Required Documents for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Residents Entering Mainland China
What documents do residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan need to enter mainland China for tourism, family visits, business, or study?
1. Primary Document: Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Residents
These documents are also known as the “Home Return Permit” and the “Taiwan Compatriot Permit,” but their official names and details differ:
| Applicable Region | Official Name of the Document | Validity Period | Required Application Materials | Processing Time | Fees |
| Residents of Hong Kong and Macao | Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents | Applicants aged 18 and above are issued permits valid for 10 years, while those under 18 receive permits valid for 5 years. | Completed application form, a qualifying photo, and a valid Hong Kong or Macao Resident Identity Card | The processing time is usually 12 working days from the date of submission. | The fee for a 10-year permit is HK$394, and for a 5-year permit is HK$259. |
| Residents of Taiwan | Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents | There are two types: one valid for multiple entries over 5 years, and one valid for a single entry every 3 months. | Completed application form, a qualifying photo, a valid Taiwan Resident Identity Card, and a Taiwan travel document. | The processing time is usually 7 – 10 working days from the date of submission. | The total cost of applying for a 5-year multiple-entry Taiwan Compatriot Permit via a travel agency in Taiwan amounts to approximately NT$1,500. |
2. Where to Apply for the Permit?
Residents of Hong Kong and Macao
- Initial applications, renewals, or replacements are usually processed via the China Travel Service in Hong Kong or Macau.
Residents of Taiwan
- A 5-year multiple-entry Taiwan Compatriot Permit can be obtained in Taiwan through an authorized travel agency.
- If applied for on-site at an entry port, the process is more convenient. Currently, there are 100 open entry ports in mainland China (such as airports and seaports) with permit service counters. Typically, the process takes about 30 minutes, and Taiwanese residents can complete the permit application on-site (first-time applications are free). The permit is valid for 3 months.
- After entering mainland China, if a 5-year permit needs to be reissued, it can be applied for at the local entry and exit administration of the public security bureau at or above the county level. Processing generally takes 7 working days.
If the permit is lost, damaged, or approaching expiration while in mainland China, it can be replaced or reissued at the local entry and exit administration of the public security bureau at or above the county level. Processing generally takes 7 working days.
3. Convenience Policies You Should Know
Don’t Worry If You Lose Your Permit
If your permit is forgotten or lost while in mainland China, and you need to use it—for example, when taking a flight or train—you can download the “Immigration 12367” app or use its WeChat/Alipay mini program to urgently apply for an electronic temporary permit valid for 7 days.
Linking Both Permits Makes Things Easier
If you hold both a Mainland Travel Permit and a Mainland Residence Permit, you can verify that the two documents belong to the same person when conducting banking services, online real-name authentication, or other transactions. This can be done through the “Immigration 12367” platform or by visiting an entry and exit hall in person to apply for a “Dual-Permit Verification.”
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