What the permit is
Officially the 'Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents', issued by the Exit and Entry Administration and handled in Hong Kong through China Travel Service (CTS). It is both your ID and your border pass for mainland China.
Since 2013 it has been a card with a chip, close to ID-card size, which lets you use the automated e-channels at the border — far quicker than the old paper booklet.
Validity
- 18 and over: 10 years.
- Under 18: 5 years.
- Available to Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents.
What to bring
- The application form (can be pre-filled online).
- Your Hong Kong permanent identity card, original and copy.
- A compliant white-background colour photo (usually can be taken on site).
- If under 18: birth certificate, guardian's ID and consent.
- For renewal, surrender the old permit.
- Appointments are made through the CTS online booking system; there are service centres across districts.
- Processing time varies with workload and lengthens before holidays — allow plenty of margin.
- Fees, processing times and booking methods change; always confirm against the latest official notice.
Lost or expired
If you lose the permit inside the mainland, report it to the local police and get a report, then apply at the local exit-entry office for a one-off temporary permit to return to Hong Kong. Back in Hong Kong you apply for a replacement. The process takes one to several days, so keep the card on your person and a copy on your phone.
Using it inside the mainland
- Valid at all mainland ports of entry, but not for Taiwan or third countries.
- Hotels must be licensed to accept Hong Kong residents — some guesthouses are not, so we confirm before booking.
- Rail tickets, mobile numbers and bank accounts all require real-name registration, and the permit is your ID for that.
- For Tibet, a Home Return Permit means no Tibet permit is needed, but real-name registration and a guide arranged by an agency are still required.
How we help
We cannot apply for the permit on your behalf, but we check its validity before your trip, advise on renewal timing, and help with hotel registration and rail-ticket verification during the trip.