Safe and secure: The new-look personal data page of the revamped Hong Kong passport.

The new Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport was unveiled today sporting new security features.

Director of Immigration Lai Tung-kwok said the passport would be available from New Year's Day, and was the product of reviews of the existing travel document and recent advances in security printing technology.

While retaining the existing passport's appearance and security features, the enhanced version will have a much thinner security laminate on the personal data page.

A "HKSAR" logo printed in optically-variable ink covers the left edge of the photograph and changes colour when the passport is tilted. "IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION" is also printed in the special ink.

Under ultra-violet light, a fluorescent bauhinia with letters in the pattern of "HKSAR" also appears on the personal data page.

Application procedures and fees for the Hong Kong passport remain unchanged, and existing documents remain valid until their expiry.

The Hong Kong passport has been available since July 1, 1997, and over 2.13 million have been issued. Over 120 countries and territories grant visa-free access to Hong Kong passport holders.