Foreign permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau eligible for mainland travel permits

China’s Exit and Entry Administration now issues Mainland Travel Permits for non-Chinese permanent residents (PRs) of both special autonomous regions (SARs).

These permits are meant to facilitate the travel of foreigners holding permanent residency in Hong Kong and Macao to and from the Chinese mainland.

Officials say that the issuance of mainland travel permits to foreign PRs will contribute to the communication and exchanges between the residents in the Chinese mainland and the two SARs, and facilitate business investment, cultural tourism, education, and scientific research.

At the same time, this specific travel policy targets the integration of Hong Kong and Macao into the national development framework of China, and the long-term prosperity and stable growth of the two SARs supported by preferential services.

On an as-needed basis

According to Exit and Entry Administration officials, foreign PRs in Hong Kong and Macao SARs now have the option to apply for the travel permits based on their needs. 

Any foreign PR applying for the first time needs to submit an application in person to China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited or China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd, the two firms authorised by the Chinese government to offer relevant services. 

Those issued a Mainland Travel Permit are allowed to enter and exit the Chinese mainland multiple times within the five-year validity period of the permit, with each stay period not exceeding 90 days.

In the event of an untoward incident

In the event that a travel permit expires, is lost, or damaged during its holder’s stay in the Chinese mainland, an application for replacement must be submitted in person to the exit-entry administration of a public security organ at or above the municipal level (in a region with districts) in the Chinese mainland.

Alternatively, the holder can first apply for an exit permit, leave the Chinese mainland, then apply for the replacement or reissuance at the relevant travel service.