Your First Step to Mainland Adventures! A Practical Guide for Getting or Renewing Your Home Return Permit

Remember back in May when the government extended the Home Return Permit renewal deadline to the end of the year? Well, that deadline is fast approaching, and there's been a rush of applicants. If you need to renew, now's the time to do it! This guide will walk you through the application process, requirements, and fees for the Home Return Permit, so you’ll be all set for your next journey to the mainland!

Not too long ago, we shared some exciting travel tips like skiing in Guangzhou, exploring the top attractions in Shenzhen, and the best ways to get around Guangzhou. With these guides, your travel plans should be coming together nicely. The final step is getting your Home Return Permit. If you're 18 or older, this permit is good for 10 years. For those under 18, it lasts 5 years. Make sure to apply for a new one if your current permit has less than six months left or if you need to update your personal details. These days, you can conveniently book your appointment online.

Head over to the Hong Kong China Travel Service Document Service Company website and click on the option to book an appointment for the Home Return Permit. You can then select the type of application you need, whether it's a renewal or a first-time application. Once you've filled out all the required information, you can pick the branch and time that works best for you to collect your permit. There are five branches to choose from, so be sure to jot down your appointment details and show up on time!

Getting everything ready before you visit the branch office is key. Here’s what you’ll need to bring:

| Hong Kong Identity Card
| Both the original and a copy of your foreign travel document (if you have one)
| A filled-out "Application Form for the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents"
| A personal identification photo along with the receipt from the photo qualification test
| Your current Home Return Permit, if you’re renewing it
| The original and a copy of your Hong Kong SAR passport, which should be valid for more than six months (for first-time applications)

Getting ready for your hometown visit? You can snap your permit photo at the document center using their instant photo service or take one yourself. The photo requirements are pretty much the same as standard ID pictures. Here’s a handy guide to make sure your photo meets all the criteria. If you opt for the document center, your photo will be checked and uploaded on the spot.

| Sit up straight with both shoulders level, and face the camera directly
| Keep your eyes naturally open; make sure your hair doesn’t cover your eyes, and go easy on the makeup
| Avoid wearing colored glasses, and ensure regular glasses don’t reflect light
| Head coverings are a no-go unless they’re for religious, medical, or cultural reasons, but they shouldn’t hide your face or cast shadows
| Make sure the lighting is even with no shadows on your face
| The background needs to be pure white with no other people or objects in the frame

If you're applying for a Return Home Permit, here's what you need to know about the processing times and fees. For standard applications, it usually takes about 12 working days. However, if you're in a hurry, you can opt for the expedited service, which takes just 5 working days. Now, let's talk about the costs. For first-time applications or renewals, adults will need to pay HKD 390, while it's HKD 260 for children. If you need to replace a lost, reissued, or damaged permit, the fee goes up to HKD 590 for adults and HKD 430 for children. And don't forget, if you choose the expedited processing, there's an additional charge of HKD 260.

If you find yourself in a situation where you urgently need a Home Return Permit—maybe to visit a sick relative, attend a funeral, get medical treatment, pursue your studies, or handle some urgent business—you can head straight to the office to apply. Just make sure you bring along all the necessary supporting documents and be prepared to wait in line with everyone else on that day.