Hong Kong & Macau to Mainland China: Entry Guide 2026
Traveling from Hong Kong or Macau into mainland China? Here’s what you need to know about crossings, documents and the easiest routes in 2026.
How to Cross the Border
From Hong Kong
- High-speed rail (Hong Kong West Kowloon to Shenzhen/Guangzhou) — the fastest and most comfortable option. Guangzhou is about 1 hour; Shenzhen Futian 14-30 minutes.
- Land crossings — Lok Ma Chau, Shenzhen Bay, and others; used mostly for Shenzhen day trips.
- Ferries — from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Shekou or Zhuhai.
From Macau
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge — note: currently restricted for foreign visitors; we use the ferry or regular routes instead.
- Ferries — Macau to Shenzhen Shekou or Zhuhai Jiuzhou, about 1 hour.
Documents You Need
- A passport valid for 6+ months
- Visa-free entry or a valid China visa (see our 2026 visa-free list)
- Your entry documents for Hong Kong/Macau are separate — you’ll exit and re-enter
Practical Tips
- Allow extra time at border crossings on weekends and holidays
- Mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat) works on both sides now
- Your tour guide handles the paperwork and queues — we cross regularly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens enter mainland China from Hong Kong without a visa?
US citizens can use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy when traveling through mainland China to a third country, or apply for a standard tourist visa for longer stays.
How long does the border crossing take?
High-speed rail immigration takes 30-60 minutes typically; land crossings can take 1-2 hours on busy days.
Can foreigners use the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge?
Currently the bridge is restricted for foreign visitors. Ferries and regular road routes are the alternatives.
Do I need a separate visa for Hong Kong and Macau?
Most nationalities enter Hong Kong and Macau visa-free for 14-90 days; mainland China has its own visa rules. Check your nationality.
Is it easy to combine Hong Kong, Macau and mainland cities?
Yes — the Greater Bay Area is designed for it. We regularly arrange multi-city itineraries covering all three.