New China Travel Card/Permit for HK PRs

[Cheeky Kiwi]

Valid for 5 years for 90 days stay

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/...gtype=homepage


Edited:

a) Application Process: https://geoexpat.com/forum/thread367838.html
b) Fingerprints / Entering China: https://geoexpat.com/forum/thread367825.html

[LoganH]

I know there are a good number of us that are HK permanent residents (non-Chinese), and at least some also regularly visit mainland China. As a US citizen, I got a 10-year multiple-entry visa that allows stays of up to 60 days, and it hasn't been that bad to use it using the foreigner line.

However, I have been a bit jealous of those that could just scan their return mainland permit or mainland ID to enter and exit mainland China even more easily. Exiting and entering HK is about as smooth as could be with the simple fingerprint scan, and so if this new permit announced today (1 July) allows use of such entry/exit gates without having to talk to a mainland China immigration official each time then that'd be nice.

The official details seem to be at https://www.nia.gov.cn/n897453/c1659181/content.html and applications will be accepted 10 July 2024 and onwards at CTS offices.

My Chinese visa expires next year, so I'll probably just wait till then to try to get this permit.

As this isn't about immigration into HK, I didn't feel like I should post this there, but feel free to move this thread if it should be elsewhere.

[shri]

Hasnt it been that way for a while? Or am I missing a new change / tweak here?

https://geoexpat.com/forum/54/thread366643.html

Hong Kong permanent residents and Non-Chinese Hong Kong residents who are traveling to the mainland for business, tourism and family-visiting purposes. Eligible applicants can apply for multiple-entry visas valid for up to 5 years and 2 years, respectively. 

Notice on Visa Facilitation For Non-Chinese Hong Kong Residents

[Cheeky Kiwi]

Seems this is the new part:

Permit holders can clear customs using express lanes after having their fingerprints collected and carrying out other procedures.

[shri]

@LoganH - Thanks for posting this.

So the announcement today is more about the self-service access lane (similar to Macau entry?) and not about a new visa scheme as such?

[shri]

Seems this is the new part:

Permit holders can clear customs using express lanes after having their fingerprints collected and carrying out other procedures.

Yeah.. thanks for that. I took the "visa" thing too literally and did not equate this to a self service travel permit similar to Macau travel for HKPR.

[emx]

The last sentence in the English translation:

The holder shall not work, study or engage in news coverage activities in the mainland of China with the Permit.

[shri]

Standard in almost every third-world country, including India. For some reason or the other journalists require a special visa in India.

Quite a few youtubers have been messed around with because they allegedly "worked" or "covered news".

[aatang18]

The cards cost HK$260 for an initial application, with the renewal and replacement fee marked at 230 yuan.
I saw this from the Macao News, so basically it will be like a HPR, a physical card which can be used as Id in China as well?

[LoganH]

Yeah the official source showed a picture of what looks very similar to a return homeland permit, and it says it'll start with HA for Hong Kong permanent residents and MA for Macau permanent residents. However, I don't know why the link doesn't work anymore. I've definitely had issues with official Chinese immigration websites in the past.

Now that I can't read the same official annoucement, from memory it didn't mention being able to use the express lanes, but as it's a card issued by CTS/Chinese immigration that'd make sense.

Anyway, more information will come out later, and should probably be available via CTS. It also mentioned being able to travel for business and investment purposes in addition to tourism and visiting family. It's not for regular employment or studying, but I'd say it's step in the right direction and it's easier to go to a CTS office than the relevant Chinese immigration tower in Wan Chai.