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Travellers reminded to avoid Easter holiday rush

The Immigration Department today (Sunday) reminded members of the public that they should apply for travel documents as early as possible if they intend to travel abroad during the Easter holidays.

"The number of people travelling outside Hong Kong will be greatly increased during this time of the year. In order to avoid last minute rush, people are advised to apply for British National (Overseas) passports and Hong Kong certificates of identity well in advance of the date on which they intend to travel," a spokesperson for the department said.

The spokesperson reminded applicants that with effect from April 1, 1997, the British Trade Commission would take over from Hong Kong Immigration Department the responsibility for issuing and renewing British National (Overseas) passports. The Immigration Department will cease taking applications for British National (Overseas) passport from April 1, 1997.

Other than applications for travel documents, applications for identity cards and other Registration of Persons services are also on high demand during this time of the

year.

To avoid congestion, applicants are also requested to submit their applications before school/public holidays. Furthermore, applicants are encouraged to make use of the Automated Telephone Appointment Booking System which is operating 24 hours a day. The number is 2598 0888.

Information leaflets on application procedures and documents required are issued together with application forms which are available at the Immigration Headquarters and all Immigration Offices. For enquiry, members of the public may telephone 2824 6111 or use faxline 2877 7711.

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