The Mainland Travel Permit, also known as the "Home Return Permit" (回鄉證), has long been the go-to document for Hong Kong residents to visit mainland China. However, if you're a non-Chinese resident here in HK, the process could be tricky since you’d need to apply for a separate visa each time you wanted to visit China.
But things have changed since July 10, 2024. Under the new policy, non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong (or Macau) can now enter mainland China visa-free using the Mainland Travel Permit. So what does this update entail, and how can you go about applying for the permit? Let's dive in and cover all the essential details.
Table of Content:
- What's the new policy all about?
- Who is eligible for applying for non-Chinese Mainland Travel Permit?
- Applying for the non-Chinese Mainland Travel Permit
- How long does the application process take?
- Locations of CTS Service Entry Permit Service Centers
What’s the new policy all about?
Starting July 10, 2024, non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau can now apply for the Mainland Travel Permit. The permit grants them a 5-year multiple-entry travel document to mainland China, with each visit allowing stays of up to 90 days.
The travel permit can be used for a variety of short-term purposes, including tourism, business, visiting relatives, investments, exchanges, and so on. However, the permit cannot be used for work, study, or news gathering activities.
With the travel permit, holders can now use the expedited "E-channels" for self-service clearance after the initial fingerprint collection at ports of entry. This means no more having to pull out your foreign passport and fill out entry cards every single time you cross the border - a huge convenience, especially for non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau.
Who is eligible for applying for non-Chinese Mainland Travel Permit?
You must be a permanent resident of Hong Kong (or Macau) to apply, regardless of your nationality. In other words, as long as you have the permanent residency in Hong Kong or Macau, you can apply for the Mainland Travel Permit - even if you're a foreigner, not of Chinese ethnicity.
Additionally, if your Mainland Travel Permit is expiring soon (less than 6 months), damaged, lost, or your personal details have changed, you can also apply for a replacement or renewal.
If the applicant is under 11 years old, they must also be accompanied by a guardian, and provide a “Notice of Application for Access to Information” that verifies their permanent resident status.
- Min. Annual Salary
- HK$0
- Annual Fee
- First 2 year annual fee waiver
- Cash rebate on travel spending and designated spending categories
- 4%
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Applying for the non-Chinese Mainland Travel Permit
Step 1: Complete the application form online
To begin, go to the official China Travel Service (CTS) website and fill out the online application form. This includes entering your personal information and uploading an image of your Hong Kong ID card or passport.
After submitting the pre-application, you'll receive an email confirming whether it has been approved. You can then schedule an appointment at a designated application center.
Step 2: Head to the center with the documents
Once you've scheduled your appointment, head to the designated application center. When you arrive, go to the electronic inquiry counter to collect an application number, and wait for your number to be called.
Remember to bring the following documents with you for processing the application:
- Completed application form
- Recent photo
- HKID card
- Passport
- Nationality certificates
If you don’t have a recent photo, you can also take one at the on-site photo booth.
Step 3: Finish the payment and pick up the receipt
Proceed to the counter when your number is called to complete the application process and make the required payment. The fee is HK$260 for a first-time application, and RMB¥230 for renewal or replacement in mainland China.
After completing the payment, you'll receive an acceptance receipt. Use this to pick up your new Mainland Travel Permit at the electronic counter within 12 months of your appointment date.
H2: How long does the application process take?
The online pre-application process is simple which only takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Once your application has been approved, it may take up to 20 working days to process your Mainland Travel Permit.
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- Perceptual Annual Fee Waiver
- +FUN Dollars on Foreign Currency Spending
- Up to 7%
- +FUN Dollars on Local Dining Spending
- Up to 5%
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H2: Locations of CTS Service Entry Permit Service Centers
Location | Service Center | Address |
Sheung Wan | Hong Kong Island Centre | 14/F Low Block, Grand Millennium Plaza, 181 Queen’s Road, Central |
Kowloon Bay | West Kowloon Centre | 202 Tower 1, Enterprise Square, 9 Sheung Yuet Rd. Kowloon Bay |
Kawi Chung | East Kowloon Centre | 20F/, 22/F, K83, Tai Lin Pai Road, Kwai Chung |
Mong Kok | Mongkok Temporary Service Centre | 3/F Tak Po Building, 62-72 Sai Yee Street, Mongkok |
Sha Tin | New Territories East Centre | Unit J, 26/F, Kings Wing Plaza, 1 On Kwan Street, Shek Mun, Sha Tin |
Tuen Mun | New Territories West Centre | Unit 2707-2716 27/F, Tuen Mun Central Square, 22 Hoi Wing Road, New Territories |
*The service centers are open from 9am to 5pm; closed on Sundays and public holidays.
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