People’s Republic of China – New Exit/Entry Policies to Facilitate Mainland Travel from Hong Kong, Macao SARs

Effective 10 July 2024, the Exit and Entry Administration of the People’s Republic of China (“China” or “PRC”) is issuing 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”).¹  This change in policy is to:

• facilitate exchanges between mainland China and Hong Kong and Macao SARs, and
• expedite the integration of Hong Kong and Macao into the overall national development initiative².

This change in policy will enable non-citizens to travel to mainland China for short-term visits without the need to obtain visas.

Along with introduction/reinstatement of the visa-free policy to over 50 countries and the 72/144-hour port visa policy to 54 countries, China’s relaxation on its immigration policy has seen more tourism and business exchanges in the last six months.³  

• Non-citizens who wish to travel to the PRC mainland for a short-term stay and for purposes such as investment, visiting relatives, tourism, seminars, and other exchanges, may apply for the Permit.
• The Permit, which will be issued by the Exit and Entry Administration, will be multi-entry and valid for five years.  The Permit holder will be eligible to remain in the PRC mainland for a period not exceeding 90 days for each stay, and shall not engage in work, study, or news-coverage (mainly journalistic) activities.
• First-time applicants may lodge their applications with China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited and China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd., which are authorised by the Exit and Entry Administration.
• In case of damage or loss of the Permit, or if the personal particulars of the holder change, 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 limited, and differ from that of the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao residents, it is critical for non-citizens who intend to travel to mainland China on the Permit to observe the relevant purpose of entry and period of stay.  Where the purpose of travel or length of intended stay are beyond or exceed what is permitted, the non-citizen should apply for an appropriate entry visa.

If travellers covered by the scope of the new rules have questions or concerns, they should consult with their usual immigration counsel or with a member of the Immigration team with KPMG in the People’s Republic of China (see the Contacts section).

1  In Mandarin and English at this URL:  中华人民共和国出入境管理局关于实施便利香港特别行政区、澳门特别行政区永久性居民来往内地政策措施的公告 (nia.gov.cn).

2  China expanded temporary visa exemptions to 15 countries in the past six months.  The validity of the unilateral visa exemption policy is extended until 31 December 2025.  For related coverage, see the following issues of GMS Flash Alert: 2024-065 (20 March 2024) and 2023-245 (19 December 2023).

3  See National Immigration Administration (in English), "287 Million Exit-Entry Travelers Recorded in H1 2024" at: https://en.nia.gov.cn/n108/c122329/content.html .

This article is excerpted, with permission, from "New Exit/Entry Policies to Facilitate Mainland Travel from Hong Kong, Macao SARs," published in China Tax Alert (Issue 6, June 2024).

* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the People’s Republic of China.