Hong Kong, the Pearl of the Orient, has always been a tourist destination that many mainland tourists yearn for.

Hong Kong’s food, shopping, attractions, and culture are all unforgettable.

But what documents and procedures are needed to travel to Hong Kong?

Are there any precautions and tips?

Next let’s take a closer look.

First of all, we need to make it clear that Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. Mainland residents traveling to Hong Kong need to apply for a "Permit to Travel to and from Hong Kong and Macau" (hereinafter referred to as the permit) and an endorsement.

A pass is a travel document similar to a passport, and an endorsement is an entry permit similar to a visa.

Passes and endorsements are issued by the mainland public security authorities, not the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

Therefore, if you want to travel to Hong Kong, you must first apply for a pass and endorsement at your local immigration administration center.

So, how to apply for passes and endorsements?

Let’s take a look at the specific steps: Prepare materials.

You need to prepare the following materials: Original and photocopy of your ID card. Two recent bare-headed color photos (33mm × 48mm). Completed "Application Form for Travel Permit to and from Hong Kong and Macao". If you are traveling with your spouse or children, you must also provide the original marriage certificate or birth certificate.

Submit the application and a copy to the Exit-Entry Administration Center.

You need to be present in person and cannot entrust others to do it for you.

You can choose to submit your application by queuing on site or making an appointment online.

Online reservation can save time, but you need to make a reservation 7 days in advance and arrive at the designated window within the reservation time.

No reservation is required for on-site queuing, but you may need to wait for a longer time.

Pay the fee and receive your pass.

You need to pay the appropriate fee and collect the pass within the specified time.

The pass costs 80 yuan (ordinary processing) or 150 yuan (expedited processing) and is valid for 5 or 10 years.

When collecting the pass, you need to be present in person and present your original ID card.

Apply for endorsement.

You can apply for an endorsement when applying for a pass, or you can apply for an endorsement after receiving the pass.

There are many types of visas. Depending on your travel purpose and length of stay, you can choose the visa type that suits you.

Common types of endorsements include: Group travel endorsement: suitable for participating in group travel activities organized by travel agencies, with each stay not exceeding 7 days.

Personal travel endorsement: Applicable to traveling to Hong Kong as an individual, with each stay not exceeding 7 days.

Endorsement for visiting relatives and friends: Applicable to visiting relatives and friends living or working in Hong Kong, with each stay not exceeding 14 days.

Business inspection endorsement: Applicable to activities such as business inspections or conferences, each stay shall not exceed 30 days.

Stay endorsement: Applicable to people who need to stay in Hong Kong for a longer period of time due to special reasons, with each stay not exceeding 90 days.

Multiple-entry visa: Applicable to people who frequently travel to and from Hong Kong. Each stay does not exceed 7 days and is valid for 1 year or 3 years.

The cost of the endorsement varies depending on the type of endorsement and the processing time, but is generally between 100 yuan and 300 yuan.

When applying for endorsement, you need to provide the following materials: - Original and copy of your pass - A recent color photo (33mm × 48mm) - Completed "Endorsement Application Form for Travel Permit to and from Hong Kong and Macau" - If you are traveling with your spouse or children, also

The original and copy of the marriage certificate or birth certificate are required - depending on the type of endorsement, corresponding supporting materials are also required, such as a group travel confirmation letter issued by a travel agency, an invitation letter issued by relatives and friends in Hong Kong, an invitation letter for business inspections or meetings, etc.

The above is the basic process for applying for passes and endorsements.

It should be noted that passes and endorsements have validity periods and cannot be used after expiration.

Therefore, before departure, you should check whether your pass and endorsement are valid to avoid unnecessary trouble.

In addition to applying for passes and endorsements, there are some other precautions and tips for traveling to Hong Kong. Let’s take a look at them below: 1. Activate international roaming.

If you want to use your mobile phone in Hong Kong, you need to activate international roaming service and pay attention to the cost.

You can also choose to buy local phone cards or rent wireless network equipment in Hong Kong to access the Internet and make calls.

2. Carry a power bank.

The voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts, and the plug is a three-pin flat type.

If your appliance is not suitable for this voltage and plug, you will need to bring a converter or power bank.

Otherwise, you may not be able to charge your mobile phones, cameras and other electrical appliances.

3. Apply for an Octopus card.

Octopus card is the most commonly used transportation payment tool in Hong Kong. It can be used for public transportation such as subway, bus, minibus, tram, ferry, etc. It can also be spent in convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants and other places.