In the Greater Bay Area cross-border corridor, the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (commonly known as the "Home Return Permit") and the newly introduced Mainland Travel Permit for Non-Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents are vital statutory travel credentials. Commissioned exclusively by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) and Ministry of Public Security of the PRC, China Travel Service Entry Permit Service Hong Kong Limited is the sole authorized agency processing applications in Hong Kong.
To eliminate on-site queuing and ticket-scalping, all services operate under a mandatory real-name online appointment protocol; walk-in same-day ticketing is completely discontinued. Furthermore, with the rollout of the 5-year multi-entry card for non-Chinese permanent residents and the integration of the Hong Kong Government's "iAM Smart" (智方便) autofill system, the application process is streamlined and digitized.
This master guide prepared by HC Compliance Research Unit (86hc.com) provides an end-to-end operational roadmap covering appointment bookings, express lane requirements, the humanitarian Green Channel, statutory corporate verification, and full service center directory.
1. Statutory Role & Corporate Verification of CTS Entry Permit Service
Unlike commercial travel ticketing agents, document handling involves delegated sovereign administrative functions:
- Statutory Delegation: Acting under the direct mandate of the PRC National Immigration Administration, CTS Entry Permit Service processes over 7 million identity dossiers for Hong Kong residents.
- Corporate Registry Profile: As recorded in the official Companies Registry and Business Registration Office archives, China Travel Service Entry Permit Service Hong Kong Limited was incorporated on August 20, 1985 (CR No. 0156293, BRN 09833989). It is a core specialized subsidiary under China Tourism Group.
- Operational Headquarters: Headquartered in Kwai Chung with six major dedicated documentation centers across Hong Kong.
2. Scope of Permit Services & Eligibility
The service spectrum encompasses traditional Home Return Permits, landmark non-Chinese permits, and talent endorsement extensions:
- Home Return Permit (Chinese Citizens): Initial applications, expirations, damage replacement, and loss renewal. (Validity: 10 years for adults / 5 years for minors under 18).
- Mainland Travel Permit for Non-Chinese HK Permanent Residents: 5-year valid smart card allowing unlimited entries with up to 90 days per stay without requiring a Chinese visa.
- Exit-Entry Permit (EEP) Stay Endorsement Extensions: For Mainland talents in HK under Top Talent Pass (TTPS), Quality Migrant Admission, or tertiary students to renew their D-type stay endorsements.
- Taiwan Compatriot Permits & Chinese Visa Services: First-time issuance, renewals, and expedited consular visa applications for eligible foreign passport holders.
3. Step-by-Step Application SOP (2026 Edition)
Step 1: Online Appointment Reservation
Access the official booking portal (ctsmep.com) to lock in an appointment up to 28 days in advance. Quotas are refreshed daily at midnight (00:00).
Step 2: iAM Smart "Form-Filling" Authentication
Authorize through the HK Government's "iAM Smart" App to auto-populate certified personal particulars (HKID number, legal names, date of birth) without manual input errors.
Step 3: Compliant Digital Photo with Official Barcode Receipt
Prepare white-background color photos accompanied by the mandatory computerized Photo Inspection Barcode Slip. Official photo booths are also available at the centers (~HK$50).
Step 4: Self-Service Kiosk Check-In
Arrive 20–30 minutes ahead of schedule. Scan your HKID, existing permit, and photo barcode slip at the self-service terminal to print your queue ticket.
Step 5: Counter Verification, Biometrics & Fee Settlement
Present original documents, submit fingerprint scans and live facial photo, sign the application form, and pay via WeChat Pay, Alipay, Octopus, EPS, or Cash.
4. Statutory Fees, Express Processing & Humanitarian Green Channel
| Permit Category | Validity | Standard (12 Working Days) | Express (5 Working Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Home Return Permit | 10 Years | HK$ 390 | HK$ 670 |
| Child Permit (Under 18) | 5 Years | HK$ 260 | HK$ 540 |
| Lost / Damaged Replacement | 10 Years | HK$ 590 | HK$ 870 |
| Non-Chinese Permanent Resident Card | 5 Years | HK$ 260 | Expedited on special approval |
| Exit-Entry Pass ("Lin Tong") | 3 Months (Single Entry) | HK$ 120 | HK$ 320 (Same-day available) |
No prior online booking is required for eligible priority groups presenting themselves during office hours:
- Seniors aged 70 or above;
- Infants under 3 months old accompanied by parents with birth certificate;
- Persons with mobility disabilities holding relevant medical/disability certificates;
- Humanitarian emergencies: visiting critically ill family members, attending funerals, or urgent commercial assignments with valid supporting documents.
5. Six Regional Document Centers Directory
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00 (Closed Sundays & Public Holidays). Hotline: (852) 2998 7888.
- Hong Kong Island Centre: 14/F, Grand Building, 181 Queen's Road Central, Sheung Wan (MTR Sheung Wan Exit A2).
- Kowloon East Centre: Room 202, Enterprise Square Phase 1, 9 Sheung Yuet Road, Kowloon Bay (MTR Kowloon Bay Exit A).
- Kowloon West Centre: 20/F & 22/F, K83, 83 Tai Lin Pai Road, Kwai Chung (MTR Kwai Hing Exit E).
- New Territories East Centre: Unit J, 26/F, Kings Wing Plaza 2, 1 On Kwan Street, Shek Mun, Shatin (MTR Shek Mun Exit C).
- New Territories West Centre: Units 07-16, 27/F, Tuen Mun Central Square, 22 Hoi Wing Road, Tuen Mun.
- Mong Kok General Centre: 2-3/F, Double Building, 62-72 Sai Yee Street, Mong Kok (MTR Mong Kok Exit E2).
Verify Statutory Records of Hong Kong Entities
Access official corporate registers, Business Registration (BR), Annual Returns (NAR1), and directors profiles for China Travel Service Entry Permit Service and over 4 million registered corporations.