Hong Kong-Macau Cars Get 5-Year Extension to Drive in Mainland, June 01

Guangdong Province extended the “Hong Kong Cars Northbound” policy for five more years through June 1, 2031. The policy allows Hong Kong and Macau drivers to cross into mainland China via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Cross-border vehicle trips grew 11% year-over-year, with over 170 million trips recorded. The extension signals confidence in the policy and deepens ties across the Greater Bay Area.

Policy Extended to 2031 as Traffic Surges

Guangdong announced the extension on May 31, 2026. The original policy began June 1, 2023, with a three-year term. The new five-year extension runs until June 1, 2031. As of May 25, 2026, over 22.8 million drivers registered for the scheme, with 19.2 million vehicles on file. The policy extension reflects strong demand for cross-border mobility.

Border Crossings Hit Record Pace

Zhuhai border inspection stations processed 100 million travelers by May 30, 2026, 16 days ahead of last year’s pace. Hong Kong and Macau residents accounted for 5.5 million and 4.2 million crossings respectively, up 9% and 10% year-over-year. Vehicle crossings exceeded 600 million trips this year, up 15% from the prior year. Hong Kong and Macau vehicles logged over 170 million trips, a 11% increase.

Facial Recognition Speeds Up Clearance

Facial recognition technology has become the main clearance method at border checkpoints. By May 2026, over 1.8 million travelers used facial recognition, representing one in five border crossers. Processing time dropped to approximately 10 seconds per person. Border officials expect 2026 cross-border traffic to exceed 20 million travelers. The efficiency gains reduce wait times significantly.

Daily Life Across Three Regions Becomes Routine

Hong Kong and Macau residents now commute regularly for work and leisure. One Hong Kong car owner visits mainland two to three times weekly with her children. A Macau resident working in Hengqin travels almost daily between locations, completing the round trip in under an hour. Residents report easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment. The policy has enabled the Greater Bay Area’s “one-hour living circle” to take shape.

Final Thoughts

The five-year extension locks in cross-border driving through 2031 as traffic growth accelerates. With 22.8 million registered drivers and facial recognition cutting wait times to 10 seconds, the policy is reshaping daily life across Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.