New Mainland China Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents
- Aug 6, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
What Is the Mainland Travel Permit?
The Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents, commonly known as the Home Return Permit or Huixiang Zheng, is the primary travel document used by Hong Kong and Macau permanent residents to enter, exit, and travel within mainland China.
In September 2023, China launched a new generation of the permit. The updated version introduces enhanced security features, a longer validity period for most holders, and improved compatibility with China's digital infrastructure. For individuals and businesses with regular cross-border activity, understanding the new permit format is essential.
Key Changes in the New Generation Permit
The new permit differs from its predecessor in several important ways:
Validity extended to 10 years for adults (previously 5 years for most holders)
Chip-enabled card format with embedded biometric data
Compatible with self-service immigration clearance kiosks at land and sea border crossings
Enhanced anti-counterfeiting features
A new permit number format linked to the holder's mainland identity records
Application and renewal now available in Hong Kong without travelling to the mainland
The new permit is issued in a credit card-sized format, replacing the older booklet-style document. Existing valid permits continue to be accepted until their expiry date, after which holders must apply for the new generation card.
Who Needs This Permit?
The Mainland Travel Permit is required for:
Hong Kong permanent residents travelling to mainland China for any purpose, including business, tourism, or transit
Macau permanent residents travelling to mainland China
Children of Hong Kong and Macau residents who hold the relevant status
Foreign nationals residing in Hong Kong do not use this permit. They travel to mainland China on their foreign passport, with or without a visa depending on their nationality and the purpose of travel.
How to Apply or Renew
Applications for the new generation permit can be submitted at several locations in Hong Kong:
Immigration Department offices in Hong Kong at authorised locations
China Travel Service (CTS) branches in Hong Kong authorised to handle permit applications
Online pre-registration is available to speed up in-person processing
Required documents typically include a valid Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, a recent photograph meeting mainland China's photo specifications, and the existing permit if renewing. First-time applicants may be required to provide additional documentation confirming Hong Kong permanent resident status.
Processing time is generally five to seven working days for standard applications. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee at participating locations.
Validity and Renewal
For adult holders aged 18 and above, the new generation permit is valid for 10 years. For holders under 16, validity is 5 years.
Holders should apply for renewal at least one month before expiry to avoid any interruption to cross-border travel. An expired permit is not accepted at immigration checkpoints, even for holders who are otherwise fully eligible to travel.
Using the Permit for Business Travel
For business travellers based in Hong Kong who work with mainland China counterparts, attend trade events, or manage operations across the border, the permit functions as the primary identification and travel document for all cross-border purposes.
Key practical points for business users:
The permit serves as the primary ID document when opening bank accounts, signing contracts, and registering businesses in mainland China as a Hong Kong resident
Self-service kiosks at major border crossings such as Shenzhen Bay, Lok Ma Chau, and Lo Wu significantly reduce wait times during peak periods
The 10-year validity reduces the administrative burden of frequent renewals for active cross-border travellers
The permit number is used when booking rail and air tickets for domestic travel within mainland China, rather than a passport number
Digital Integration
The new generation permit is integrated with mainland China's travel and identification systems. Holders can use the permit number to book high-speed rail tickets through the 12306 platform, domestic flights, and hotel stays across mainland China.
In many cities, the permit can also be linked to mobile payment platforms such as Alipay and WeChat Pay, removing a common friction point for Hong Kong-based professionals who previously had to register separately with each platform using their permit details.
Frequently Asked Questions, New Mainland Travel Permit
Can I continue using my old permit until it expires?
Yes. Existing valid permits issued under the previous format continue to be accepted until their expiry date. You only need to apply for the new generation permit when your current one expires or is lost or damaged.
Do I need a separate visa to enter mainland China with this permit?
No. The Mainland Travel Permit replaces the visa requirement for Hong Kong and Macau permanent residents. It grants entry to mainland China directly, without the need for a separate visa application, for most purposes including business travel.
What if I lose my permit while in mainland China?
Report the loss to the local public security bureau immediately and obtain a loss report. You can then contact the nearest exit-entry administration for assistance. Emergency travel documentation can be arranged, though the process takes time, so keeping a digital copy of your permit details in a secure location is strongly advisable.
Can I use the permit to travel internationally outside mainland China?
No. The Mainland Travel Permit is valid only for travel between Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China. For international travel, Hong Kong residents use their Hong Kong SAR passport or their home country passport if they hold foreign nationality.
Is the permit required for children accompanying parents on business trips?
Yes. Children who hold Hong Kong permanent resident status and are travelling to mainland China must have their own permit. Applications for minors require the presence of a parent or guardian and relevant identity documents for both the child and the applying adult.
Does the new permit affect work permits or business licences in mainland China?
No. The Mainland Travel Permit is a travel document only. Work permits, business licences, and other regulatory approvals for operating in mainland China are governed by separate regulations and are not affected by changes to the permit format.
Where can I get the most up-to-date information on permit requirements?
The Hong Kong Immigration Department website and the official websites of China Travel Service branches in Hong Kong are the most reliable sources. Requirements and procedures can change, so it is advisable to verify current requirements directly before applying or travelling.
If your business involves regular cross-border activity between Hong Kong and mainland China, ASC Consulting can help you navigate the administrative and regulatory requirements on both sides of the border.
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