As the Lunar New Year approaches, the Mainland Affairs Council of the Republic of China reminded the public today (20th) to pay attention to precautions when traveling to or transiting through Hong Kong and Macau, and to make more use of the “Dynamic Registration System for Taiwanese Traveling to Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau” to strengthen personal safety.
The Mainland Affairs Council of the Republic of China pointed out that recently, some people traveling to Hong Kong have had their planned itineraries affected due to carrying pepper sprays that are prohibited by law. The council reminded the public that the regulations regarding items allowed for entry and exit in Hong Kong and Macau differ from those in Taiwan. Travelers are advised to confirm the list of prohibited items before departure to avoid legal violations that could cause delays in their travels.
The Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan emphasized that when traveling to or transiting through Hong Kong and Macau, people should not carry gas pepper sprays (including pepper spray lipstick), stun guns (including stun guns disguised as smartphones), expandable batons (including flashlight type expandable batons), brass knuckles (commonly known as “iron lotus” finger rings), spring-loaded knives, comb knives, and tobacco products.
The Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council also reminded that with the coming of winter vacation and the Lunar New Year, considering the changing situation in Hong Kong and Macau and in response to local laws and enforcement trends, the travel alerts for Hong Kong and Macau remain at an orange level, and it is recommended that Taiwanese nationals avoid non-essential travel.
In addition, the Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council has provided “Precautions for Traveling to or Transiting Through Hong Kong and Macau” on its official website under the Emergency Service Information and Travel Warning section, reminding Taiwanese nationals to pay attention to possible risks to personal safety and rights posed by local regulations, carefully assess travel to or through Hong Kong and Macau, and register personal information and contact details on the Council’s “Dynamic Registration System for Taiwanese Traveling to Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau” (website: https://www.mac.gov.tw/cp.aspx?n=015A70099E11C8A8) before departure.
Furthermore, the Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council stated that if individuals encounter emergencies during their stay in Hong Kong and Macau, they can contact the Mainland Affairs Council’s Hong Kong Office (Office located at “Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong”; 24-hour emergency contact number: 852-6143-9012) or the Mainland Affairs Council’s Macau Office (Office located at “Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Macau”; 24-hour emergency contact number: 853-6687-2557) for immediate assistance from the government to ensure their rights are protected.
The Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council mentioned that the international African swine fever situation remains severe, and to safeguard domestic agricultural production safety, the public is reminded not to illegally bring meat products and animal and plant products into Taiwan, nor through express delivery or postal services, to avoid violating relevant quarantine regulations and facing penalties.