Traveling to Shenzhen for shopping, leisure, or dining has become a routine for many Hong Kong residents, especially on weekends and holidays. However, losing your Hong Kong ID, Mainland Travel Permit, or wallet in Shenzhen can turn a relaxing trip into a stressful situation.
To help travelers navigate this scenario, we provide a five-step self-help guide and instructions on how to apply for a temporary exit-entry permit online to return to Hong Kong.
Online Application for Temporary Exit-Entry Permit Now Available
To simplify travel procedures, China's National Immigration Administration announced that, starting March 20, 2025, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents who lose, damage, or forget their Mainland Travel Permits can now apply for a temporary electronic exit-entry permit (EEP) via their mobile phones.
The permit is valid for seven days and can be applied for up to twice per month.
Applicants must log into the China Immigration Administration's online platform to complete the process.
Additionally, for those holding both a Mainland Travel Permit and a Residence Permit, verification between the two was previously a challenge when handling banking or online services. Now, residents can submit an online "dual permit correlation" request to link both documents, making identity verification smoother. The verification result is valid for 30 days.
How to Apply for a Temporary Exit-Entry Permit Online
If you lose, damage, or forget your Mainland Travel Permit while in Shenzhen, follow these steps to apply for a temporary permit:
- Open WeChat or Alipay and search for the "Immigration 12367" mini-program.
- Select "China Citizen Services" (Note: The interface must be in Simplified Chinese, as the English version does not display this option).
- Click on "Temporary Exit-Entry Permit for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Residents".
- Read and agree to the application terms and conditions.
- Select "Apply for Temporary Exit-Entry Permit," enter your personal details, and submit the request. (A Mainland Chinese phone number is required to receive a verification code.)
Alternative Ways to Obtain a Temporary Exit-Entry Permit
Besides online applications, residents can visit a border processing center or the China Travel Service (CTS) in Shenzhen to apply for a personal permit. However, this requires:
- Filing a police report at the nearest Public Security Bureau (PSB) to verify your identity.
- Obtaining an official police report document confirming your lost ID.
To avoid complications, travelers are advised to photocopy or take photos of their ID and Travel Permit before traveling to Mainland China. This will speed up the verification process if documents are lost.
Temporary Exit-Entry Permit Application Details
- Processing Locations: Four designated border checkpoints or Lo Wu China Travel Service (CTS).
- Validity: The permit allows a single entry/exit within three months.
- Fees: Applicable fees will be charged for processing.
By following these steps, Hong Kong residents can quickly resolve travel document issues and return home safely. Stay prepared and travel smart!
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