Mainland China: Visa Validity Periods for Macau and Hong Kong SAR Residents Expanded
November 24, 2023
A new policy extends the validity periods of multiple-entry tourism or business visas for Macau residents entering Mainland China from six months to up to five years (depending on the place of residence and profession of the resident), whereas previously validity periods for these travelers under such visas were inconsistently applied and were usually shorter. Similarly, Hong Kong SAR temporary residents traveling to Mainland China are now eligible for tourism or business multiple-entry visas valid for up to two years, and those who are permanent residents are eligible for such visas with a validity of up to five years. Previously, visas with such long validity periods were limited to those in certain provinces in Mainland China.
Fragomen in China is Fragomen (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm in China. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Awards
Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.
Work authorization
Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals.
Brexit
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.
Awards
Twelve Fragomen lawyers are recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, reflecting their commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill discusses new UK guidance suggesting the Home Office may use data to assess agent trust, raising questions about transparency and compliance demands.
Video
In this video, Partner Aim-on Larpisal provides a high-level overview of common Thai visa categories and how they are structured based on purpose of stay, including tourism, work, education and long-term residence.
Work authorization
Partner Chad Blocker outlines what employers should do following completion of the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, explains the factors behind lower demand and higher selection rates and highlights key filing risks, timelines and alternative visa options to consider next.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses China’s EB-5 Unreserved category advancing to September 22, 2026, while India’s dates remain unchanged with potential for retrogression amid sustained demand.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how immigration rules for offshore wind projects in Germany hinge on nautical boundaries and why careful personnel planning is essential to avoid compliance risks.
Media mentions
Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala comments on a draft regulation restricting work for citizens of Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela in Poland during visa-free stays.
Awards
Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.
Work authorization
Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals.
Brexit
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.
Awards
Twelve Fragomen lawyers are recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, reflecting their commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill discusses new UK guidance suggesting the Home Office may use data to assess agent trust, raising questions about transparency and compliance demands.
Video
In this video, Partner Aim-on Larpisal provides a high-level overview of common Thai visa categories and how they are structured based on purpose of stay, including tourism, work, education and long-term residence.
Work authorization
Partner Chad Blocker outlines what employers should do following completion of the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, explains the factors behind lower demand and higher selection rates and highlights key filing risks, timelines and alternative visa options to consider next.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses China’s EB-5 Unreserved category advancing to September 22, 2026, while India’s dates remain unchanged with potential for retrogression amid sustained demand.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how immigration rules for offshore wind projects in Germany hinge on nautical boundaries and why careful personnel planning is essential to avoid compliance risks.
Media mentions
Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala comments on a draft regulation restricting work for citizens of Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela in Poland during visa-free stays.