Hong Kong Residents: How to Apply for Mainland China Multi-Entry Visas

Key Takeaways:

• Hong Kong permanent residents can apply for a five-year multi-entry visa to enhance travel convenience to Mainland China.
• Eligibility requires a Hong Kong permanent identity card, valid passport, and specific documents, including nationality proof and recent photo.
• The online application involves form submission, appointment booking, and in-person document verification at designated China Travel Service centers.

How Can Hong Kong Permanent Residents Apply for Mainland China Multi-Entry Visas?

Hong Kong remains a pivotal gateway to Mainland China, especially with the recent announcement from China’s National Immigration Administration introducing a streamlined visa process for Hong Kong permanent residents. This new five-year multi-entry visa promises to enhance travel convenience and foster stronger ties within the Greater Bay Area. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to apply for this visa, covering all the necessary steps, requirements, and finer details.

Who Is Eligible for the Mainland China Multi-Entry Visa?

Eligibility requirements:

• Hong Kong permanent residents holding foreign passports.

Key benefits:

• Visa holders can stay in Mainland China for up to 90 days per visit.
• It covers various activities including investment, visiting relatives, tourism, business, seminars, and exchanges.

What Are the Preliminary Steps Before Applying?

Step 1: Obtaining the Notice of Application for Access to Information

1. Visit the Hong Kong Government Website: Start by accessing the official Hong Kong government website.
2. Request the Notice: Apply for the “Notice of Application for Access to Information.” This document verifies your Hong Kong permanent residency status and nationality.
3. Processing Time: This process typically takes up to 10 working days.
4. Validity: The notice is valid for six months.

How to Prepare the Required Documents?

Before you proceed with the online application, gather the following documents:

1. Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card: Proof of your permanent residency.
2. Valid Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
3. Nationality Certificates: Proof of your nationality.
4. Recent Passport-Sized Photo: Must be taken within the last six months.
5. Additional Documents for Minors: If the applicant is under 18, their legal guardian must provide identity documents and proof of relationship.

What Is the Online Application Process?

Step 1: Fill Out the Online Form on CTS Website

Start your application on the China Travel Service (CTS) Hong Kong website. Fill out the following personal details:

• Full name and date of birth
• Place of birth and nationality
• Occupation and Hong Kong telephone number
• Residential document details and passport information
• Previous mainland visa details (if applicable)
• Emergency contact information from Hong Kong, Macau, or the mainland

Step 2: Appointment Booking

After submitting your online application:

1. Choose a CTS Service Center: Select from available centers such as Central, Kowloon Bay, Kwai Chung, Sha Tin, Tuen Mun, or Mong Kok.
2. Schedule an Appointment: Select an available date and time.
3. Receive Confirmation: Await an email confirming your appointment details.

What Are the In-Person Submission Requirements?

Step 1: Visit Your Chosen CTS Service Center

Go to the service center at your scheduled time, bringing all necessary original documents and their copies. If you did not upload a photo online, you can use the instant photo service provided at the center.

Step 2: Submit Documents and Verify Information

• Present the Notice of Application for Access to Information.
• Verify the printed details from your online application.
• Sign the confirmation, which will then become the official application form.

How Long Is the Processing Time and What Are the Fees?

Processing Time: Once your application is accepted, the permit will be issued within 20 working days.

Fees:

• The first application fee is HK$260 (about US$33).
• Renewals or replacements in Mainland China cost 230 yuan (around US$32).

Are There Specific Photo Requirements?

Yes, the photo must meet the following specifications:

• Full-face, colored picture with a white background
• No hat or glasses
• Taken within the last six months

Instant photo services are available at CTS service centers, ensuring that your photo meets all requirements.

What Additional Information Is Needed?

Emergency Contact Details: Applicants must provide emergency contact information from Hong Kong, Macau, or Mainland China.

Notification Process: Upon preliminary verification of the submitted data, applicants will receive an email notification to confirm their chosen CTS service center and appointment time.

How to Collect the Permit?

Notification of Collection:

Once the processing is complete, applicants will be notified to collect their permit from the designated application office.

Collection for Minors: Legal guardians can collect the permit on behalf of applicants under the age of 18.

Renewal and Replacement Information

For renewing or replacing the visa, applicants can approach CTS Hong Kong, CTS Macau, or Mainland China exit-entry administration offices. The cost for renewal or replacement in Mainland China is 230 yuan.

What Locations Offer CTS Service Centers?

CTS service centers are conveniently located in:

• Central
• Kowloon Bay
• Kwai Chung
• Sha Tin
• Tuen Mun
• Mong Kok

Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Important Considerations

Validity of the Permit: It is valid for five years, allowing for stays of up to 90 days per visit.

Permitted Activities: The visa permits investment, visiting relatives, tourism, business, seminars, and exchanges in Mainland China.

Restrictions: Visa holders cannot engage in work, study, or news-related activities while in Mainland China.

Additional Resources

For more comprehensive and authoritative information about visa requirements and the application process, you can visit the National Immigration Administration of China.

This new multi-entry travel permit simplifies the process for Hong Kong permanent residents with foreign passports to travel to Mainland China, enhancing convenience and fostering closer ties within the region. According to VisaVerge.com, this initiative represents a significant step towards greater integration within the Greater Bay Area, benefiting both personal and professional pursuits for Hong Kong residents.

By following this detailed guide, Hong Kong permanent residents can confidently apply for the new Mainland China multi-entry visa, making travel more seamless and accessible for various short-term purposes.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Terms

1. Hong Kong Permanent Resident (HKPR): An individual who holds a permanent residency status in Hong Kong, granting them the right to reside in Hong Kong indefinitely without any restrictions.
2. Multi-Entry Visa: A type of visa that allows the holder to enter and exit the issuing country multiple times within the visa’s validity period. In this context, it refers to the five-year visa for Hong Kong permanent residents to travel to Mainland China.
3. China Travel Service (CTS): An organization that facilitates the application and processing of travel documents, including visas, for individuals traveling between Hong Kong and Mainland China.
4. Notice of Application for Access to Information: A document provided by the Hong Kong government verifying a person’s Hong Kong permanent residency status and nationality, required for applying for the Mainland China multi-entry visa.
5. Greater Bay Area: An economic and urban development initiative aimed at integrating and developing the cities and regions of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau to foster closer economic cooperation and travel ease.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Hong Kong permanent residents can apply for Mainland China’s five-year multi-entry visa online via the China Travel Service (CTS) website. Required documents include a valid Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, passport, nationality certificates, and a recent photo. The visa allows stays up to 90 days per visit for investment, tourism, and more.
— By VisaVerge.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. If you reference or use any content from this article, please attribute it to VisaVerge.com by including a link to the original source. We appreciate your adherence to our content usage policies and your commitment to giving proper credit.

Read More

• Hong Kong Travel Permits: Economic Impact Analysis
• New Visa Measures for Hong Kong Residents Announced by John Lee
• China Offers 5-Year Visas for Hong Kong Permanent Residents
• US Announces New Visa Restrictions on Chinese and Hong Kong Officials
• New IRCC Temporary Policy for Hong Kong PR Applicants in Canada