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Hong Kong Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Mainland Chinese citizens need an Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP), applied for through local Public Security Bureau exit-entry offices or an Individual Visit Scheme endorsement; processing typically takes about 7-10 working days with a modest fee.

Guide last updated October 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • A valid Chinese Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao (the "Home Return Permit" equivalent — technically the Exit-Entry Permit, EEP) rather than a standard passport-based visa
  • Completed application form at the local Exit-Entry Administration office of the Public Security Bureau
  • Recent passport-style photo as specified by the local exit-entry office
  • Household registration booklet (hukou) and national ID card for identity verification
  • Proof of residence in the applying city/province, since EEPs are issued by the applicant's local jurisdiction
  • Return or onward travel plans, especially if continuing to a third country from Hong Kong
  • Employer or school leave documentation if required by the local exit-entry office for certain applicant categories

Visa types

  • Individual Visit Endorsement (L): for tourism, issued to residents of eligible mainland cities under the Individual Visit Scheme, multiple entries typically valid for 1-5 years with stays of up to 7 days per visit
  • Business Endorsement (G or equivalent): for business visits, usually single or multiple entry depending on the applicant's documented business need
  • Group Tour Endorsement: for travelers joining an organized tour group, tied to the tour operator's arrangements
  • Other category endorsements (study, family visit) issued case by case through the local exit-entry office

How to apply

  • Visit the Exit-Entry Administration counter of the local Public Security Bureau in your city of household registration or legal residence
  • Submit the application form, photo, ID documents, and the relevant endorsement request (individual visit, business, or group)
  • Pay the processing fee at the counter (modest, typically under CNY 100 depending on the endorsement type)
  • Processing is typically completed within 7-10 working days for standard applications; some cities offer same-day or next-day service for renewals
  • Collect the EEP booklet with the approved endorsement in person or via the office's courier option

Fees & processing time

  • EEP issuance/renewal fee: typically around CNY 60-100
  • Endorsement fee (individual visit/business): generally a modest additional charge, often under CNY 100 combined
  • No third-party VAC fee, since this is handled entirely by the domestic Public Security Bureau system
  • Standard processing time: 7-10 working days for a new endorsement; renewals or re-issuance can sometimes be same-day in major cities
  • Expedited service is available in some cities for urgent travel, for an additional fee

Tips for China travelers

  • Check whether your home city is included in the Individual Visit Scheme, since not all mainland cities have endorsement eligibility, which affects how you must travel (individually vs. with a registered tour group)
  • Renew your EEP well before its multi-year validity expires or before the remaining pages run out, since a full booklet replacement takes longer than a simple endorsement renewal
  • Business travelers should keep documentation of their Hong Kong business purpose on hand, as entry officers at the border may ask for details even with a valid endorsement
  • The 7-day-per-visit limit under the Individual Visit Scheme is strictly enforced; longer stays require an alternative status or renewed entry
  • Hong Kong immigration at the border is separate from the mainland EEP system, so also carry a return itinerary in case of questions at Hong Kong's own checkpoints

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.