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Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024
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China to ease restrictions for group tours to Hong Kong and Macau
China will fully resume the program for group travel visas for mainland residents to Hong Kong and Macau starting from May 15, the authorities announced. Residents may now submit their application at any public security office nationwide.
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) on Thursday announced further optimization of immigration-related policies from next Monday (May 15), including facilitating travel between the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau.
The measures included resuming a nationwide scheme to handle applications to visit relatives, work and study in Hong Kong and Macau. Residents can also apply for group tour visas to Hong Kong and Macau at any entry administration center.
Expedited customs clearance at ports will be resumed, said the NIA. Citizens in the mainland holding ordinary passports, permits for travel to and from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and residents of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan holding valid permits for travel to and from the mainland will be able to use the fast-track channels.
People with valid foreign passports and permanent Chinese residence permits will also be allowed to use the fast-lane services, it added.
Immigration authorities will also adjust the validity period of stay visa for mainland students studying in Macau from a maximum of one year to the same period of their study in Macau.
The measures included resuming a nationwide scheme to handle applications to visit relatives, work and study in Hong Kong and Macau. Residents can also apply for group tour visas to Hong Kong and Macau at any entry administration center.
Expedited customs clearance at ports will be resumed, said the NIA. Citizens in the mainland holding ordinary passports, permits for travel to and from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and residents of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan holding valid permits for travel to and from the mainland will be able to use the fast-track channels.
People with valid foreign passports and permanent Chinese residence permits will also be allowed to use the fast-lane services, it added.
Immigration authorities will also adjust the validity period of stay visa for mainland students studying in Macau from a maximum of one year to the same period of their study in Macau.
