The Exit and Entry Administration of China has decided to upgrade part of the border inspection fast channels in Shenzhen Bay Port in Shenzhen and Gongbei Port in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, on a trial basis. Specifically, individuals traveling frequently to and from Hong Kong and Macao for private purposes can use “document-free” channels.
What to Expect
Effective November 20, 2024, Chinese mainland residents aged 14 or older with valid Exit-Entry Permits for traveling to and from Hong Kong and Macao, and multiple valid stay, family reunion, business, talent or other type of endorsements for traveling to Hong Kong or Macao, and residents of Hong Kong and Macao (including non-Chinese citizens) with valid Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, can use the “document-free” channels at border inspection areas to enter and exit the Chinese mainland without presenting physical exit-entry documents, provided that they agree to allow the border inspection authorities in charge to collect their facial data, fingerprints and other necessary information for inspection.
Individuals choosing to pass through other inspection channels will still need to present their valid exit-entry documents for border inspection when entering or exiting the Chinese mainland. Chinese mainland residents holding exit-entry documents for public affairs will temporarily not be eligible to take the “document-free” channels and shall take other channels as usual.
Residents of the Chinese mainland are still required to hold exit-entry documents for inspection purposes when entering Hong Kong and Macao, while residents of Hong Kong and Macao are required to go through procedures for stay, residence, transportation and other issues with their exit-entry documents after entering the Chinese mainland. It is therefore required that all individuals hold their valid exit-entry documents when traveling between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong and Macao, even if they use the “document-free” channels.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.