• Text size  | | |
• Email this document
• Printable version

China: Whether Chinese citizens who are residents of mainland China require passports to enter Hong Kong

In the July 2001 issue of Travel Information Manual, nationals of China are not listed among those exempt from the passport requirement for Hong Kong (195-200).

The following information on entry to Hong Kong from mainland China is from the Internet website of the Hong Kong immigration department:

Arrangements for entry to Hong Kong from Mainland China

Entry for official purposes

State-sponsored applicants are required to obtain a Chinese Travel Permit from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office or the authorised Foreign Affairs Offices. Holders of such permits wishing to enter Hong Kong for visit, employment, training or education should apply for an appropriate endorsement relating to the purpose of entry at the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office.

Private Visits

2. Mainland residents who wish to visit their relatives in Hong Kong are required to obtain an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to Hong Kong and Macao and an exit-entry endorsement from the relevant Public Security Bureau Office.

Business Visits

3. Mainland residents who wish to make business trips to Hong Kong in their private capacity are 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 relevant Public Security Bureau Office.

Transit

4. Chinese passport holders who are in transit through Hong Kong to and from another country or territory may be granted a stay of seven days on each landing without the prior need to obtain an entry permit provided that usual immigration requirements are met, including possession of valid entry facilities for the destination and confirmed onward booking for the overseas journey.

Employment in Hong Kong

5. State employees coming to work for state-owned or joint-venture enterprises/organizations in Hong Kong should obtain an employment endorsement through the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office.

6. Mainland workers wishing to come to work in Hong Kong under the Importation of Labour Scheme may apply for entry permits through the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office. For detailed information, please refer to the pamphlet 'How to apply under Supplementary Labour Scheme'.

7. Mainland residents (the candidates) who wish to work in Hong Kong under the Admission of Talents Scheme should complete an application form ID915 (Chinese version) or ID915A (English version). Applications must be submitted by their employers who should be registered companies in Hong Kong. Direct applications by the candidates are not accepted. Successful candidates will be issued with an entry permit label (which will be collected from the Immigration Department by the employers in Hong Kong). They should apply for an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to Hong Kong and Macau and an appropriate exit endorsement from the Public Security Bureau Office where their household registration is kept. For detailed information on the application procedures, necessary supporting documents, fees and processing time, please refer to the pamphlet on 'Admission of Talents Scheme' (ID919A).

Training in Hong Kong

8. Mainland residents who are employees or business associates sponsored by multi-national firms or well-established companies in Hong Kong may apply to enter Hong Kong for short term training not exceeding 12 months. Supporting documents required include details of the training programme and a copy of the training contract or agreement.

9. Mainland residents who receive training for official purpose should obtain the training entry permit through the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office. Those who come for training in their private capacity should send a completed application form ID(C)936 (Chinese version) or ID(E)936 (English version) direct by post or through their sponsors in Hong Kong to the Immigration Department. Applicants who have not yet been issued with a travel document should provide their name in English (pin yin) and copies of their identity card and household registration record as supporting documents (see paragraph 19 below). The Immigration Department will send the training entry permit label to the applicants directly or through their sponsors in Hong Kong. Applicants should present the entry permit label and the required documents to the relevant Public Security Bureau Office to apply for an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to Hong Kong and Macao and the training endorsement.

10. Applications for entry permit should be sent to the following address: Hong Kong Immigration Department, Receipt and Despatch Unit, 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Studying in Hong Kong

11. Holders of Chinese Travel Permits may apply to attend courses run by tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. Supporting documents showing the holder's academic qualifications and acceptance by the relevant institution are required. Applicants should obtain the student entry permit through the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

Hong Kong Immigration Department. 1 June 2001. "Arrangements for Entry to Hong Kong from Mainland China." <http://www.info.gov.hk/immd/english/topical/e/6.htm > [Accessed 22 June 2001]

Travel Information Manual (TIM). July 2001. "Hong Kong (SAR), China (HK)." Amsterdam: TIM.

Additional Sources Consulted

Embassy of China, Ottawa

LEXIS/NEXIS

Internet websites including:

Chinalaw

Hong Kong Immigration Department

US Department of State FOIA Website: 9 FAM Visas