited or controlled items carried across borders,
therefore travelers should avoid carrying such items to prevent unnecessary trouble
that may cause delay in travels. Gas sprayers, stun guns, extendable batons, brass
knuckles, switchblades, and other items are treated as general offensive weapons
by both Hong Kong and Macau; possession of such items is illegal and could lead
to prosecution by the local police. Laws of Hong Kong and Macau further stipulate
that it is illegal to transit in Hong Kong and Macau with such items, including
not only the carrying of these items on an individual, but also may not be packed
into carry-on or checked baggage; travelers will be prosecuted if such items are
seized during customs clearance.
One such case occurred in Hong Kong in mid-January of 2013. The customs authorities
at Hong Kong International Airport confiscated an extendable baton carried by a
Taiwanese citizen transiting at the airport en route to Taiwan from the Mainland
and imposed a fine of about NT$6000. However, the Taiwanese traveler had insufficient
cash on hand to pay the fine and was therefore placed into custody at a detention
center by the Hong Kong Police. The traveler was only released and able to return
to Taiwan after family members paid the fine with assistance from Taiwan's representative
office in Hong Kong.
The MAC states that, in order to enhance emergency services provided to Taiwanese
travelers in Hong Kong and Macau, representative offices in Hong Kong and Macau
have established 24-hour hotlines for cases of emergency. Taiwanese people who face
emergency events in Hong Kong or Macau may reach the MAC Bureau of Hong Kong Affairs
hotline at (852) 9314-0130 or (852) 6143-9012—or the MAC Office of Macau Affairs
hotline at (853) 6687-2557. The MAC also hereby wishes the Taiwanese people a happy
New Year’s holiday and safe travels.