HK simplifies cross-border travel with permit exemption for approved vehicles starting Oct 13

The government announced on Friday that starting mid-October, Hong Kong drivers participating in designated cross-border travel schemes will no longer need to obtain a special permit to access restricted roads, a move expected to streamline travel for over 100,000 vehicles heading to mainland China and Macao.

The Transport Department announced yesterday that, effective October 13, vehicles approved under the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles scheme will be exempt from applying for a Closed Road Permit to travel on designated roads connecting to border control points. 

This exemption will extend to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Macao Port Park-and-Ride Scheme and the Shenzhen Bay Ad Hoc Quotas for Cross Boundary Private Cars starting October 20. 

The change aims to enhance efficiency and convenience for cross-boundary travelers by removing a layer of administrative requirements.

Eligible vehicles will be able to access specific closed roads linking to border checkpoints, including routes between Shun Long Road, Chek Lap Kok Road, Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel Road, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, as well as roads connecting to the Shenzhen Bay Port. 

Traffic signs will be installed at relevant locations to indicate that approved vehicles are exempt from these road restrictions. 

The eligibility criteria and application processes for these schemes remain unchanged, requiring drivers to submit applications to the Transport Department as per existing requirements.

For current permit holders, the department will communicate the transition details via email. Until the new measures take effect, drivers must continue displaying valid permits on their vehicle windscreens. 

After the respective implementation dates, displaying the permit will no longer be necessary, though drivers should retain their permits and approval letters until they expire as proof of eligibility during potential inspections by law enforcement. 

Those wishing to continue participating in the schemes after their permits expire must apply for renewals according to the schemes’ guidelines.

For new applicants or those renewing their participation, the Transport Department will issue electronic approval letters instead of physical permits, which can be downloaded or printed as proof of eligibility during checks. 

The Legislative Council has passed the necessary amendments to traffic regulations, and a government notice published on October 3 confirms that approved vehicles under these schemes will be exempt from closed road restrictions starting from the specified dates.