Hong Kong and Macao's Individual Visit Scheme to expand to Xi'an and Qingdao effective 6 March 2024

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By then, the designated Mainland cities eligible for the scheme will be increased to 51.

Starting from 6 March 2024, Hong Kong and Macao's Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) will expand to Xi'an in Shaanxi Province and Qingdao in Shandong Province, as announced by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) last Friday (23 February 2024).

After adding two more Mainland cities to the IVS by the State Council, the total number of designated cities will increase to 51. Currently, 49 cities, such as Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, and Foshan, are covered in the IVS.

After the expansion, eligible residents of Xi'an and Qingdao can apply for an endorsement to visit Hong Kong and Macao in their individual capacity, for a stay of no more than seven days per visit.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung said the further enhancement of the IVS is conducive to the development of Hong Kong's tourism sector and will benefit tourism-related industries such as hotels and retail.

"It is believed that Xi'an and Qingdao, having a population of over 10mn respectively, will bring along more high-value-added overnight tourists to Hong Kong," he added. "Hong Kong will welcome visitors with hospitality, making them feel at home and helping them enjoy the local unique culture. We will also continue to improve Hong Kong's capacity to receive tourists as well as ensure the smooth operation of boundary control points, tourist facilities, hotels and public transportation networks."

Macao's Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng also said the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government would work together with the local tourism industry to continuously optimise Macao's tourism resources and capacity to receive tourists, getting well-prepared to welcome individual travellers from Xi'an and Qingdao.

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