Guangzhou travel permit holders to Hong Kong and Macao can access DIY visa endorsement applications with the launch of an IC card service at the exit and entry administration of Guangdong Public Security Department on Monday.

This service applies only to holders of Version 2000 travel permits to Hong Kong and Macao.

The new service would greatly reduce paper work for applicants and improve the efficiency of border authorities, the Yangcheng Evening News reported Monday.

Applicants can apply for the cards, which cost 25 yuan each, when registering for travel permits at the public security department. The cards will contain detailed personal data of applicants.

The cardholders can go directly to the terminals at the application hall for visa endorsement. The machine will print receipts and application forms.

The Guangdong Public Security Department invited 30 residents visit the office to see the process of exit and entry applications, approval and passport issuing Monday, the first day of the automatic DIY endorsement service.

Guangdong has the largest exit and entry document processing center in China, producing 15,000 passports and travel permits a day.

(Shenzhen Daily November 2, 2004)