The Southbound Travel Scheme has been expanded to include five more cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), bringing the total number of participating cities to nine, effective June 9.
Eligible private car owners in Shenzhen, Foshan, Dongguan, Huizhou, and Zhaoqing can now apply for the scheme. The expansion marks a further step toward enhanced cross-border connectivity within the GBA.
Starting June 9, car owners in the five newly added cities can book the “Park & Fly” service at the automated car park at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port.
Starting June 15, approved vehicles will be able to cross the bridge, enter the automated car park, and connect to flights at Hong Kong International Airport.
From July 16, car owners in all nine mainland GBA cities will be able to book the “Park & Visit” service. From July 25, approved vehicles with valid reservations will also be allowed to enter the Hong Kong’s car park via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
Eligible car owners in the five newly added cities may apply from June 9 to 20 for the lottery for July quotas to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas. A total of 4,600 quotas are available, with 200 applications accepted per day over 23 working days. The lottery draw will be held on June 23, and successful applicants will be notified from June 29. Approved vehicles with valid reservations will be allowed to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas via the HZMB from July 25.
According to the plan, the second stage aims to extend the scheme to all 21 prefecture-level cities in Guangdong by the first quarter of 2027. Vehicles entering Hong Kong’s urban areas must display both Guangdong and Hong Kong license plates, carry valid insurance and the required permits, and may stay for a maximum of three days per trip.
Since its implementation in mid-2023, more than 140,000 Hong Kong private cars have registered under the Northbound Scheme, which has been extended to 2031.
Text | South Reporter Dai Bosi, Intern Luo Zihan
Photo | Department of Transport of Guangdong Province
