Hong Kong Visa RequirementsFor China passport holders
Chinese passport holders from mainland China require a permit to visit Hong Kong. The permit costs approximately USD 30 and allows stays of up to 7 days for mainland Chinese citizens under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS). Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China with its own immigration system, and mainland Chinese citizens must obtain an Endorsement (Exit-Entry Permit) through Public Security Bureau offices in China.
China passport holders require a visa to enter Hong Kong.
Apply for the Exit-Entry Permit (ๆธฏๆพณ้่ก่ฏ) at the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Public Security Bureau in your home city or province. The permit costs approximately RMB 200 to 300 and is typically valid for 5 years with multiple entries. For IVS cities (49 designated cities), the permit holder can endorse a "personal visit" stamp. Residents of non-IVS cities must join an authorized group tour. Processing time is usually 5 to 15 working days.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
China to Hong Kong: What You Need to Know
Hong Kong operates under "one country, two systems" and has its own immigration rules separate from mainland China. Mainland Chinese citizens visit Hong Kong using the Home Return Card (ๅไนก่ฏ, Hui Xiang Zheng) or the Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (ๆธฏๆพณ้่ก่ฏ). These are issued by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) in China, not an embassy. The Hong Kong Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) is available to residents of 49 mainland cities, allowing solo travel rather than group tours. Residents of other mainland cities can visit as part of organized tours.
Practical Tips
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong dollar (HKD); USD is also widely accepted. The Octopus Card covers all MTR subway, buses, trams, ferries, and many retail purchases. Hong Kong is one of the world's great shopping destinations; Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, and Mong Kok are major retail hubs. WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted throughout Hong Kong. Cantonese is the primary language but Mandarin is widely understood. Hong Kong has no internet restrictions; all websites and apps including Google, YouTube, and Instagram are freely accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mainland Chinese citizens need a visa to visit Hong Kong?
Mainland Chinese citizens do not use a standard visa to visit Hong Kong. Instead, they use the Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (ๆธฏๆพณ้่ก่ฏ, also called Hui Xiang Zheng or Home Return Card). This permit is issued by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) in China. Residents of 49 designated IVS cities can visit independently; others must travel in organized groups.
How long can mainland Chinese citizens stay in Hong Kong?
The standard permitted stay for mainland Chinese IVS visitors is 7 days per visit. Multiple entries are possible within the validity of the permit. If you need a longer stay (for business, family, or study), a separate authorization or visa from Hong Kong Immigration may be required.
Is internet unrestricted in Hong Kong?
Yes. Unlike mainland China, Hong Kong has completely unrestricted internet access. Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and all websites blocked in mainland China are freely accessible in Hong Kong. Chinese apps like WeChat and Weibo also continue to work normally. No VPN is needed in Hong Kong.
What are the top experiences in Hong Kong for mainland Chinese visitors?
Victoria Harbour light show (Symphony of Lights), The Peak (views over the city), Disneyland Hong Kong, Ocean Park, Mong Kok street markets, Sham Shui Po electronics and fabrics markets, dim sum in Yum Cha restaurants, Temple Street Night Market, and Lantau Island (Giant Buddha) are top highlights. Hong Kong is also a premier duty-free shopping destination for luxury goods, cosmetics, and electronics.