Call to expand Hong Kong multiple-entry visas to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou

Legislator Perry Yiu calls for expansion of visa scheme currently offered to Shenzhen residents to attract more overnight visitors to Hong Kong

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Tourists visit the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront during Lunar New Year. Photo: Jelly Tse

Published: 12:37pm, 8 Feb 2025Updated: 5:35pm, 8 Feb 2025

Hong Kong should seek to expand the multiple-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents to cover Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to attract more overnight visitors, a lawmaker has said, as a tourism industry leader revealed the number of inbound travellers over the Lunar New Year period fell from last year’s level.

Late last year, mainland Chinese authorities announced Shenzhen residents could apply for multiple-entry visas allowing them an unlimited number of trips to Hong Kong within a one-year period, with each visit capped at seven days.

But legislator Perry Yiu Pak-leung, who represents the tourism sector, said on Saturday Hong Kong tour operators were struggling to pitch packages to visitors from the neighbouring city.

He noted that many travellers from Shenzhen were already very familiar with Hong Kong and unlikely to stay overnight.

“I think it is worth requesting that the central government include Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou in the multiple-entry visa scheme,” he told a radio programme.

“There are already good transport arrangements, and these three cities have strong business ties with Hong Kong, so we want to attract more business and leisure travellers who will stay overnight.”