Which passport to use?

[misspon]

Hi

I'm not too sure if this question has been asked before but I cant seem to find answers.

I am a South African Citizen with a ROC passport (no Taiwan ID). I will be traveling to Taiwan in December on an Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission Tour. It is for one month. In January I plan to go to Hong Kong for a holiday and return to Taiwan in February and start a Chinese Language program in March, for two semesters, until August.

My question is
#1 what passport should I use? Why?
#2 what visa's do I need to get? Do I need?
#3 is there any benefits to a ROC passport?

Many thanks
misspon

[Baas Babelaas]

I use the two that I have.

PM if that confuses you.

[nonredneck]

Looks like you need a visa to Enter Taiwan with a South African Passport
http://taiwan.visahq.com/requirements/South_Africa/

Visa free entry to Hong Kong with a South Africa Passport.
http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm
176. SOUTH AFRICA 30 Days

For Entry to Hong Kong with a Taiwan Passport, looks like you need a special permit since PRC won't recognize your ROC passport.
http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_7.htm
Taiwan residents holding a valid "Mainland Travel Permits for Taiwan Residents" (commonly known as "Tai Bao Zheng") may enter Hong Kong as visitor and stay for up to 30 days irrespective of whether they are transiting Hong Kong to/from the Mainland or coming to Hong Kong for visit, provided the normal immigration requirements are met.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainland_T ... vel_Permit

Seems like your best bet is to Enter Taiwan with your ROC passport, and enter Hong Kong with your South African passport.

[misspon]

Okay...

But do I need a visa to get into Taiwan with my ROC passport?
Actually what is the point of an overseas Chinese having a ROC passport?

Thanks

[CNCwt]

Okay...

But do I need a visa to get into Taiwan with my ROC passport?
Actually what is the point of an overseas Chinese having a ROC passport?

Thanks

I will give you my answers on the basis that this is the case for overseas Chinese from the Philippines though I strongly suspect it will apply to most overseas Chinese all over the world.

With your ROC passport (without Taiwan National ID), you are considered a ROC national but without a right to live in Taiwan, cannot work in Taiwan, and cannot vote in Taiwan. You are allowed to visit Taiwan though.

To visit Taiwan using your ROC passport, you need to apply a Visitor Visa with TECO in your home country with your ROC passport. This visa is free of charge and you will be allowed to enter Taiwan with that visa in your ROC passport to stay not more than 3 months.