thanks Aaron as always. well on your way to a golden bahunia. needs a new section on finger print collection for automatic e channels. Once you cross border, find the e-channels enrollment desk after clearing china customs. (this doesn't exist in west Kowloon station). enroll the fingerprints. they might need to call a supervisor if they aren't familiar with your card. after enrollment you can exit mainland via automatic gates. but you need to enter via manual gates for a second time using foreinger lane to give one more sample). after that the automatic gates will work for mainland entry on your third visit.
Hi Dip! do you happen to know the process at West Kowloon station? I just got my card and want to head to Shenzhen (Fu Tian) via High Speed Rail. Thanks so much
Thanks for the very useful guide. Just a heads up, but please check your letter from immigration before going to your appointment at CTS. I stupidly did not and when I opened the letter at CTS Kowloon Bay, it stated I had declared myself as British (when in fact I am Australian). I was thus told by CTS to contact immigration to correct this - the letter needed to match the nationality on my passport. I called immigration (took me about 15 mins to get through). They were very helpful, checked my records and confirmed their records did indeed have me listed as Australian and thus there was a typo in the letter (for which they profusely apologised). Long and short of it is they agreed to amend the letter immediately and send someone to CTS to meet me with the new letter (which took an hour). They also called CTS and explained the situation to ensure that as soon as the immigration employee arrived with the letter I would be processed (and not have to wait another hour). Once the immigration employee arrived he gave me the letter and took me to another counter to get processed, and about 5 mins later I had my form telling me to collect my card in 4 weeks. The immigration employee was once again apologetic, and said immigration was investigating how this could have happened (as the letters are automatically generated). I was very grateful that I did not have to wait for another registered post letter to arrive and make a new appointment (especially as I'm travelling for the next few weeks), but if I had opened the letter as soon as I received it and checked the details were correct then the mistake could have been fixed prior to my appointment date. In the end I spent about 1.5-2 hours extra at CTS. And whilst immigration screwed up the letter I was also at fault for not checking the details in the letter were correct earlier. I must give immigration credit for finding a way to help me. I truly expected to be told that I would have to wait for another letter and come back to CTS another day.
I know, how dare they! For a moment I was horrified that I had declared myself as British when applying for my smart card (but alas it was immigration which screwed up)
I applied at the Mongkok CTS center yesterday. Surprisingly, there were no charges administered when they photocopied my passport cover and HKID. I did prepare and bring my copies but was never asked for them.
Note for anyone applying at the Kowloon West Service Centre. The address is listed as 20/F, 22/F, K83 Tai Lin Pai Road Kwai Chung. Unhelpfully all the signage before you get to the floor is in Chinese only. You want to go to the 20/F to check in.
For those going to the Shatin branch of CTS, there are two Kings Wing Plaza. The booking confirmation doesn't specify which one. It is Kings Wing Plaza 2, i.e. the one on your right as you leave Shek Mun Station Exit C. There is a photo booth on the same floor. Factor in around 30 minutes before your appointment to get your photo taken and waiting for the barcode and hard copy of the photo.
Thanks for this. Do we need original birth certificate and the old passport with the PR visa in it if you have the access to information form which confirms the child is PR?
Definitely the original birth certificate and the access to information. I have no idea about the scenario where the PR visa is in an old passport (shouldn't it have been migrated :P?), but based on my own experience where 1) they want passports for the China visa (even old, expired etc.) and 2) they definitely looked at the PR stamp, even if they didn't seem to photocopy it, I would bring it anyway, rather than have to return later if they decide it is needed.
Thanks for the very detailed guide. Suppose you've planned a trip and you cannot collect the card in 4 weeks, but you need 2 months to return from your trip. Would you still be able to collect the card? How long are they keeping it for you?
By the way, the CTS center at Mong Kok will cease operations and relocate soon. They will stop accepting any permit applications after Saturday, September 14, 2024. The collection service for permits will continue until Saturday, September 28, 2024, and the center will officially close on September 29, 2024.
They will relocate to Tseung Kwan O on September 30, 2024, with the new address (Shop G20-26, G/F, Shopping Centre Corinthia By The Sea, 23 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories).
This was the advice of the China travel bureau (or whoever) in Grand Millennium Plaza - she spontaneously volunteered this information - I didn't ask, because I'm not expecting to use my APEC (stand in queue, chops in passport) if the new travel card allows me to use the electronic gates.
APEC: Applying last week in Central I was told that on any given trip to China I should use either my APEC card or my new permit to both enter and exit - don’t enter with one and exit with the other.
I just filled up the application yesterday 23 July and was surprised to see they streamlined the process even further. Step 5 didn’t happen for me. After submitting my personal details in Step 4, I found myself in Step 6 already and was able to set an appointment for next week.
Now I’m not sure if not receiving a pre-application approval is the new normal or if there’s something wrong with my application.
Just did mine this morning, also at Mong Kok. The chap made numerous photocopies and scans of my documents, but there was no extra charge. Otherwise your guide is spot on. My return date for collection is 9 August.
Since the delay in cards, has anyone gotten theirs, and if so how long did it take the call to come? We were scheduled to come in on 8/14 but told to wait for a call, and it’s been nearly a week.
As an aside, we’re Filipino, and my grandma’s been a bit worried about the political situation being the real reason our cards are delayed (esp since we’ve been hearing a lot about the Lo Wu visas-on-arrival getting denied for Filipinos)… has any other Filipino gotten their card already so I can assuage her fears 😅😅
Someone on GeoExpat reported they called CTS and apparently the MTP is being delayed or outright denied for people of certain nationalities on basis of national security. (So far Indian, Pakistani, Filipino…)
Great guide! Thanks for that. As an American with HK PR card and APEC card, I do not need to apply for a visa to enter China. I’m somewhat confused by the APEC card no longer valid to enter China once I’ve obtained this new travel card. So does it mean (1) I will have to apply for China visa because I’m holding US passport going forward if I have this new travel card? (2) Would I be able to use the China e-channel with this new travel card if I have to apply for China visa? Access to China using the e-channel saves a lot of time and effort and the Lian Tang Port doesn’t even have a booth for APEC card holders. Thank you for your time.
Hi! From what I understand and I could be wrong so correct me if so.. the APEC card serves as a China Visa for you. Applying for this new travel card is like applying for a new visa for China. And once it is approved and issued to you all your prior visas (including your APEC card) are cancelled as a result.
For your questions, 1) I believe the travel card would serve as your visa to enter China so I don’t think you need to apply for a separate visa anymore. In fact if you theoretically did apply for another visa after getting the travel card, it would effectively cancel your travel card.
2) I’ve read that the card allows use of the e-channels to enter and exit China. I eagerly await Tripperhead’s guide on how to register biometrics for that and the actual immigration clearance with the new card.
Thanks for sharing. If that’s indeed the case that the new travel card comes with visa included then every non-Chinese HKPR holder should apply for it to (a) avoid expensive multiple China visas with short validity (b) convenience (c) minimising losing passport with travel card in wallet/purse. This effectively will be more convenient than the APEC card maybe (ie: someone without APEC card will have to tick the “on business” box of the arrival form anyway).
thanks Aaron as always. well on your way to a golden bahunia. needs a new section on finger print collection for automatic e channels. Once you cross border, find the e-channels enrollment desk after clearing china customs. (this doesn't exist in west Kowloon station). enroll the fingerprints. they might need to call a supervisor if they aren't familiar with your card. after enrollment you can exit mainland via automatic gates. but you need to enter via manual gates for a second time using foreinger lane to give one more sample). after that the automatic gates will work for mainland entry on your third visit.
Invaluable information Dip. Thanks!!!
Hi Dip! do you happen to know the process at West Kowloon station? I just got my card and want to head to Shenzhen (Fu Tian) via High Speed Rail. Thanks so much
Thanks for the very useful guide. Just a heads up, but please check your letter from immigration before going to your appointment at CTS. I stupidly did not and when I opened the letter at CTS Kowloon Bay, it stated I had declared myself as British (when in fact I am Australian). I was thus told by CTS to contact immigration to correct this - the letter needed to match the nationality on my passport. I called immigration (took me about 15 mins to get through). They were very helpful, checked my records and confirmed their records did indeed have me listed as Australian and thus there was a typo in the letter (for which they profusely apologised). Long and short of it is they agreed to amend the letter immediately and send someone to CTS to meet me with the new letter (which took an hour). They also called CTS and explained the situation to ensure that as soon as the immigration employee arrived with the letter I would be processed (and not have to wait another hour). Once the immigration employee arrived he gave me the letter and took me to another counter to get processed, and about 5 mins later I had my form telling me to collect my card in 4 weeks. The immigration employee was once again apologetic, and said immigration was investigating how this could have happened (as the letters are automatically generated). I was very grateful that I did not have to wait for another registered post letter to arrive and make a new appointment (especially as I'm travelling for the next few weeks), but if I had opened the letter as soon as I received it and checked the details were correct then the mistake could have been fixed prior to my appointment date. In the end I spent about 1.5-2 hours extra at CTS. And whilst immigration screwed up the letter I was also at fault for not checking the details in the letter were correct earlier. I must give immigration credit for finding a way to help me. I truly expected to be told that I would have to wait for another letter and come back to CTS another day.
The worst part of this story is you were British for 2 hours. The insult! 😂
I know, how dare they! For a moment I was horrified that I had declared myself as British when applying for my smart card (but alas it was immigration which screwed up)
I applied at the Mongkok CTS center yesterday. Surprisingly, there were no charges administered when they photocopied my passport cover and HKID. I did prepare and bring my copies but was never asked for them.
It it so hit and miss. Some CTS ask for APEC Card, some don't, some charge for photocopies, some don't, some did but now don't... 🤦♂️
Note for anyone applying at the Kowloon West Service Centre. The address is listed as 20/F, 22/F, K83 Tai Lin Pai Road Kwai Chung. Unhelpfully all the signage before you get to the floor is in Chinese only. You want to go to the 20/F to check in.
For those going to the Shatin branch of CTS, there are two Kings Wing Plaza. The booking confirmation doesn't specify which one. It is Kings Wing Plaza 2, i.e. the one on your right as you leave Shek Mun Station Exit C. There is a photo booth on the same floor. Factor in around 30 minutes before your appointment to get your photo taken and waiting for the barcode and hard copy of the photo.
You are the first guidance to confirm that kids can get one too. Thank you!
It would be great to hear about the "extra paperwork involved" (or perhaps I have to add that when I've done it!)
I'm going to have to ask someone else to help me on that section, but i do have someone in mind.
With kids I needed
1. Access to Information
2. Parents HKID
3. Passport (they did look at the HK PR visa in it)
4. Original birth certificate
5. Photos, see my other comment that under two years they can't be done at CTS.
6. The child, they have a photo taken at the desk so they need to be physically there
Didn't seem to care about parents passport or access to Information but I'd bring it anyway.
Otherwise the process was the same as the adult, and the same price
Thanks for this. Do we need original birth certificate and the old passport with the PR visa in it if you have the access to information form which confirms the child is PR?
Definitely the original birth certificate and the access to information. I have no idea about the scenario where the PR visa is in an old passport (shouldn't it have been migrated :P?), but based on my own experience where 1) they want passports for the China visa (even old, expired etc.) and 2) they definitely looked at the PR stamp, even if they didn't seem to photocopy it, I would bring it anyway, rather than have to return later if they decide it is needed.
Thanks for the very detailed guide. Suppose you've planned a trip and you cannot collect the card in 4 weeks, but you need 2 months to return from your trip. Would you still be able to collect the card? How long are they keeping it for you?
Good question. I honestly don't know. They load the cards into an automated dispensing machine. How long CTS holds them, *shrug*.
By the way, the CTS center at Mong Kok will cease operations and relocate soon. They will stop accepting any permit applications after Saturday, September 14, 2024. The collection service for permits will continue until Saturday, September 28, 2024, and the center will officially close on September 29, 2024.
They will relocate to Tseung Kwan O on September 30, 2024, with the new address (Shop G20-26, G/F, Shopping Centre Corinthia By The Sea, 23 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories).
This was the advice of the China travel bureau (or whoever) in Grand Millennium Plaza - she spontaneously volunteered this information - I didn't ask, because I'm not expecting to use my APEC (stand in queue, chops in passport) if the new travel card allows me to use the electronic gates.
Understood. Information added to the guide just in case. But I'm like you, I'd rather use this permit than the APEC Card.
APEC: Applying last week in Central I was told that on any given trip to China I should use either my APEC card or my new permit to both enter and exit - don’t enter with one and exit with the other.
OMG, really? So APEC Visa is still good?
I just filled up the application yesterday 23 July and was surprised to see they streamlined the process even further. Step 5 didn’t happen for me. After submitting my personal details in Step 4, I found myself in Step 6 already and was able to set an appointment for next week.
Now I’m not sure if not receiving a pre-application approval is the new normal or if there’s something wrong with my application.
I've heard this from other people. Pre-approval is now automatic. I'll update the guide. Thanks!
I forgot to thank you for the very helpful guide you made! Really appreciate it!
Also I tried to send you a DM on Twitter saying the same thing as my original comment, so you can just ignore that DM!
Thanks for the kind words and the update. The guide is now updated!
Just did mine this morning, also at Mong Kok. The chap made numerous photocopies and scans of my documents, but there was no extra charge. Otherwise your guide is spot on. My return date for collection is 9 August.
Wait, what? So I got stiffed $6 because I went on Day 1??!!? Outrageous.
Thanks, I have to say I had the same thought myself, but you didn't hear this from me.
Since the delay in cards, has anyone gotten theirs, and if so how long did it take the call to come? We were scheduled to come in on 8/14 but told to wait for a call, and it’s been nearly a week.
As an aside, we’re Filipino, and my grandma’s been a bit worried about the political situation being the real reason our cards are delayed (esp since we’ve been hearing a lot about the Lo Wu visas-on-arrival getting denied for Filipinos)… has any other Filipino gotten their card already so I can assuage her fears 😅😅
Someone on GeoExpat reported they called CTS and apparently the MTP is being delayed or outright denied for people of certain nationalities on basis of national security. (So far Indian, Pakistani, Filipino…)
Source: https://geoexpat.com/forum/54/thread367906-3.html
I was scheduled to pick up my card today (22 August) and manage to get it without delay.
Great guide! Thanks for that. As an American with HK PR card and APEC card, I do not need to apply for a visa to enter China. I’m somewhat confused by the APEC card no longer valid to enter China once I’ve obtained this new travel card. So does it mean (1) I will have to apply for China visa because I’m holding US passport going forward if I have this new travel card? (2) Would I be able to use the China e-channel with this new travel card if I have to apply for China visa? Access to China using the e-channel saves a lot of time and effort and the Lian Tang Port doesn’t even have a booth for APEC card holders. Thank you for your time.
Hi! From what I understand and I could be wrong so correct me if so.. the APEC card serves as a China Visa for you. Applying for this new travel card is like applying for a new visa for China. And once it is approved and issued to you all your prior visas (including your APEC card) are cancelled as a result.
For your questions, 1) I believe the travel card would serve as your visa to enter China so I don’t think you need to apply for a separate visa anymore. In fact if you theoretically did apply for another visa after getting the travel card, it would effectively cancel your travel card.
2) I’ve read that the card allows use of the e-channels to enter and exit China. I eagerly await Tripperhead’s guide on how to register biometrics for that and the actual immigration clearance with the new card.
Thanks for sharing. If that’s indeed the case that the new travel card comes with visa included then every non-Chinese HKPR holder should apply for it to (a) avoid expensive multiple China visas with short validity (b) convenience (c) minimising losing passport with travel card in wallet/purse. This effectively will be more convenient than the APEC card maybe (ie: someone without APEC card will have to tick the “on business” box of the arrival form anyway).
Anyone go to Kowloon East Service Center - know if they take pictures there?
Yes there are photo booths there