Question

Asked by Yung from germany | Jul. 24, 2026 19:12

About:Visa on Arrival

Inquiry regarding entry requirements to Shenzhen for HKSAR Passport holder

Dear Sir/Madam,
​I hope this email finds you well.
​I am a Hong Kong Permanent Resident holding a Hong Kong SAR Passport and a HKID card. I currently reside in Germany and am visiting Hong Kong on holiday.
​I am planning to travel to Shenzhen next week for a 4-to-5-day trip and would like to clarify the required entry documents for my situation:
​As an HKSAR Passport holder, what specific document is required to cross into Shenzhen (e.g., Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents / Home Return Permit)?
​If I do not currently possess a valid Home Return Permit, is there an urgent processing option through CTS Hong Kong, or a temporary border permit available at the Shenzhen land checkpoints?
​Does the 5-day Shenzhen Port Visa apply to HKSAR passport holders, or is it strictly reserved for foreign passport holders?
​Thank you very much for your time and assistance. I look forward to your guidance.
​Best regards,

Yung

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Answers (3)

Answered by Borut | Jul. 27, 2026 00:56

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Dear Yung, it is essential to know that as a Chinese citizen and Hong Kong Permanent Resident, your HKSAR Passport cannot be used to apply for a port visa or enter Mainland China directly.

Another detail is that to enter mainland China, Shenzhen included, you really need Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Home Return Permit) because 5 day Shenzhen visa is reserved for foreign passport holders.

In reality, your only and the best option is to apply for an expedited online booking slot at a CTS (China Travel Service) Permit Service Centre (in Hong Kong) immediately. They are known to offer an Express Service for urgent scenarios (such as an expired or lost permit). This can shorten the processing time to roughly 5 working days.

Also, I would like to inform you that there is no temporary border permit available for purchase directly at the Shenzhen land checkpoints for Chinese citizens who simply forgot or lack a Home Return Permit. I hope this helps and I also hope you will be able to travel to Shenzhen as you have originally planned.

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Answered by Yung | Jul. 27, 2026 07:29

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A friend of mine said you could go to Lo Wu station and get a temporary exit-entry permit issued there? So, for a one-off return trip to Shenzhen lasting a maximum of 5 days.
Is that correct?

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Answered by Borut | Jul. 28, 2026 00:31

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Unfortunately, that is incorrect. Simply speaking, there is no facility at the Lo Wu (Luohu) border crossing that issues a 5 day temporary entry permit to Chinese citizens or Hong Kong permanent residents who lack a valid Home Return Permit.

It is true that at some border crossings, like Lo Wu or Huanggang there are China Travel Service (CTS) border service offices, but they cannot instantly print a standard Home Return Permit or a 5 day tourist pass on-spot for casual tourism. Also, it is true that there is a specific document called a "Temporary Entry and Exit Permit" (临时代办/临时通行证) issued at border ports, but it is strictly limited to emergency or special circumstances, for example a lost or expired card while wanting to attend an urgent funeral or medical emergency. In any case, even if you fit into the category, the price is quite steep and it amounts to 570 HKD and cannot be used for casual vacationing or 5 day holiday trips. I hope this helps.

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