Entry Permit Requirements of
Hong Kong for PRC Nationals

This leaflet tries to answer questions often asked by business organizations in Hong Kong when attempting to apply for entry permits for PRC nationals to work, visit on business, training or on holiday in Hong Kong. It hopes to provide more useful background information for Chamber members but cannot be taken as a full statement of the law governing immigration. Even where all immigration requirements set out in this leaflet are met, travellers should not assume that they could gain automatic entry. The HKSAR immigration authorities have the right to refuse any person permission to land. It should be noted that this leaflet is for the benefit of business organizations in Hong Kong and does not address the family reunion or the right of abode issues.

Let's take a hypothetical case to help answer some questions.

Mr Zhao Wei, holder of an official PRC passport, is living in Beijing and has never been to Hong Kong before. He works for a state-owned enterprise which has recently formed a joint venture with an overseas multi-national enterprise having a regional office in Hong Kong. Being head of the Beijing office, he anticipates his colleagues and himself may have to make frequent trips to Hong Kong. He realizes an immediate need to obtain more information about application of entry permits to Hong Kong.

1 Are PRC nationals allowed to enter Hong Kong with "Permits"?

Yes. They can enter into Hong Kong via 4 kinds of permits:

(a) Chinese Travel Permit is issued to Mainland residents coming to Hong Kong for official purposes by the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) or the authorised Foreign Affairs Offices (FAO) with an appropriate endorsement relating to the purpose of entry at the HKMAO;

(b) Two-way Permit is issued to those coming for sightseeing or visiting relatives;

(c) One-way Permit is issued to those coming to Hong Kong for settlement (this leaflet does not address the one-way permit issue);

(d) Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to Hong Kong and Macao is issued by the Public Security Bureau Office (PSBO) to those coming for business visit and training in their private capacity.

2 Permit for Official Purpose

2.1 Mr Zhao's friend is working for a state-sponsored enterprise in Beijing and will visit Hong Kong for official purpose. What should he do beforehand?

He has to apply for a Chinese Travel Permit from HKMAO or the authorized FAO. Holders of such permits wishing to enter Hong Kong for visit, employment, training or education should also apply for an appropriate endorsement relating to the purpose of entry at the HKMAO.

2.2 If he needs to arrange some sporting and cultural performers coming to Hong Kong for a performance, what should he do?

Mainland sporting and cultural visitors (who must have Chinese Travel Permits) coming to Hong Kong for performance in arts or participation in cultural and recreational activities have to submit their applications at the HKMAO. Upon approval, an appropriate endorsement will be made on their Chinese Travel Permits to allow them to come to Hong Kong.

3 Permit for Private Visit

3.1 Mr Zhao plans to visit his relatives in Hong Kong. Where should he apply for an appropriate permit?

He is required to obtain a Two-way Permit and an exit-entry endorsement from the PSBO.

3.2 But what should he do when he plans his Mainland colleagues to visit Hong Kong for a group tour?

They can come to Hong Kong with Two-way Permits issued by the PSBO for sightseeing between 3 and 14 days as members of group tours operated by either the China Travel Service Co Ltd, Guangdong Tour Co Ltd, Hua Min Tour Co Ltd, or China International Travel Co Ltd.

4 Permit for Business Visit

4.1 Mr Zhao will come to the Hong Kong office for business meetings. Where should he apply for a permit?

He is required to obtain an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to Hong Kong and Macao and a business visit endorsement valid for single, double or multiple-journey from the PSBO. Visits for business purpose are normally not more than 14 days.

4.2 His colleague, a PRC passport holder working overseas, will attend the same meeting with Mr Zhao. Does she have to apply for an entry permit?

Yes. She has to apply for an appropriate entry permit at the Chinese diplomatic and consular mission nearest to her place of residence. Alternatively she may also submit the application by sending the completed application form by post directly to the HKSAR Immigration Department (HKID) or through her sponsor in Hong Kong.

5 Transit

5.1 Mr Zhao's subordinate in Beijing will be transferred to Austria. When she comes to Hong Kong in transit and stays for a few days for shopping, does she have to apply for an entry permit?

Being a Chinese passport holder who is in transit through Hong Kong to and/or from another country or territory, she will be granted a stay of 7 days on each landing without the prior need to obtain an entry permit provided that usual immigration requirements (eg, possession of valid entry facilities for the destination, confirmed onward booking for the overseas journey, etc) are met.

5.2 Another colleague, a PRC passport holder stationed overseas, will be in transit through Hong Kong to and from PRC. Does she need an entry permit?

Same as 5.1.

Next Page >>

click here Technology Department if you have any queries on the information posted in this page.