China Extends 5-Year Travel Permit to Mainland for Non-Chinese Residents of Hong Kong and Macao

The National Immigration Administration announced a new five-year Mainland Travel Permit for foreign permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macao, allowing them to visit China for short-term purposes. The initiative aims to streamline immigration processes and enhance integration with the mainland, specifically within the Greater Bay Area.

On July 1, 2024, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced a new measure aimed at enhancing travel convenience for foreign permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macao. Starting July 10, 2024, these residents will be able to apply for a five-year Mainland Travel Permit (hereinafter, the “permit”), allowing them to visit the Chinese mainland for short-term purposes.

The initiative is part of China’s ongoing efforts to streamline immigration processes and foster greater integration of Hong Kong and Macao with the mainland, particularly within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

To be eligible for the permit, applicants must:

The new travel permit covers the following scope:

The permit is valid for five years. During this period, holders can travel to the Chinese mainland multiple times, with each stay not exceeding 90 days.

Permit holders are not allowed to work, study, or engage in news coverage activities while in the Chinese mainland.

This article is republished from China Briefing. Read the rest of the original article.

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