Hong Kong passport · China · checked 2026-10-11

Do Hong Kong citizens need a visa for China?

The short answerYes, and more: Hong Kong citizens need a special permit for China. Check the official rules early. Go to the official site.

The official link goes to en.nia.gov.cn. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel. This row comes from a reputable source NUM hasn’t yet confirmed on the official page.

At a glance

China entry rules for Hong Kong citizens.

VerdictSpecial permit
DocumentMainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Home Return Permit)
StayNo fixed limit for Chinese-citizen residents
CheckedFrom a reputable source, not yet verified on the official page · 2026-10-11

The rest of the trip for a Hong Kong passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: China entry requirements.

Worth knowing

The details for a Hong Kong passport.

HKSAR passport holders are Chinese citizens and enter the mainland on the Home Return Permit, not the HKSAR passport. Non-Chinese permanent residents of HK/Macao can hold a version of the permit (exempt from the arrival card per NIA).

Your passport

How long it must be valid.

At least 6 months beyond arrival. For 240-hour visa-free transit, at least 3 months.

What changed

Recent changes in China.

  • 2025-06-01 — Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay added to 30-day visa-free entry.
  • 2025-06-09 — Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain added to 30-day visa-free entry.
  • 2025-06-12 — Indonesia added to 240-hour visa-free transit (55 countries).
Questions

The short answers.

Do Hong Kong citizens need a visa for China?

Yes, and more: Hong Kong citizens need a special permit for China. Check the official rules early.

How long can Hong Kong citizens stay in China?

No fixed limit for Chinese-citizen residents. Longer stays need a different visa.

Where do Hong Kong citizens apply?

On the official site, en.nia.gov.cn. NUM links it and never charges for the link.

Does NUM issue China visas?

No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.

Sources

Where this comes from.