HONG KONG, June 9 (AP) -- Hong Kong will soon allow Taiwanese to visit the territory for up to seven days without having to pay for an entry permit, the government said Friday.

The policy, effective June 12, will apply to Taiwanese who are holding a travel permit that allows them to enter mainland China, the government said in a statement.

The current policy allows Taiwanese to transit in Hong Kong for seven days if they are traveling to or from mainland China. The policy also requires Taiwanese to apply for a travel permit if they only plan to visit Hong Kong. The permit costs 600 Taiwan dollars (US$18.50, €14.53)

"The change would further facilitate Taiwan residents living on the mainland to visit Hong Kong for business or pleasure," the statement said.