More than 20 students holding the new Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong & Macao Residents (non-Chinese Citizens) returned from a three-day Greater Bay Area exchange tour organised by a local group.

Having activated their cards for self-service clearance, they could complete the immigration clearance process by simply scanning their permit and fingerprint.

Returning to Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Bay Port, the students described the immigration clearance process as faster and more efficient than before, as there was no longer any need to apply for a separate visa to enter the Mainland.

From July 10, non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents became eligible for the travel permit.

The exchange tour for 20 non-Chinese students included stops in Guangzhou, Panyu and Foshan.

During the trip, they visited various attractions and took part in activities such as a Chinese calligraphy class where they created a greetings card for Chief Executive John Lee. 

The students appreciated the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture through joining the tour.

“I really enjoyed the Chinese calligraphy. It is fun, beautiful and creative. I have understood more about Chinese culture and arts,” student Zane Dangal said.

While fellow exchange tour participant Maeson Limbu enjoyed the added convenience of using the travel permit.

The tour organiser thanked the central government for making it more convenient for non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong to travel to the Mainland.

He noted that the permit allows multiple entries into the Mainland within a five-year validity period, which provides more exchange opportunities for students who were not eligible to apply for tours in the past. 

The organiser added that it was the first time for some of the students to travel to the Mainland and they were so impressed that they would like to visit again soon.