Introduction
Starting July 10, 2024, Mainland China will introduce a new travel permit for non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. This significant development, announced by the Exit and Entry Bureau of Mainland China, aims to streamline travel and enhance connectivity within the Greater Bay Area.
Key Features of the New Mainland China Travel Permit
Validity and Entries: The travel permit is valid for five years, allowing multiple entries with each stay not exceeding 90 days.
Purpose of Travel: Permit holders can enter Mainland China for short-term purposes including investment, visiting relatives, tourism, business activities, seminars, and exchanges. However, they are prohibited from engaging in work, study, or news reporting activities while in the country.
Application Process
Eligibility: To be eligible, applicants must be foreign citizens holding permanent residency in either Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR.
Authorized Channels: Applications must be submitted through China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited for Hong Kong residents and China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd. for Macau residents.
Required Documents: Applicants need to provide:
A completed application form with a recent photograph.
A valid Hong Kong or Macau permanent identity card.
A passport with at least six months validity remaining.
Additional nationality certificates and other relevant documents.
Submission and Processing: Applications must be submitted in person. The processing time is up to 20 working days from the date of official acceptance. Applicants will receive notification to collect their permits from the designated application office.
Special Conditions
Existing Visa Holders: Applicants with a valid Mainland China visa must cancel their visa before applying for the new travel permit. If the permit application is rejected, they will need to reapply for a Mainland China visa.
APEC Card Holders: Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards with country clearance for China are not eligible for the new travel permit.
Impact and Benefits
This new travel permit simplifies the entry procedures for non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR, eliminating the need for a visa to enter Mainland China. This initiative is part of China’s broader strategy to boost economic integration and enhance global connectivity, particularly within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Background and Strategic Significance
In recent months, China has implemented several measures to ease travel restrictions for foreign nationals. These efforts are designed to stimulate business travel, encourage tourism, and attract foreign investment, marking significant steps in China’s engagement with the global community to drive economic growth. This new policy is a strategic move to foster closer ties and facilitate smoother cross-border activities between Mainland China and its SARs.
Detailed Application Steps
Initial Application: Applicants must file their application with China Travel Service (CTS), an authorized agent of the Chinese government in Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR, through an online system. The application form must be completed with a photo, a valid permanent resident identity card, and a passport with at least six months validity remaining.
Preliminary Review: CTS will conduct a preliminary review of the submitted information. Applicants will receive an email notification to select their preferred document service center and appointment time through the same website.
In-Person Appointment: On the appointment day, individuals must appear in person, sign a confirmation of the previously input information, which will serve as the official application form.
Final Submission: The application will be considered officially filed once the signed confirmation is submitted. The processing period of 20 business days will then commence.
Renewal and Replacement Process
Application for Renewal or Replacement: Applicants must submit their applications to designated offices such as China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited, China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd., or the local exit-entry administration in Mainland China.
Required Documents for Renewal: A completed application form, a valid passport with at least six months validity, the original and copies of the current permit (if available), and updated nationality certificates or other relevant documents reflecting any changes.
Processing and Collection: The processing time for renewal or replacement is up to 20 working days. Upon completion, applicants can collect their renewed or replaced permit from the designated office where the initial application was submitted.
Emergency Exit Travel Documents
In urgent situations, such as expired, damaged, or lost permits necessitating immediate return to Hong Kong or Macau, travelers can apply for a one-time emergency exit travel document. This document facilitates temporary departure from Mainland China while arranging for permit renewal or replacement.
Extension of Stay
In cases of force majeure or other valid reasons requiring an extended stay in Mainland China, individuals may request an extension of stay for up to an additional 90 days. This extension is processed by the local exit-entry administration of the public security department at or above the municipal level, allowing flexibility for prolonged stays due to unforeseen circumstances or legitimate reasons.
Fee Structure
First Application Fee: Applicants must pay a fee for the first application in Hong Kong or Macau, covering the processing and issuance of the permit.
Renewal or Replacement Fee: In Mainland China, a renewal or replacement fee is applicable for permits that need to be renewed due to expiration, damage, loss, or updates in personal information.
Compliance and Enforcement
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) reserves the right to cancel the permit if the holder no longer meets the eligibility criteria. Fraudulent activities or other offenses related to the permit’s application or usage can also result in cancellation. Permit holders must promptly report any changes in their passport number, contact information, or other relevant details within 30 days to ensure effective communication and adherence to regulatory standards.
Impact on Foreign Investors
The introduction of five-year multi-entry travel permits for non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau has generated significant enthusiasm among expatriates and foreign chambers. This initiative is poised to benefit hundreds of thousands of adult permanent residents, irrespective of their nationality or occupation, marking a significant step towards bolstering Hong Kong and Macau’s stature as pivotal financial hubs and international gateways.
Previously, non-Chinese residents encountered cumbersome visa procedures and manual entry processes when visiting Mainland China. The introduction of the new travel permit aims to streamline these processes, enabling holders to enter Mainland China for short-term purposes such as business, tourism, and family visits without the hassle of repeated visa applications.
Foreign chambers, including the American Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber of Commerce, have praised the initiative for its potential to enhance cross-border connectivity and facilitate business operations within the GBA. This measure is expected to attract global talent to Hong Kong, thereby strengthening its position as a preferred destination for international investment and enterprise.
Looking Forward
As China continues to liberalize visa policies and optimize administrative procedures, stakeholders anticipate further measures aimed at solidifying Hong Kong’s role as a global financial and business hub. These efforts include ongoing enhancements i n visa flexibility and support for diverse economic sectors, highlighting Hong Kong’s resilience and dynamism in the global economic landscape.
Conclusion
The new Mainland Travel Permit for non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR represents a significant step in easing travel restrictions and enhancing cross-border interactions. This development aligns with China’s broader strategy to boost economic integration and strengthen global connectivity within the Greater Bay Area. For more information and assistance with the application process, contact us today.
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