China optimises entry-exit policies from 15 May 2023: Fast lanes restored, visa applications eased

閱讀中文版本

Mainland residents can apply for permits to travel as a group, visit relatives, and work and study in Hong Kong and Macao at any national entry and exit administration centre.

To further facilitate the cross-border travel of Chinese citizens and foreign nationals, China's National Immigration Administration has optimised the country's immigration policies effective 15 May 2023.

Mainland residents can resume applying for group travel permits to Hong Kong and Macao at any national entry and exit administration centre across the country, same as the application procedures of their household registration cities. Those who do not hold a permit for travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao, or those with expired permits, can submit their applications at any national entry and exit administration centre across the country with their resident ID cards – no other application materials are required. Permits will be issued within 20 days, after approval.

Mainland residents can also apply for permits to visit relatives, work and study in Hong Kong and Macao at any exit and entry administration centre across the country. The same applies to the application for a permit to stay in Hong Kong and Macao for other personal matters, such as medical treatment, handling litigation, inheritance and real estate, etc.

Meanwhile, China will fully restore fast-lane entry and exit services at all ports. In alignment with the practices and requirements pre-pandemic, the following persons are allowed to use fast lanes at border crossings:

• Chinese nationals with: 
  • Chinese ordinary passports;
  • Exit-Entry Permits for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao;
  • Exit-Entry Permits for Travelling to and from Taiwan;
  • Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (also known as Home Return Permits);
  • Five-year Mainland Travel Permits for Taiwan Residents;
  • Multiple Entry Permits valid for one year.
• Foreigners with:
  • their passports and China Foreigner's Permanent Resident Identity Cards;
  • their electronic passports and residence permits with a validity period of more than six months.
• Cabin crews:
  • Chinese crewmembers working on scheduled international flights;
  • foreign crewmembers who are visa-free or have obtained flight attendant/employment visas or residence permits for one year or longer.

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