Originally Posted by
LHR/MEL/Europe FF
Isn't that an issue with the airline system and agent rather than TIMATIC?
TIMATIC states passengers with a HK (SAR) identity card are exempt from passport requirements to enter Hong Kong:
I wasn't aware that some airline systems might be linked to TIMATIC. It doesn't seem to be the case with CX for example who allowed check-in and boarding for a couple of friends in HKG without the correct visa for China.
CX is Hong Kong-based. I was very surprised that CX (or the agent) did not realize that HKID is also a travel document when used in entering and exiting HK. It is probably CX system. I think they were linked to TIMATIC already (he did not mention TIMATIC but he mentioned IATA). It should also pop up HKID but it didn't on their system.
Just a small correction on your statement - it is HK permanent ID, not just HKID. Although temporary ones can also be used to enter/exit HK, TIMATIC only suggests HK permanent ID because it is difficult to know if a temporary ID has expired.