SAR residents can now cross between Macao and Zhuhai with just one document

Macao residents and Hong Kong permanent residents can now use their Mainland Travel Permits (also known as a Home Return Permit) to travel both ways at selected ports linking Zhuhai and Macao. 

The new measure, which came into effect on 18 August 2026, applies to e-channels at the Zhuhai-Macao passenger clearance hall of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Port, Hengqin Port and Qingmao Port, as well as the one-stop joint vehicular service lanes at Hengqin Port. 

How does the new measure benefit SAR residents? 

The new policy is designed to further streamline border crossings by allowing eligible SAR residents to use just one consistent travel document rather than two different ones. 

Prior to the new measure, Macao and Hong Kong residents had to present a different document at the e-channels depending on whether they were travelling to mainland China or returning to Macao. 

SAR residents who were crossing from Macao to the mainland were required to display their Home Return Permit, while those travelling from the mainland to Macao needed to make use of their Macao Resident ID card or Hong Kong Permanent ID card. 

“This more convenient clearance process will promote the two-way flow of people and resources, which in turn supports Macao’s push for appropriately diversified economic development and facilitates high-quality growth across the Greater Bay Area as well as the development of the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin,” Macao’s Public Security Police Force (PSP) said. 

Can SAR residents still use their ID cards? 

According to the PSP, eligible SAR residents will still have the option to use their ID cards to cross from mainland China to Macao. The authorities also stressed that Macao and Hong Kong travellers need to continue carrying their physical ID document with them in order to allow the police to conduct inspections. 

Eligible Macao residents taking advantage of the new policy are required to have registered for automated clearance in mainland China, while Hong Kong permanent residents need to be registered for the channels in both the mainland and Macao.

[See more: Macao vehicles may soon be able to travel throughout Guangdong]

While the new measure covers non-Chinese Macao residents and Hong Kong permanent residents, it currently does not apply to Hong Kong non-permanent residents. 

What else is the government doing to improve border crossings? 

At the same time, the Macao authorities are enhancing border crossings by broadening the category of people who can use the joint inspection automated channels at selected ports, which only require travellers to pass through border control once. They include mainland residents carrying a one-year multiple entry Exit and Entry Permit, who can use the joint inspection lanes at the HZMB Port and Hengqin Port.

Similarly, foreign passport holders with a foreign mainland Chinese permanent resident ID card can use the joint inspection channels when crossing via Hengqin Port. 

The same applies to individuals of other categories, including foreigners holding a multiple-entry Chinese visa with a validity period of more than 6 months, as well as Taiwan residents carrying a mainland travel permit valid for 5 years.