What Are Required for Mainland to Hong Kong and Macau
Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions of China. Their unique geographical features, diverse cultures, and convenient travel experiences have made them popular destinations for mainland residents.
However, many mainland residents planning their first trip to Hong Kong and Macau are often confused by one question: What are the requirements for mainland residents traveling to Hong Kong and Macau? This article will break down the essential requirements for traveling to Hong Kong and Macau in detail, ensuring a smooth and compliant trip.
1. Core Document: Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau
The primary and essential document for mainland residents traveling to Hong Kong and Macau is the “Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao.” This is the core identity document for mainland residents entering and exiting Hong Kong and Macau. It is uniformly issued by the Exit-Entry Administration Department of the Public Security Bureau of Mainland China and is equivalent to a “special ID card for traveling to Hong Kong and Macau. “Without this document, it is impossible to leave the country normally.
The Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao is a card-type document. Its appearance is similar to an ID card. It has a built-in chip that stores personal identity information and endorsement records for verification and carrying. The application materials for it are simple and easy to understand. The applicant must bring their original resident ID card. Applicants under the age of 16 can submit their household registration booklet. A recent passport-sized photo that meets the standards of the “Guidelines for Taking Photos for Exit-Entry Documents” must also be submitted. The “Application Form for Exit-Entry Documents for Chinese Citizens” must be filled out. Fingerprint information must be submitted or verified as required.
The application can be processed at the Exit-Entry Administration Department of the Public Security Bureau in the applicant’s place of household registration. It can also be processed in a different location if conditions permit. The processing time is typically 7-10 business days. The document is valid for 10 years. For applicants under 16 years of age, the document is valid for 5 years. The processing fee is 60 RMB. The process is convenient and efficient.
2. Essential Approval: Exit and Entry Endorsement
The Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao alone is insufficient. Mainland residents traveling to Hong Kong and Macau also need to obtain the corresponding type of “Hong Kong and Macau Endorsement” on their permit. The endorsement is a permit attached to the permit, clearly indicating the purpose of travel, the destination, and the validity period. An Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao without an endorsement will not be valid for entry into Hong Kong and Macau.
The type of endorsement must be selected based on the purpose of travel. Below are the most commonly used endorsement types for Mainland residents and their corresponding requirements.
Tourism Endorsement (L Visa & G Visa)
Tourism endorsements are divided into group tourism endorsements (L visa) and individual tourism endorsements (G visa). These are suitable for residents traveling to Hong Kong and Macau for tourism purposes. Individual tourism endorsements (G visa) allow independent travel to Hong Kong and Macau without needing to join a tour group.
Group tourism endorsements (L visa) require accompanying a tour group for entry and exit. Those joining the “Hengqin-Macau Tourism Group” must additionally present participation documents issued by the Hengqin-Macau Deep Cooperation Zone Cultural and Tourism Department. Neither type of tourism endorsement requires additional supporting documents; a Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit is sufficient for processing.
Family Visit Endorsement (T Visa)
The Family Visit Endorsement (T Visa) is suitable for residents traveling to Hong Kong and Macau to visit relatives. Relatives must be settled, residing long-term, studying, or employed in Hong Kong and Macau. The applicant’s spouse and children under 18 years of age may apply together. In addition to the Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit, applicants must submit photocopies of relevant documents proving the relative’s residency in Hong Kong and Macau, as well as the original and a photocopy of proof of kinship. Proof of kinship can be a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or a household registration booklet showing the kinship, etc., all of which are legally valid documents.
Business Endorsement (S Visa)
The Business Endorsement (S Visa) is suitable for residents with genuine business dealings who need to travel to Hong Kong and Macau for business activities. Applicants must submit a copy of their business license. Employees of companies or organizations must also submit proof of social insurance payments made by their company. Multiple-entry business visas require at least six consecutive months of social insurance contributions. Alternatively, applicants may submit supporting documents proving they belong to the company or organization, along with a statement from the company explaining the purpose of their business trip to Hong Kong and Macau.
Residence Endorsement (D Visa)
A Residence Endorsement (D Visa) is suitable for residents traveling to Hong Kong and Macau for study, employment, residence, training, or as dependents to visit relatives. Applicants must submit the corresponding approval documents based on their specific reason for application. For example, for studying in Hong Kong or Macau, the original and a copy of the university admission notice from Hong Kong or Macau are required.
For employment in Hong Kong or Macau, the original and a copy of the permit issued by the relevant Hong Kong or Macau authorities are required. Applications made through a labor service company also require a corresponding verification form or letter. The validity period of the Residence Endorsement is determined by the approval document. It is consistent with the study or employment period. Multiple entries to Hong Kong and Macau are permitted during the validity period. No separate single-entry visa is required.
3. Key Notes for Mainland Residents Traveling to Hong Kong and Macau
After obtaining the necessary documents and materials, please pay attention to the following details:
To avoid violations or being denied entry/exit due to negligence:
1. Document Verification
Before traveling, be sure to check that your Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau and your endorsements are complete. Confirm that the endorsement type matches the purpose of travel. And that both are valid. Avoid being denied entry to Hong Kong and Macau due to expired endorsements or incorrect types.
2. Duration of Stay
The duration of stay varies depending on the endorsement. Tourist endorsements allow a single stay of no more than 7 days. The duration of stay for family visit and business endorsements is determined by approval. The duration of stay for extended stay endorsements is consistent with the validity period. Overstaying is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, you will face penalties such as fines and restrictions on future travel to Hong Kong and Macau.
3. Compliance with Regulations
After traveling to Hong Kong and Macau, you must strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the Special Administrative Regions. You must not engage in activities inconsistent with your visa type. For example, do not engage in business or work activities while holding a tourist visa to avoid violations affecting subsequent travel.
4. Processing Time
It is recommended to apply for your Hong Kong and Macau travel permit and visa 1-2 weeks in advance. Allow sufficient time to deal with unforeseen circumstances. For applications processed in a different location, or for replacements or renewals, allow an extended time to avoid delays in your travel plans.
5. Policy Updates
Policies related to travel to Hong Kong and Macau may be adjusted according to actual circumstances. Before applying, you can log on to the official website of the local public security bureau’s entry and exit administration department or consult the entry and exit hall to understand the latest application requirements to avoid being affected by policy changes.
Conclusion
Returning to the core question: What are the requirements for Mainland residents traveling to Hong Kong and Macau? The answer is quite clear. The key for Mainland residents traveling to Hong Kong and Macau is to have a valid Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau and the corresponding type of endorsement. Then, depending on the purpose of travel and the specific application process, supplementary materials as needed will be required.
If you’re planning your first independent trip to Hong Kong and Macau or looking to arrange a hassle-free yet in-depth journey for family and friends, feel free to entrust the professional work to the professionals. From your first visa to every moment of joy, we want to bring Hong Kong and Macau closer to you. Contact Tattle to receive the latest border crossing policies and our exclusive food map. Your next destination, Hong Kong and Macau; we’ll accompany you on your journey.
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