| Key Facts : Hong Kong for Chinese Citizens | |
|---|---|
| Entry Requirement | Home Return Permit (回乡证) : Separate System |
| Document | Home Return Permit (回乡证 / Huixiang Zheng) |
| Issued By | Mainland public security bureaux (not IMMD) |
| Stay Allowed | Up to 7 days (tourism) / Up to 3 months (other) |
| Note | Hong Kong is a separate immigration territory from mainland China |
Chinese Mainland Citizens and Hong Kong Entry
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China with its own immigration controls, separate from the mainland. Chinese mainland citizens do not use a standard tourist visa to visit Hong Kong. Instead, they must hold a valid Home Return Permit (Huixiang Zheng / 回乡证).
Home Return Permit Details
- Also known as: Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (港澳居民来往内地通行证) for HK/Macao residents, or Home Return Permit for mainland citizens
- Issued by: Mainland public security authorities
- Not processed through Hong Kong Immigration Department (IMMD)
- Stay: Up to 7 days per visit for tourism; up to 3 months for other permitted purposes
Important Note on Hong Kong's Immigration System
Because Hong Kong operates under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, it maintains a completely separate immigration system from mainland China. Mainland citizens must comply with Hong Kong's immigration requirements independently of any mainland travel documents.
Last updated: March 2026. Always verify current requirements at immd.gov.hk before travel.
Related Visa Guides
Hong Kong Visa Overview HK Requirements HK Fees HK Processing Times All Destinations →Hong Kong Visa Cost & Validity for Chinese Citizens
Chinese citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Hong Kong. The fee is : and the visa permits a stay of :. Applications are filed at the nearest consulate and take : to process, so begin the procedure several weeks before departure.
Length of Stay & Overstaying Hong Kong
The standard tourist stay for Chinese citizens is :. Overstaying this limit in Hong Kong can lead to fines, deportation and a temporary re-entry ban, so track your permitted days carefully. If you need longer, enquire about an extension or a different visa category with Hong Kong’s immigration authority before your authorised stay expires.