To the residents of Hong Kong and Macao, getting to the Mainland of China does not only need a passport or ID card. Rather, a Mainland Travel Permit is an official document that has been used by the Chinese authorities to permit entry, stay and travel in Mainland China. No matter which type of visit you have in mind; family, studying, developing your business behind the border, this permit is a vital piece in guaranteeing the mobility.
With this guide, you will learn what is the Mainland Travel Permit, who should have it, essential documents and the application procedures.
What is a Mainland Travel Permit?
Mainland Travel Permit of Hong Kong and Macao Residents: is a formal entry document that is issued by the National Immigration Administration of China. It is also called the Home Return Permit (返家证) which is used as both a travel document and identity document when travelling within Mainland China.
This permit is special to permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macao which is not available on a conventional visa or a passport. It is a document of identity and residency in Mainland China and a vital document for personal use, professional and in a business context.
The Reason Why Residents of Hong Kong And Macao Have to Use Mainland Travel Permit
In Hong Kong and Macao the arrangement of One Country, Two Systems demands the use of the Mainland Travel Permit. Unless this special permit is granted, residents of these areas are not allowed freedom to enter Mainland China.
Key benefits include:
Travel Convenience: You do not need to apply a visa every time you travel to the mainland of China.
Business Opportunities: easy entry of businessmen, investors, and employees in the cities in the Mainland.
Education and Family Visits: The easiest way to have them is when people are studying or visiting their family members.
Obedience to Mainland Regulations: Assures you that you are complying with the lawful regulations of traveling across the borders.
To the business and professionals, the carrying of this permit will ease traveling restrictions across borders, facilitating the smooth operations in between countries.
Who is Eligible a Mainland Travel Permit?
Eligibility normally includes:
- Hong Kong permanent residents that possess a valid Hong Kong Identity Card.
- The permanent residents of Macao having a valid Macao Identity Card.
- Hong Kong/Macao residents who have children, according to residency.
In certain instances, non-permanent residents are also eligible by virtue of their possession of the right of abode.
Paperwork to get Mainland Travel Permit
In general, to apply, you will need:
- Legal Hong Kong or Macao identification card.
- Evidence of permanent residence.
- Completed application form
- Current passport-sized photographs (of official dimension)
- Child supporting papers (birth certificate, parents ID, and so on)
Any time you want to apply, make sure you verify the current requirements with the China travel service (CTS), the official body dealing with submissions.
Step by Step Process of Application
- Make Documents ready – Obtain all the necessary documents, ID card and residency.
- Visit CTS Service Office- Take your application to a Chinese Travel Service (CTS) office.
- Complete Application Form – Enter the personal information and choose the kind of permit (new, renewal, or replacement).
- Pay the Application Fee- Fees will differ according to the type of permit.
- Waiting: Processing Standard processing varies between 7 and 14 working days.
- Collect Permit – When this has been approved, you may collect your Mainland Travel Permit at the CTS office.
How Long is the Mainland Travel Permit Valid?
The mainland Travel Permit is consistently valid.
Adults (18 years and over): 10 years validity.
Children (under 18 years): 5 years validity.
Residents have an option of renewing or replacing they lose or expire at the same CTS offices.
Frequent Inquiries of Mainland Travel Permit
Yes. It is a valid identity document in Mainland China.
The Mainland Travel Permit is a long-term permit to the residents of Hong Kong and Macao, and a visa is needed among the foreigners.
Generally, no. The permit is only for permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macao of Chinese nationality.
No. The permit permits entry and residence and employment needs further permission. Labor laws in Mainland should be adhered to by the companies.
How FastLane HR Can Help You
It might look easy to apply to travel documents, yet when a business ventures to Mainland China it is not unusual to encounter extra visa and compliance, cross-border HR issues. FastLane HR can help you there.
We provide:
- The services include expert visa consultation to companies and employees in the travel of Hong Kong, Macao and China.
- Cross-border HR compliance assistance to enable businesses to operate within the law and with ease.
- Entrepreneur and SMEs customized solutions that provide business mobility in mainland China.
Our professional support will enable you to concentrate on the development of your business as we dispel the hassles involved in visa and compliance regulations.
Conclusion
The Mainland Travel Permit is not only a travel document but a key to unlock in Hong Kong and Macao residents to get a chance in Mainland China. Whether it is personal visits or business expansion, this permit makes cross border traveling legal and easy.
FastLane HR can assist your company or employees with the need to support Mainland travel, visa applications, as well as HR compliance.
Contact FastLane HR to make your cross-border mobility easy.