China eases visa restrictions for shenzhen residents

Starting December 1, China will ease visa restrictions for Shenzhen residents traveling to Hong Kong, allowing multiple entries per year.

The new policy, reported by Xinhua will grant Shenzhen residents the ability to stay in Hong Kong for up to seven days per visit, with the multiple-entry visas valid for one year.

This move reinstates a policy that was in place until 2015, when China imposed tighter restrictions, limiting Shenzhen residents to one trip per week to Hong Kong. The previous restrictions were introduced to address concerns over traders repeatedly crossing the border to exploit lower taxes in Hong Kong by reselling goods in mainland China.

Hong Kong is hopeful that the return to the more flexible entry policy will benefit sectors such as retail and hospitality, which rely heavily on mainland visitors. Hong Kong leader John Lee recently proposed further measures to attract mainland tourists as part of efforts to revitalize the city’s economy.

In a related move, China has also eased visa rules for Zhuhai residents, allowing them to visit Macao once a week for stays of up to seven days, effective January 1. Previously, Zhuhai residents could only visit Macao once every two months.

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