China has relaxed its visa restrictions for Shenzhen residents traveling to Hong Kong, allowing for multiple entries per year starting December 1, 2024, according to Xinhua.
Under the new policy, each stay will be permitted for up to seven days, with the multiple-entry visas valid for one year. This move reinstates a policy that was in place until 2015, when China limited Shenzhen residents to one entry per week to Hong Kong. The previous stricter policy was implemented to curb the frequent trips made by traders, who took advantage of lower taxes in Hong Kong by purchasing goods for resale in mainland China.
Hong Kong authorities have welcomed the policy change, as it is expected to provide a boost to various tourism-related industries, such as retail and catering. Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, had recently proposed further tourism measures to enhance the city’s economy, reflecting a broader strategy to attract mainland visitors.
In a related development, visa rules for residents of Zhuhai, a city in Guangdong province, were also relaxed. Starting January 1, 2025, Zhuhai residents will be allowed to visit Macao once a week for trips lasting up to seven days, a significant increase from the previous limit of once every two months.
