[Important Reminder] Complete Guide to Mainland Electronic Temporary Travel Permits: Essential Reading for Mainland Travel
Important Reminder: Scope of Use Restricted
Given that the editor found a lot of confusing information online while searching for information, some of which even incorrectly stated that it could be used for entry and exit, we would like to clarify and remind readers based on the latest information
You need to fill in a mobile phone number for verification when applying. The official mini-program currently only supports 11-digit mobile phone numbers from mainland China. In other words, you must have a mainland China mobile phone number to apply
The Mainland electronic temporary travel permit is only valid for use within the Mainland
Not valid for crossing the border from Hong Kong/Macau to the Mainland
Not valid for crossing the border from Mainland China back to Hong Kong/Macau
If you need to cross the border to the mainland, please use a physical Home Return Permit or other valid identification document, or an "Exit Permit" (commonly known as an "Exit Paper") issued by the immigration department
What is a Mainland Electronic Temporary Pass?
The Mainland Electronic Temporary Travel Permit is a temporary identity document issued by the National Immigration Administration of China specifically for Hong Kong and Macao residents who have lost their travel documents in mainland China. This convenient service has been fully digitized since March 2025 and is mainly used for:
Main functions:
Taking a domestic flight within the mainland
Taking the high-speed rail or other means of transportation within mainland China
Hotel registration in mainland China
Other daily activities that require identification
Features:
Apply online throughout the entire process
Fast approval
Electronic Certificates
Temporary nature
Suitable for：
Hong Kong permanent residents already in the Mainland
Macau permanent residents already in mainland China
Hong Kong and Macao residents who lost their Home Return Permit while in mainland China
Hong Kong and Macao residents whose documents expired during their stay in the Mainland
Application Requirements：
Must already be in mainland China
Hold a valid Hong Kong/Macau Resident Identity Card
If any of the following conditions are met:
Lost Home Return Permit
Return permit damaged
Expired Home Return Permit
Home Return Permit Stolen
Required documents：
Electronic file of Hong Kong/Macau Resident Identity Card
Police report for lost documents (if applicable)
Original Home Return Permit information (if applicable)
Proof of residence in mainland China
Application process details
Step 1: Prepare materials
Ensure all electronic documents are clearly visible
File format: JPG or PDF
Each file should not exceed 2MB
Step 2: Apply online
1. Log in to the official platform:
WeChat mini-program "Immigration Bureau 12367"
"Exit-Entry Permit for Hong Kong and Macao" mobile application
2. Fill in the information:
Personal basic information
Contact information in mainland China
residential address
Explanation of lost/expired documents
Step 3: Submit for review
Upload the required files
Payment:
Standard Fee: RMB ¥150
Expedited processing (optional): Additional RMB ¥200
Step 4: Awaiting approval
Standard processing time: 1-3 business days
Expedited processing: within 24 hours
Results notification: SMS and app push notifications
Usage Instructions and Restrictions
Usage Scope Restrictions
For use within Mainland China only
Not for use in entry and exit
Not suitable for cross-border transportation
Timeliness and frequency restrictions
Validity period: 7 days (optional)
Single use only
Automatically expires upon expiration
You can apply twice a month
Functional limitations
Can be used for booking mainland transportation tickets
Suitable for hotel accommodation
Can be used as general identification
It cannot be used for important transactions such as opening bank accounts
Non-extendable period:
You will need to reapply upon expiration. We recommend accurately assessing the required timeframe when applying
Usage suggestions
Document storage
Save electronic ID cards offline
Prepare a paper printout for backup
Avoid sharing screenshots of ID documents
Daily use
Make sure your phone has enough battery
I can show my ID at any time
Please note the expiration date
Practical suggestions
Prevention is better than cure : Regularly check the expiration date of your return permit to avoid it expiring before peak seasons such as the May Day Golden Week.
Double protection: Take photos of both sides of your Home Return Permit and save them to your phone's encrypted photo album or the cloud.
Emergency Contact: Save the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau hotline (12367) for emergencies.
Insurance considerations: Some travel insurance policies cover the cost of replacing lost documents. If you frequently travel abroad or visit mainland China, it is recommended to purchase annual travel insurance. Confirm the coverage details before your trip.
Comprehensive coverage of travel insurance (single or annual) regarding the Home Return Permit issue includes:
Emergency replacement document fees (full reimbursement of the electronic temporary travel permit application fee of HK$150 and expedited fee of HK$200, and covering the administrative fees for subsequent re-issuance of the official Home Return Permit), and additional accommodation and transportation expenses incurred due to lost travel documents, are covered at approximately HK$2,000 to HK$3,000
It is recommended to consult an insurance agent or check the coverage details before purchasing
Conclusion
The Mainland Electronic Temporary Travel Permit provides a convenient temporary solution for Hong Kong and Macao residents who lose their documents in the Mainland, but its scope of use is clearly limited. Readers are advised to fully understand its limitations and plan their trips accordingly to ensure a smooth journey in the Mainland. At the same time, properly safeguarding all documents is the best way to avoid trouble