Starting July 10, non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau can apply for special permission to travel to mainland China for up to 90 days at a time, whether for tourism or business purposes. Previously, the fast track entry process was only open to Hong Kong residents with “Return Home Permit” cards, but now this new travel permission will allow everyone to enter the country with the same fast track, without having to declare customs at the border. Read our guide to find out how to get started.
Who can apply for a travel permit outside mainland China?
The permit is intended for non-Chinese Hong Kong and Macau permanent residents, regardless of nationality or occupation, who wish to travel to mainland China for short-term purposes. Applicants under the age of 18 can also apply but must be accompanied by a guardian.
What documents are required for a travel permit outside mainland China?
Please ensure you have a valid Hong Kong Permanent Resident Identity Card, a passport with at least six months validity (excluding passports not recognised by the Chinese government), and a completed Mainland China Travel Permit Application for Hong Kong and Macau Residents (Non-Chinese Nationals) with a recent photograph.
Whether you are from Hong Kong or Macau, you will also need proof of nationality (either a “Notice of Information Disclosure Application” issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department or a “Personal Information Certificate” issued by the Macau Immigration Department) issued within six months of the application date.
How long does it take to get a travel permit outside of mainland China?
The permit will be issued within 20 working days after the application is officially accepted and must be collected at a designated service center within 12 months. If the permit is not collected within the deadline without a valid reason, it will become invalid and will be cancelled. For applicants under the age of 18, a legal guardian may collect the permit on the applicant’s behalf.
How much does it cost to apply?
The initial application fee from Hong Kong is $260, while the renewal or replacement fee from mainland China is RMB230.
Step-by-step guide to apply for a travel permit to countries outside mainland China:
step 1: Complete the application form on the China Travel Service (CTS) Hong Kong Entrance Permit Services Limited website, which will require your personal information, including images of your Hong Kong Permanent Resident ID and passport.
Step 2: Once you receive an email informing you that your pre-application has passed the preliminary screening, you can log into the booking system to make an appointment at a designated service centre. Please make sure to bring your completed application form, Hong Kong Permanent Resident Identity Card, passport and certificate of nationality.
Step 3: After payment and registration, if your application is approved, you will receive a receipt with your scheduled collection date.
Step 4: Simply receive your permit within 12 months of your planned collection date and you’re ready to go.
CTS Immigration Service Center Address
Hong Kong Island Service Centre
Grand Millennium Plaza, 14th Floor Low Block, 181 Queens Road, Central
Kowloon East Service Centre
202 Tower 1, Enterprise Square, 9 Sheung Yue Road, Kowloon Bay
Kowloon West Service Centre
Kwai Chung, Tai Lin Road, K83, 20F/, 22F
New Territories East Service Centre
Unit J, 26th Floor, King’s Wing Plaza, 1 On Kwan Street, Shek Mun, Shatin
New Territories Western Service Centre
Unit 2707-2716 27th Floor, Tuen Mun Central Plaza, 22 Hoi Wing Road, New Territories
Mong Kok Temporary Service Centre
3rd Floor, Tak Po Building, 62-72 Saiyi Street, Mong Kok
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