But new policy restricts eligibility only to those who hold a Hong Kong passport<\/b>
\nHong Kong permanent residents, forming one of the largest groups of visitors to Taiwan, are now eligible to apply online for multiple-entry visas to visit the island, its authorities announced on Monday.
But only those holding just a Hong Kong passport are eligible under the policy change, the National Immigration Agency of Taiwan said. Hong Kong permanent residents holding another passport are not eligible for multiple-entry visas, nor are those who hold a British National Overseas passport.
Similar rules and restrictions apply to Macau permanent residents.
Previously, Hong Kong permanent residents could only apply for single-entry visas to Taiwan through the agency\u2019s online platform. Multiple-entry visa applicants must go in person to the island\u2019s representative office in Admiralty. Obtaining a visa upon arrival in Taiwan remains an option for Hongkongers.
\u201cWe hope the service could stimulate the development of domestic tourism and encourage exchanges and communication of all kinds with Hong Kong and Macau,\u201d the agency said.
Taiwan is a popular destination for Hongkongers. More than 1.45 million Hong Kong residents visited the island last year, making the city the third-largest tourist market for Taiwan after mainland China and Japan.<\/p>\n