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What documents do I need for a cross-border private car?
One-line answer: Each passenger carries their own travel documents — there's no "ride along on someone else's permit". Children require independent permits or passports too. Drivers and vehicles are the operator's job.
Documents by passenger type
| Type | To Hong Kong | To Macau | To Mainland China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland Chinese | HK/Macau Permit + HK endorsement (G/L/team) | HK/Macau Permit + Macau endorsement | National ID |
| HK permanent resident | HK ID / HKSAR passport | HK ID / HKSAR passport | Home Return Permit |
| Macau permanent resident | HK ID (if any) / Macau ID + passport | Macau ID | Home Return Permit |
| Taiwan resident | Taiwan compatriot permit + entry registration | Taiwan compatriot permit | Taiwan compatriot permit |
| Foreign passport holder | Passport + HK entry conditions (visa-free or visa) | Passport + Macau entry conditions | Passport + China visa or visa-free |
Foreign passport visa-free notes (selection)
| Nationality | Hong Kong | Macau |
|---|---|---|
| USA / Canada / UK / Australia / EU | 90 days visa-free | 30–90 days visa-free |
| Japan | 90 days | 30 days |
| Korea | 90 days | 30 days |
| Russia | 14 days | 30 days |
| Singapore / Malaysia / Thailand | 30–90 days | 30 days |
Mainland China entry depends on nationality, purpose, route and current policy. The current 240-hour transit visa-free policy applies only to eligible nationalities and itineraries with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region; check the National Immigration Administration rules before travel.
Indian passport and a Macau return trip? Read the Macau to China visa guide for Indians before booking. It explains why 240-hour transit does not apply and what a separate Guangdong tourist-group arrangement requires.
Vehicle / driver credentials (we handle these)
You can ask to see, before the trip:
- Vehicle registration showing dual plates
- Cross-border operating permit
- Driver's HK commercial P-licence + Mainland transport permit
- Current cross-border insurance certificate and passenger-cover details, where applicable
FAQ
Can my child ride on my permit / passport?
No. Since 2013, every Chinese citizen — including infants — must hold their own HK/Macau permit. Foreign children need their own passport.
Can the cross-border car operator help me apply for an endorsement?
No. Permit endorsements are issued by Mainland Public Security exit-entry bureaus only. Anyone offering "endorsement-on-the-spot" services is illegitimate.
What if my permit endorsement is expiring?
Renew at any city's exit-entry administration office (since 2019, processing is nationwide). Most major cities issue same-day for the electronic permit.
I'm Russian — what about my entry to Mainland China?
Russian ordinary passports may currently enter Mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for permitted purposes under the temporary bilateral arrangement. This is separate from the 240-hour transit exemption; confirm that your passport, purpose and dates qualify before booking.
Are e-permits accepted at the checkpoint?
Yes — since 2019 the HK/Macau permit is fully electronic (card-based). You tap the card; no paper endorsements anymore.