Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. Asia
  3. China

Crossing Mainland China to Hong Kong

Hi, I'm travelling through China on Irish passport utilizing the 30 day visa free. I plan on taking the train from Guilin to Hong Kong for last few days and then fly home.

Do i need to get stamped out of China at Guilin station or anywhere along the way or is the passage into Hong Kong considered part of my China trip by the authorities

Thanks

When traveling from mainland China to Hong Kong by train, it is important to understand that Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) and has its own immigration and border control. Even if you are traveling within China on a 30-day visa-free entry, entering Hong Kong is considered a separate entry, and you must go through Hong Kong immigration.

Regarding your specific question about the train from Guilin to Hong Kong:

  • At Guilin or other mainland train stations, you will check in for your train and board as usual. Mainland China immigration will process your departure; your passport will be checked, and you will receive an exit stamp indicating you are leaving mainland China.
  • Upon arrival at the Hong Kong train station (West Kowloon Station if taking the high-speed train), you must go through Hong Kong immigration. This is considered a new entry, and Hong Kong authorities will stamp your passport accordingly.
  • The passage into Hong Kong is not considered part of your mainland China visa; it is treated separately. Therefore, you cannot bypass exit procedures from China or entry procedures into Hong Kong.

Additional tips:

  • Ensure your passport has sufficient validity for both mainland China travel and Hong Kong entry.
  • Check visa requirements for Hong Kong for Irish passport holders; typically, short stays are visa-free for tourism, but confirm current rules.
  • Arrive at the train station at least 30-60 minutes early to allow time for mainland exit procedures and boarding formalities.

In summary, you will be stamped out of mainland China at the departure station (e.g., Guilin) and stamped into Hong Kong upon arrival. Both exit and entry procedures are mandatory and considered separate by the authorities.

More China Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Guilin
Kowloon
new
China
China

Popular Destinations

Tombs of the Kings of Han and Chu
Hunan First Normal University
Army Military Academy
Lotus Pond Park

Popular Travel Questions