Shenzhen residents, including both permanent residents and holders of residence permits, now can apply for multiple-entry permits to Hong Kong thanks to a new policy that went into effect Sunday. 

The new policy, which aims to enhance mobility within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), is a significant easing of the previous one-trip-per-week policy implemented in 2015.

Under the policy, eligible applicants can obtain multiple-entry permits that are valid for one year, allowing unlimited visits to Hong Kong, with each stay lasting up to seven days. 

The multi-entry permits are not only available to permanent residents of Shenzhen but also to non-permanent residents holding residence permits. The relaxed policy is expected to facilitate more frequent and flexible travel between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, benefiting both tourism and business activities.

An intelligent service station in Shangmeilin, Futian District, saw a steady stream of visitors Sunday morning. One visitor, surnamed Liu, and her husband were among the first to benefit from the new policy.

"It's more convenient and flexible to go to Hong Kong," said Liu, who often visits relatives there. In less than two minutes, Liu got her new permit at a self-service machine. While scanning the QR code to pay, she happily said, "There are no restrictions on travel and no price increases, so the cost-effectiveness is enhanced."

The price for a multiple-entry permit remains unchanged at 80 yuan (US$11). 

It should be noted that residents whose Hong Kong and Macao travel permits are valid for less than one year are currently unable to obtain multiple-entry permits for traveling to Hong Kong. They can renew their travel permits for the multiple-entry permits.

On Friday, China announced a policy that enables residents of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, to visit Macao once per calendar week starting Jan. 1, 2025, with a maximum stay of seven days per trip.

Industry insiders believe that the new measures will bring more vitality to the economic growth of the GBA.

The GBA, which includes Hong Kong, Macao and nine cities in Guangdong, is home to around 86 million people. It serves as a hub for innovation, manufacturing, finance, and trade, maintaining dynamic connections to global markets. Last year, the region's total economic output matched that of Canada.