Hong Kong, 30 November — Motorists looking to drive their private vehicles into mainland China via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) are reminded that the 67th round of the highly competitive Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles scheme lottery opens registration this week. The Transport Department announced today that the registration period for the computer balloting system will begin at 10 a.m. on December 1st and conclude shortly before midnight on December 4th. This scheme is essential for eligible residents seeking temporary cross-border driving access.
Registering for the Permit Draw
The balloting system determines which applicants receive an opportunity to apply for the necessary permits under the streamlined cross-boundary travel program. The application process is managed entirely online.
Key Dates for the 67th Round:
- Registration Start: 10:00 a.m., December 1st
- Registration Deadline: 11:59 p.m., December 4th
- Ballot Results Release: December 5th
Interested and eligible drivers must register through the official website dedicated to the quota-free scheme: www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk. The system employs a random computer draw due to the overwhelming demand for the limited permits.
Navigating the Northbound Travel Scheme
The popular Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles initiative significantly simplifies the historically complex process for Hong Kong residents to drive into Guangdong Province. By utilizing the HZMB, the scheme bypasses many of the previous approval hurdles, aiming to foster greater economic and cultural exchange within the Greater Bay Area.
Successful registration in the ballot does not immediately grant the travel permit. Instead, winning registrants gain the right to submit a formal application for the scheme within a strictly enforced submission window. These subsequent applications involve detailed document checks, including vehicle registration documents, insurance coverage valid for the mainland, and driver’s licenses.
The scheme stipulates specific vehicle and driver eligibility criteria, generally restricted to non-commercial Hong Kong private vehicles whose owners meet residency or business requirements. Successful applicants receive permits allowing travel for a set duration, often requiring the vehicle to return to Hong Kong before the permit expires.
The continued use of a lottery system highlights the intense demand among Hong Kong residents to leverage the convenience of the HZMB for leisure, family visits, and business opportunities in the mainland. Vehicle owners planning to participate are urged to ensure they meet the full eligibility requirements before registering for the upcoming draw and to be prepared to submit their final applications promptly after the results are released on December 5th. Further information and detailed requirements can be found on the Transport Department’s scheme-specific website.