New Exit/Entry Policies to Facilitate Mainland Travel from Hong Kong, Macao SARs

Effective on July 10, 2024, The Exit and Entry Administration of P.R. China will issue the Mainland Travel Permit (“the Permit”) to permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions (“SARs”)  who are non-Chinese citizens (“Non-citizens”). The purpose of the change is to:

• facilitate exchanges between Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong and Macao SARs, and
• expedite the integration of Hong Kong and Macao into the overall national development initiatives

• Non-citizens who wish to travel to the Chinese mainland for short-term stay and for purposes such as investment, visiting relatives, tourism, seminars may apply for the Permit.
• The Permit which will be issued by the exit-entry administration will be multi-entry and valid for five years. The Permit holder will be eligible to remain in the Chinese mainland for a period not exceeding 90 days for each stay, and shall not engage in work, study or engage in news interview activities.
• First-time applicant may lodge their application to China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited and China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd. which are authorized by the Exit and Entry Administration.
• In case of damage or loss of the Permit,  or if the personal information of the holder changes or upon expiry of the Permit, the holder shall apply for renewal or replacement.

As the purpose and length of issue of the Permit for non-citizens are restricted, and differ from that of the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau residents, it is critical for non-citizens who intend to travel to Chinese mainland on the Permit to monitor the relevant purpose of entry and period of stay.  Where the purpose of travel or length of intended stay is beyond the scope of the Permit, the non-citizen should apply for an appropriate entry visa.

Please consult your KPMG consultant for guidance or assistance with assessment and application of entry visa or permit.