Want to drive your own car north to Guangdong for fun? The "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" scheme lets Hong Kong private cars enter and exit Guangdong Province via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. From 13 October 2025, it's even more convenient — approved vehicles are no longer subject to designated closed road restrictions, and there's no need to apply for a Closed Road Permit. Below, based on the latest official information, we've compiled the application requirements, balloting, process, and fees.
Eligibility: Both the person and the vehicle must qualify
Applicant (vehicle owner) requirements
- Hong Kong residents holding a valid Hong Kong Identity Card plus a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Home Return Permit)
- Must be the registered owner of the private car being applied for (held in a personal name; company cars are not eligible)
- Designated drivers must hold both Hong Kong and Mainland driving licences
Vehicle requirements
- Non-commercial private car, with the registered owner holding it in a personal name
- 8 seats (including the driver) or fewer, with a vehicle length under 6 metres
- Holds a valid Hong Kong vehicle licence
- Vehicles registered (or manufactured) for 6 years or more must submit a Certificate of Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection (for example, for applications in 2026, vehicles manufactured in 2019 or earlier)
Designated driver rules
- Each applicant may designate no more than two drivers for their private car (one of whom may be the applicant themselves)
- Designated drivers must be Hong Kong residents holding a Home Return Permit or valid entry/exit documents
- Designated drivers must hold both Hong Kong and Mainland driving licences
- If the applicant is also a driver, they must upload colour copies of both the front and back pages of their Mainland motor vehicle driving licence
Balloting system (latest for 2026)
- The scheme has a daily application cap, currently 500 applications per working day (increased from 400 to 500 since January 2025)
- New applicants must first register for a computer ballot; successful applicants must submit their application within a designated period (13 calendar days)
- Ballots are held several times a month — for example, registration from 10:00 am on 7 September to 10 September, results announced on 11 September, and submission from 14 to 26 September
- Applicants may only submit an application for one eligible private car
Application process in 6 steps
- Register for the ballot: Register for the computer ballot via the designated Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles website
- Submit application after successful balloting: Fill in the online form and upload supporting documents within the designated period
- Buy insurance: Purchase the "Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident Liability Compulsory Insurance" (compulsory traffic insurance) that meets national requirements, or insurance under the "equivalent prior recognition" arrangement
- Vehicle inspection: After receiving notification, arrange for the vehicle to be inspected at a designated Hong Kong inspection location (China Inspection Company Limited / China Travel Service (HK)); no need to go to the Mainland for inspection
- Wait for approval: Initial review by the Transport Department plus review by Mainland authorities; notification will be sent by email or Mainland mobile SMS
- Receive the permit: Once approved, you will receive an electronic approval letter from the Transport Department plus a Mainland "electronic temporary entry motor vehicle plate certificate" (electronic plate certificate)
Stay limits
- Each entry into the Mainland allows a continuous stay of no more than 30 days
- The cumulative stay in the Mainland each year must not exceed 180 days
Vehicle inspection exemption (save time on renewals)
From 1 March 2024, if you apply again within 2 years of passing the vehicle inspection, with the vehicle and designated drivers unchanged and the Mainland electronic plate certificate still valid, you can be exempted from another vehicle inspection.
Renewal
- Existing applicants may re-register for the ballot within 60 days before the electronic plate certificate expires
- Renewal applicants, without needing to go through the ballot, can submit their renewal application online within the designated time slot allocated by the Transport Department
- If changes to the applicant, vehicle, or driver details are needed, you may have to wait until the original electronic plate certificate is cancelled before reapplying (cancellation takes about two weeks)
Frequently asked questions
Can a car that already has a regular Guangdong-Hong Kong quota apply?
No. Vehicles that already hold a "regular quota for Guangdong-Hong Kong cross-boundary private cars" or a "one-off special quota for cross-boundary private cars at Shenzhen Bay" are not eligible to apply under the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles scheme; the original quota must first be cancelled.
Can Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles only use the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge?
Yes. Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles is currently limited to entering and exiting Guangdong Province via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge; other border checkpoints cannot be used.
How long does the application take?
It depends on the progress of the vehicle inspection, insurance, and approval processes on both sides; there is no fixed timeframe. It is recommended to allow 1-2 months for processing.
Important reminders
- The above information is subject to the latest official announcements; please check the latest notices on the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles Official Website before applying
- When driving in the Mainland, you must comply with Mainland traffic regulations, including the demerit point system
- Remember to renew early — don't wait until your plate certificate has expired
Want more tips on driving north or travelling in the Mainland? Check out Shenzhen Border Checkpoint Guide and Self-drive Day Trips Around Shenzhen.
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