How long does the application and balloted booking for 'Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles' take? How to renew? Eight common Q&As.
Lifestyle2025-09-02
7 Mins Read
An increasing number of Hong Kong residents are choosing to drive north during holidays for activities such as shopping at mainland supermarkets, visiting relatives and friends, or leisure travel. According to data from the Transport Department, the number of monthly scheduled trips under the 'Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles' scheme in January this year reached 81,568, a 96.3% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating that 'Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles' is gradually becoming a trend.
If you are also considering driving north for a holiday getaway in the future, it is essential to understand the relevant application process and important considerations before setting off. This article compiles eight common questions about 'Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles,' hoping to assist prospective northbound drivers in making thorough preparations.
Points to Note for first-time ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’
1. What are the eligibility criteria and requirements (including insurance) for the ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ application?
Answer: The ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ scheme primarily targets non-commercial private cars. Applicants must be a Hong Kong resident who possess a valid Hong Kong Identity Card and a valid Mainland Travel Permit (‘Home Return Permit’), as well as valid driving licences in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Regarding insurance, in addition to possessing Hong Kong motor vehicle insurance, the applicant must also purchase the qualified Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles (‘Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles’), or an ‘unilateral recognition’ insurance from a Hong Kong insurer. This is equivalent to third-party insurance in the Mainland, which provides compensation from the insurance company if the policyholder is involved in a traffic accident that causes injury, death, or property damage to a third party.
To learn more about the application guidelines and procedures for ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’, please visit the Transport Department's website or refer to this article.
2. How to apply for ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’? What should I do after I secure an application slot through the online ballot system?
Answer:
- Online application submission
Applications for the ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ scheme are currently only accepted online. Applicants must first submit relevant details, including their personal and vehicle information, to register for the computerised ballot. The system will review the application specifics and allocate a submission time through the computer ballot. Applicants may check the ballot results via the designated ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ website. For details regarding the latest ballot timetable, please visit the official website.
- Application Processing by the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong
Successful applicants must submit their application and upload the required supporting documents within their allocated time slot on the Transport Department’s website, as well as pay for the Closed Road Permit application. The application is preliminary vetted by the Transport Department, while the Mainland Government authorities will also conduct their review. Applicants will be notified by email or SMS about the application status and required formalities by the Mainland authorities via the e-mail address or Mainland mobile number they provided in the application form. If approved, the mainland authorities will issue an ‘Electronic vehicle licence’, and the Transport Department will issue and post the corresponding ‘Closed Road Permit’ to the applicant.
- Arrange appointment on travelling and departure to Guangdong
After obtaining electronic vehicle licence from the Mainland authorities and Closed Road Permit from the Transport Department, applicants are required to reserve the date and time for travelling via the ‘Specified Dates Booking System’ before travelling to Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port. After reserving the specified date for travelling, the driver is required drive to Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port on the specified date and time.
HZMB Hong Kong Cross Border Motor Vehicle Insurance
Your highway to a smooth drive in Guangdong.
3. How long does the application process for ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ take? How much time is typically required for the ballot and appointment procedures?
Answer: The entire application process, from submission to approval, typically takes several weeks. The exact duration depends on factors such as the completeness of the submitted documents and whether it is an initial application or a renewal. Generally, the period from registering for the computer ballot to the announcement of results may take 2–3 working days, while the formal approval process may require 1–2 weeks.
Regarding the computer ballot, due to the high volume of applicants, the ballot outcome may influence the specific timeframe allocated for submitting your application. If you secure a slot through the ballot, you must complete the application procedures within the designated time. Failure to do so may require reapplying or waiting for the next ballot round.
4. After receiving preliminary approval for ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’, are there any additional procedures to complete on the Mainland side?
Answer: The procedures on the Mainland side are relatively straightforward. You must ensure that you have purchased the ‘Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles’. Applicants can check their application status and upload proof of the qualified Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles (i.e. ‘Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles’ or ‘unilateral recognition’ insurance) via the ‘Mainland Information System’, accessible through the designated website for the scheme.
When crossing the border, the vehicle will need to undergo inspection by immigration and customs authorities to ensure all procedures are legally compliant and the vehicle meets safety standards. Additionally, it is advisable to carry all necessary documentation, such as your driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, and insurance documents, while travelling.
5. Is it necessary to disembark the vehicle for clearance under the ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ scheme? Can children pass through customs while remaining in the vehicle?
Answer: According to current regulations, after leaving the toll plaza, vehicles will enter HZMB Zhuhai Port. Before entering the gate, all passengers (excluding the driver) are required to alight. Passengers will alight at the alighting area and walk to the passenger inspection zone for undergoing immigration procedures. Infants held in arms and elderly persons aged 70 or above may remain in the vehicle during clearance. The driver will continue forward to the designated inspection channel based on the vehicle type, present relevant documents to officers, and undergo border clearance checks. It is advisable to prepare all passengers' valid travel documents in advance to avoid unnecessary delays during the clearance process.
HZMB Hong Kong Cross Border Motor Vehicle Insurance
Your highway to a smooth drive in Guangdong.
Important considerations for renewal of ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’
6. How long is the validity period for ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’, and how can it be renewed?
Answer: The validity period for ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ is generally up to one year. According to the mainland authorities, the validity period of electronic vehicle licenses will be aligned with the validity period of the qualified Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles (i.e. ‘Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles’ or ‘unilateral recognition’ insurance), though it may not exceed one year in any case.
To facilitate applicants of ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ to renew relevant licence and permit in a timely manner, applicants holding Closed Road Permit with validity period ending in or after July 2024 and fulfilling all of the following criteria may submit renewal applications during the designated application period allotted by the Transport Department, without participating in computer balloting. Applicants are required to resubmit all necessary supporting documents, such as proof of identity, driving licences, and the reference number of their current valid Closed Road Permit. The relevant mainland and Hong Kong authorities will review the application and notify the result via email or text message.
7. Is a vehicle inspection required for renewal? When is an inspection necessary, and when is it exempted?
Answer: Whether a vehicle inspection is required for renewal depends on whether the applicant qualifies for an exemption.
Starting from 1 March, 2024, vehicle inspection will be exempted if the applicant re-submit applications for ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ within two years of passing the vehicle inspection, within the validity of the Mainland Electronic Vehicle Licence and meeting the following criteria:
- Applicant remain unchanged;
- Vehicle remain unchanged, including the Hong Kong Registration Mark, Chassis No. / V.I. Number., Engine Number, and colour, etc.; and
- Designated drivers remain unchanged, including the number of designated driver(s) and the Hong Kong Identity Card No. of the designated driver(s), etc.
8. Is it possible to add an additional driver when renewing the ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ permit?
Answer: If there are changes to the applicant or driver(s) during renewal, such as adding or replacing a driver, a new application must be submitted. However, each vehicle may designate a maximum of two drivers. Any additional driver must meet the eligibility criteria, including holding a valid Hong Kong Identity Card, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (‘Home Return Permit’), and valid driving licences for both Hong Kong and the Mainland. Relevant documents for the additional driver must be submitted during the application for approval.
Safe driving, enjoy your journey
We hope the information above assists Hong Kong residents planning to self-drive northbound to clearly understand the application process and ensure all necessary documents are in place, allowing them to complete their application and renewal procedures smoothly. Whether applying for the first time or renewing, ensuring the accuracy of all documents and procedures is crucial. Throughout your northbound journey, safe driving remains the top priority—please always adhere to traffic rules to protect the safety of yourself and your family.
With the ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ policy having been in effect for over two years, many drivers will now face renewal considerations. At this stage, you can re-evaluate whether your ‘Unilateral Recognition’ insurance's coverage is sufficiently comprehensive. According to the latest arrangement, vehicle owners no longer need to bind their existing Hong Kong motor insurance policies when purchasing ‘Unilateral Recognition’ insurance. They can directly purchase ‘Unilateral Recognition’ insurance from any insurance company, providing a flexible and autonomous insurance experience. As a pioneer of insurance services in the Greater Bay Area, AXA is among one of the first insurance companies to launch ‘Unilateral Recognition’ insurance which was implemented in 2023. It provides comprehensive protection for drivers and passengers traveling between Hong Kong and Guangdong via Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge. Recently, AXA has launched an independent ‘Northbound Travel’ insurance product, enabling customers to flexibly choose the coverage period, whether for short-term business trips, visiting relatives, tourism, or full-year protection needs.
AXA ‘HZMB Hong Kong Cross Border Motor Vehicle Insurance’ provides tailored coverage for Guangdong Province, including mandatory Mainland compulsory insurance and third-party liability insurance. This ensures drivers can travel on the Mainland with greater peace of mind. Whether you are applying for the first time or preparing for renewal, AXA can offer comprehensive protection, making every northbound journey more enjoyable and worry-free.
Enrol online before your trip in three simple steps:
1. Visit AXA 'HZMB Hong Kong Cross Border Motor Vehicle Insurance' website: https://www.axa.com.hk/en/guangdong-motor-insurance
2. Select policy details including policy start/end date, number of car seats, and plan
3. Complete the application form
4. Finalise your payment to activate coverage
Insurance plans vary in coverage and are subject to their respective terms and conditions. For detailed terms and conditions of the plan, please refer to the relevant product brochure and policy contract.
No warranty or responsibility is assumed by AXA Hong Kong and our related or holding companies regarding non-infringement, security, accuracy, completeness, adequacy, reasonableness, fitness for a purpose or free from computer viruses in connection with the information and materials provided. AXA Hong Kong and our related companies and holding companies do not accept any liability for any loss, damage, cost or other expense, whether wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, arising from any error, inaccuracy or omission of the information and materials to the extent that such liability is not excluded by law.
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