China/Hong Kong/Macao [Macau]: Documents required by Chinese nationals from Mainland China to enter and exit Hong Kong and Macao, including how the documents are processed by border officials (2012-January 2015)

1. Exit-Entry Permits for Travelling from Mainland China [1] to Hong Kong and Macao

According to Article 10 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China,

Chinese citizens who travel between the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, between the Mainland and the Macao Special Administrative Region, and between the Mainland and Taiwan Region, shall apply for exit/entry permits in accordance with the law, and abide by the relevant provisions of this Law. (China 2012)

The website of the Shanghai Airport Authority indicates that residents of mainland China travelling to Hong Kong and Macao require "an Exit-entry Permit for traveling to Hong Kong and Macao and the valid endorsement" (Shanghai Airport Authority n.d.). Similarly, in correspondence with the Research Directorate, a representative of the Immigration Department of Hong Kong stated that for "private visits" to Hong Kong, residents of Mainland China are "required to obtain an 'Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP)' with an appropriate endorsement relating to the purpose of entry from the relevant Public Security Bureau Office" (Hong Kong 7 Jan. 2015). The website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department indicates that endorsements are issued for personal travel by mainland citizens for the following purposes: visiting relatives (tanqing), sightseeing in a group tour (tuandui luyou), sightseeing as an individual (geren luyou) [for residents of Guangdong Province and 28 cities, including Shanghai and Beijing], business visits (shangwu), and "other purposes" (qita), such as "treating an illness, attending a funeral or participating in proceedings" (ibid. 19 Dec. 2014a). According to the same source, "[i]n general, a Mainland resident who is in possession of a valid EEP bearing a valid exit endorsement may be landed in Hong Kong as a visitor, with a limit of stay in accordance with the exit endorsement, provided that normal immigration requirements are met" (ibid.). The representative of the Hong Kong Immigration Department explained that, "if normal immigration requirements are met, [mainland Chinese citizens] may be granted [authorization] to stay in Hong Kong as a visitor in accordance with the period mentioned on the endorsement of their EEPs; normally 7 to 90 days" (ibid. 13 Jan. 2015). For additional information on travel by Chinese citizens to Hong Kong, please see the Responses to Information Requests ZZZ104160 and ZZZ104526.

In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a representative of the Immigration Department of Macao indicated that Mainland Chinese citizens who intend to come to Macao for tourism "should apply to the Immigration Control Division of the Public Security Department in China for a two-way Permit which is attached [to] an Exit Endorsement to Macao. The limit of stay in Macao (i.e. 'number of days allowed to stay in Macao') should be indicated in the Endorsement" (Macao 14 Jan. 2015). Information sent to the Research Directorate from the Canadian Embassy in Beijing indicates that Chinese citizens from the Mainland entering Macao "for any purpose" require an exit-entry permit (Canada 8 Dec. 2014). According to the same source, "this applies only when arriving directly from the mainland" (ibid.).

1.1 Electronic (Smart Card) Permit

Sources report that China began a pilot project in Guangdong Province in May 2014, introducing electronic exit-entry permits for travel to Hong Kong and Macao (Xinhua 19 May 2014; Canada 15 Jan. 2015). Information provided by the Canadian embassy in Beijing explains that Guangdong citizens can choose to apply for the electronic permits or can continue to use the paper exit-entry permits along with their passports until they expire (ibid.). The same source indicated that Chinese citizens from other provinces continue to use paper permits and passports (ibid.). However, according to Chinese media sources, China announced that the digital permit system would "go digital nationwide" in September 2014 (Xinhua 10 Sept. 2014; Shanghai Daily 11 Sept. 2014). The electronic card reportedly contains a chip storing the holder's personal information, fingerprints, and entry permit information (ibid.; Xinhua 19 May 2014). The English-language newspaper Shanghai Daily indicates, additionally, that the card is "the size of an identity card" (Shanghai Daily 11 Sept. 2014). Sources report that the electronic card's validity period is 10 years (ibid.; Xinhua 10 Sept. 2014), or 5 years for youths under age 16 (ibid.). Shanghai Daily indicates that the old entry permits can still be used if they are valid (11 Sept. 2014).

In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a representative of the Macao Immigration Department explained that "a Two-Way Exit Permit which is attached with a valid 'Exit Endorsement to Macao' in [a] paper booklet and new electronic smart card are both acceptable documents for entry to and departure from Macao" (Macao 21 Jan. 2015).

1.2 Processing of Exit-Entry Permits at Checkpoints

Sources report that Hong Kong implemented a "non-stamping immigration clearance arrangement" in March 2013 for arriving visitors (Hong Kong Business 19 Mar. 2013; Xinhua 20 Mar. 2013; Hong Kong 19 Dec. 2014b). Under the new arrangement, all travellers are issued with a landing slip instead of having their documents stamped; no slips are issued upon departure and documents are not stamped (ibid.; Hong Kong Business 19 Mar. 2013; Xinhua 20 Mar. 2013). Sources indicate that the landing slip displays the traveller's English name, travel document number, arrival date, and conditions and limit of stay in Hong Kong (ibid.; Hong Kong Business 19 Mar. 2013). According to the website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department, certain non-permanent residents (including foreign students, foreign domestic workers and other foreign workers) are issued a landing slip upon each arrival into Hong Kong, while other non-permanent residents are issued a landing slip upon their first entry only (Hong Kong 19 Dec. 2014b). The website also indicates that the landing slip should be kept for the duration of the stay in Hong Kong, but that slips can be replaced if lost and the loss of the slip "will not affect the departure clearance" (ibid.). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

Explaining the document processing procedure followed by border officials in Macao and Hong Kong, the Canadian embassy in Beijing indicated that, when entering the travel checkpoints in these areas, "a document reader will be used, which can read the bar code and chip on [exit-entry] passes" (Canada 8 Dec. 2014). The Xinhua News Agency reports that the Hong Kong and Macao "e-permit" allows a holder to use an "e-Channel service with finger print verification" at travel checkpoints (Xinhua 19 May 2014). According to an article by Shanghai Daily, which was given a tour of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, a "self-service channel" at that airport is available to holders of the new electronic permit (Shanghai Daily 11 Sept. 2014). The article explains that the procedure is as follows:

After inserting the card on the first machine, it scans the personal information and lets the traveller through the first gate. The second machine has two cameras that compares the identity picture with the traveller and checks the fingerprint. If they match, the traveller is allowed to go through the second gate. (ibid.)

The Hong Kong government website, which provides information about immigration services, explains that when using the e-Channel service at a checkpoint within Hong Kong, the traveller places the Exit-Entry Permit on the document reader to enter the e-Channel; after entering the e-Channel the traveller places their "enrolled thumb or finger" on the centre of the fingerprint scanner for verification (Hong Kong July 2014). Upon successful fingerprint verification, a landing slip is printed for the traveller (for arrivals only) (ibid.). The website indicates that the e-Channel service is available at nine control points in Hong Kong: Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, Shenzhen Bay, Man Kam To, Lok Ma Chau (Arrival), Macao Ferry Terminal, China Ferry Terminal, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, and Hong Kong International Airport (ibid.).

According to the representative of the Macao Immigration Department, Macao has implemented "stamp-free" procedures for travel documents for all visitors to Macao since July 2013 (Macao 21 Jan. 2015). The source explained that non-residents receive an "arrival card" which is printed upon entry and which contains "limit of stay" information (ibid.). The representative explained that Chinese citizens can enter Macao at border checkpoints: by land at the Border Gate, Interior Harbour, COTAI, Zhuhai-Macao Cross-border Industrial Zone; by sea at the Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal and Taipa Ferry Terminal; and by air at the Macao International Airport (ibid.).

2. Passports

According to the information provided by the Canadian embassy in Beijing, "passports are generally not used by Chinese nationals entering Hong Kong and Macao with [exit-entry] passes" (Canada 8 Dec. 2014). However, Chinese citizens arriving in Hong Kong or Macao from countries other than Mainland China are required to have a passport (ibid.). The embassy also explained that

[t]here are other times that a PRC [People's Republic of China] national entering Hong Kong or Macau might use their passports, such as when travelling through one of these areas en route to a third country. The PRC nationals are able to enter Hong Kong/Macau by virtue of having the plane reservation departing Hong Kong/Macau. (ibid.)

According to the representative of the Hong Kong Immigration Department,

[h]olders of [the PRC] passport who are in transit through the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to and from another country or territory (e.g. USA > HKSAR>Mainland China and Mainland China> HKSAR> USA) may be granted a stay of seven days on each landing [in Hong Kong] without prior need to obtain an entry permit.

If a Mainland resident is in possession of both valid EEP and PRC passport, he/she may, upon his/her entry into Hong Kong and in accordance with his/her purpose of visit, produce his/her EEP or PRC passport (except [when] arriving from Macao and [travelling] via Hong Kong to the Mainland) for entry into Hong Kong. (Hong Kong 7 Jan. 2015)

According to the representative of the Immigration Department of Macao, there are two ways that Chinese citizens from the Mainland may enter Macao on a "transit basis":

a) The holders of a valid Chinese passport with a valid residence document or visa of a third country or region [emphasis in the original] are entitled to visa-free transit through Macao and 5-day Authorization to Stay. In other words, they do not need to apply for an entry visa to come to Macao. Such persons can enter and exit Macao at any border checkpoint, including the checkpoint at the Exterior Harbour which allows travel to and from Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the checkpoint at the Border Gate neighboring Zhuhai and the checkpoint at the Macao International Airport. (Remark: Our immigration officers at the border checkpoint check the visitors' residence document or visa of a third country or region. Visitors who do not meet the requirements can be refused entry to Macao.)

b) The holders of a valid Chinese passport are entitled to visa-free entry to Macao on a transit basis and are granted Authorization to Stay for a maximum of 5 days. In other words, they do not need to apply for an entry visa to come to Macao. Please note that they are required to possess the entry visa to a third country/region and air ticket which is flying from Macao International Airport. (Macao 14 Jan. 2015)

2.1 Passport Processing at the Border

According to the Immigration Department of Macao, "[t]he immigration officers at the border checkpoint scan the visitor's passport upon entry and exit from Macau" (ibid.). The Canadian embassy in Beijing also explained that if a PRC national is arriving into Hong Kong and Macao from an international destination, their passport will be scanned (Canada 8 Dec. 2014). Additionally, according to the Canadian embassy, a Canadian official in Guangzhou "has observed PRC nationals with passports showing exit and entry stamps for day trips to Macau from the mainland, which suggests that the passports are scrutinized to the same degree that you would expect all points of exit/entry throughout China" (ibid.).

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 for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Note

[1] Mainland China refers to the People's Republic of China, excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau (Cao and Poy, 2011).

References

Canada. 15 January 2015. Embassy of Canada in Beijing. Correspondence from a representative to the Research Directorate.

_____. 8 December 2014. Embassy of Canada in Beijing. Correspondence from a representative to the Research Directorate.

China. 2012. Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China. Translation from the website of the Bureau of Exit and Entry Administration of the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China. [Accessed 9 Jan. 2015]

Cao, Huhua and Vivienne Poy. 2011. The China Challenge: Sino-Canadian Relations in the 21st Century. Ottawa: University of Ottawa Press.

Hong Kong. 13 January 2015. Immigration Department. Correspondence from a representative to the Research Directorate.

_____. 7 January 2015. Immigration Department. Correspondence from a representative to the Research Directorate.

_____. 19 December 2014a. Immigration Department. "Arrangement for Entry to Hong Kong from Mainland China." [Accessed 7 Jan. 2015]

_____. 19 December 2014b. Immigration Department. "Non-stamping Immigration Clearance Arrangement." [Accessed 9 Jan. 2014]

_____. July 2014. "E-Channel Service for Holders of Electronic Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao." [Accessed 9 Jan. 2014]

Hong Kong Business.19 March 2013. "What You Need to Know About the New Immigration System." [Accessed 9 Jan. 2015]

Macao. 21 January 2015. Immigration Department. Correspondence from a representative to the Research Directorate.

_____. 14 January 2015. Immigration Department. Correspondence from a representative to the Research Directorate.

Shanghai Airport Authority. N.d. "Entry and Exit Inspection." [Accessed 8 Jan. 2015]

Shanghai Daily. 11 September 2014. "New Card Makes Trips to HK, Macau Easier." (Factiva)

Xinhua News Agency. 10 September 2014. Dan Zhang. "Travel Pass for HK, Macao Goes Digital." [Accessed 7 Jan. 2015]

_____. 19 May 2014. "China to Pilot Digital Exit-Entry Permit to HK, Macao." [Accessed 7 Jan. 2015]

_____. 20 March 2013. "HK to Implement Non-stamping Immigration Clearance." [Accessed 9 Jan. 2015]

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: The Macau Government Tourist Office was unable to provide information for this Response. Attempts to contact the following were unsuccessful within the time constraints of this Response: Macau International Airport.

Internet sites, including: Amnesty International; British Broadcasting Corporation; China - Beijing Capital International Airport Co., Embassy in the United States of America, Ministry of Public Security; China Daily; China Radio International; ecoi.net; Global Times; Macau - Public Security Police; Macau Daily Times; Macau Business Daily; Macau International Airport; South China Morning Post; United Nations - Integrated Regional Information Networks, Refworld, ReliefWeb; United States - Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Department of State.

Date modified:

2015-08-13