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Paggie Leung

Peter Michael

Clarification after report of fee causes chaos among BNO passport holders

Thai officials last night moved to quell confusion over visa requirements for holders of Hong Kong British National (Overseas) passports.

A series of regional media reports earlier alleged the more than 3 million holders of BNO passports would be required to apply for visas and pay a $200 levy before travelling to Thailand.

The reports fuelled widespread chaos among members of tour groups who had booked on flights to the country over the next few days.

More than 170 BNO passport holders rushed to the Immigration Department asking to be issued with HKSAR passports.

Travel Industry Council executive-director Joseph Tung Yao-chung,  Director of Immigration Lai Tung-kwok  and Legislative Council travel industry delegate Howard Young  all subsequently weighed into the debate.

Mr Tung  said several travel agents had contacted Hong Kong authorities stating they had been told by Thai officials that 'they have to waive the visa-free requirement for BNO passports'.

But last night the Thai consulate released a statement saying: 'There is no change in the Thai government's policy with respect to the exemption of visa requirements for the Hong Kong BNO passport holders.

'The Hong Kong BNO passport holders can continue entering the kingdom of Thailand and stay up to 30 days without  obtaining a visa.'

Mr Tung said he had asked Thai authorities for clarification and assistance in dealing with the situation.

'Thailand is a very popular destination,' he said. 'We were told they had put a hold on this requirement for BNO passengers, but [they] did not mention clearly when they will impose the levy and restrictions.'

Earlier in the day, Mr Lai said: 'We have contacted the consul-general of Thailand in Hong Kong to seek further information and to reflect our concern. I believe the issue will be handled satisfactorily by the authorities concerned.

'I believe Hong Kong people will have no problems going to Thailand.'

Fuelling the controversy,  Mr  Young  said he 'was disappointed that the Thai government had requested BNO passport holders to apply for visas when entering the country'.

He added: 'Although the number of people applying for SAR passports has increased sharply in recent years, there are still a lot of Hong Kong people who   use BNO passports as their main travel document.'

A spokeswoman for the Hong Kong Immigration Department said  the hundreds of urgent applications that had been received for HKSAR passports in light of the uncertainty over Thai visas would be processed.

She said most tourists felt more comfortable holding HKSAR passports. A total of 52 top-priority passports were expected to be approved as early as today.

'The department is confident we have the ability to make the appropriate arrangements to help citizens who have an urgent need,' the spokeswoman said.

According to official figures, 691,205 Hong Kong residents visited Thailand last year.



Thai officials deny plan for a $200 travel levy