16 January 2014
The Immigration Department announced today (January 16) that the iPermit Scheme will be terminated on March 1, 2014.
The termination of the iPermit Scheme will not reduce the travel convenience enjoyed by Taiwan visitors. Taiwan visitors may continue to travel to Hong Kong using the online Pre-arrival Registration for Taiwan Residents (PAR), a Hong Kong entry permit or the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (commonly known as "Tai Bao Zheng").
The two authorised airlines and their representatives currently handling iPermit applications, namely "Harbour Morning Limited" and "Mekong Tours", will cease to provide iPermit services on the same day. Taiwan visitors may still visit Hong Kong on the strength of iPermits issued before March 1, 2014 within their two-month validity period.
"The free online PAR service has been well received by Taiwan visitors since its introduction in September 2012, and the demand for iPermits has correspondingly declined sharply. Having taken into consideration the reduced demand for iPermits and the scheme’s cost effectiveness, the Government has decided to terminate the iPermit Scheme from March 1, 2014," a spokesman for the Immigration Department said.