Frequently Asked Questions about HKSAR Re-entry Permit

The HKSAR Re-entry Permits are issued to the following Hong Kong residents for travel to the Mainland and Macao Special Administrative Region:

• Chinese citizens who have either acquired the right of abode or been granted unconditional stay in Hong Kong; or
• persons not of Chinese nationality who have been granted unconditional stay in Hong Kong but cannot obtain national passports or travel documents of any other countries or regions.

When passing through Hong Kong immigration control points to or from the Mainland or the Macao SAR, a Hong Kong resident does not need a Hong Kong SAR Re-entry Permit if he can produce the following documents:

(a) For Hong Kong residents aged 11 or above:

a valid Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card issued locally, or a Hong Kong Identity Card bearing ‘*’, ‘***’ or ‘R’ symbol; or

(b) For minors aged below 11:

a valid Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card issued locally and a valid Hong Kong SAR passport.

Important Notes:

1. For entering or departing the Mainland, the traveller should observe the documentation requirements of the Mainland authorities (e.g. Home Visit Permit);
2. For entering or departing the Macao SAR, Hong Kong Permanent Resident aged below 11 and does not hold any valid Hong Kong SAR Re-entry Permit shall have to produce his Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, and a valid Hong Kong SAR passport for identification purpose.

There are two types of HKSAR Re-entry Permits :

• the single Re-entry Permit (valid for 6 months for one journey)
• the multiple Re-entry Permit (valid for 5 years for multiple journeys)

Application for the HKSAR Re-entry Permit should be submitted in person at one of the Immigration Branch Offices.

List of Immigration Branch Offices for travel document applications

You may make an appointment online or through the 24-hour telephone booking system at 2598 0888 to apply for the HKSAR Re-entry Permit.

Online booking for travel document applications

One recent photograph is required for the application. The photograph should be taken in full face, without a hat. The size should be smaller than 55 X 45 mm and larger than 50 X 40 mm. The background should be plain and of a light colour. Self-service photographic kiosks are provided in all Immigration Branch Offices.

The application fee is payable at the time of application. Payment can either be made by EPS, in cash, or by cheque. The crossed cheque should be payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region". Post-dated cheques are not accepted.

Application fees

The Form for Countersignature (Form ID 641) is only required if you cannot produce the latest school document bearing the child's photograph authenticated by the school (e.g. student's handbook or school record card bearing the child's name, date of birth and photograph) or other evidence of identity.

Form for Countersignature (Form ID 641)

Any person (except the parent or guardian of the child) who is aged 18 or above and knows the child can act as the counter-signatory. The counter-signatory is not required to attend the Immigration Branch Office in person. But you have to produce a completed Form for Countersignature (Form ID 641) together with a photocopy of the counter-signatory's Hong Kong identity card or valid travel document bearing his / her signature.

Form for Countersignature (Form ID 641)

If all required supporting documents are provided upon submission of application in person, the HKSAR Re-entry Permit application can normally be processed and issued to the applicant on the same day. If your previous Re-entry Permit is lost, damaged, defaced or is not available, you have to complete Form ID 645. The processing time may be longer.

More about supporting documents required for application for HKSAR Re-entry Permit

Details of previous Hong Kong travel document which has been lost / damaged / defaced / is not available (Form ID 645)