HONG KONG—A significant milestone in cross-boundary travel within the Greater Bay Area was achieved on November 15, 2025, as the “Southbound Guangdong Vehicle” policy officially launched, allowing unallocated private vehicles from Guangdong province to drive directly into Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). The inaugural passage occurred precisely at midnight at the Zhuhai Port, marking the end of a restrictive quota system and ushering in an era of seamless self-driving integration between the mainland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR).
The historic first vehicle, bearing a Guangdong license plate and driven by a Mr. Zhou from Zhuhai, smoothly navigated the automated customs process. Mr. Zhou stated he was en route to drop off a friend at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for a flight to Thailand, underscoring the immediate practical benefits of the new route. He lauded the ease of the process, noting the “one-stop inspection was incredibly convenient,” reflecting growing connectivity across the region.
New Policy Eliminates Quotas
The “Southbound Guangdong Vehicle” initiative, a central element of regional integration plans by both the Guangdong and Hong Kong governments, provides two key avenues for mainland drivers. The first phase, which commenced on November 15, enables eligible Guangdong private cars to utilize designated parking facilities at the Hong Kong Port. A subsequent, more comprehensive phase, set to take effect on December 23, will permit these vehicles to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas, significantly expanding access.
Applications for the new scheme formally opened on November 1, 2025. Unlike previous cross-border driving programs, this policy is structured to allow the general public to apply without relying on a limited quota system, fundamentally altering the landscape of travel for millions of residents in the Greater Bay Area.
Seamless Border Transition
The experience of the first wave of drivers highlighted the efficiency improvements achieved by border control authorities. Mr. Zhou’s vehicle passed through the Zhuhai Highway Port’s integrated self-service inspection channel in under a minute. The system utilizes advanced technology for vehicle body inspection, facial recognition, and fingerprint verification, ensuring rapid yet rigorous security checks.
He Cai’gen, Director of the Border Inspection Department at the Zhuhai Border Inspection General Station, confirmed that significant effort has been invested in optimizing the verification process. To facilitate the expected surge in cross-border traffic, border authorities have streamlined registration, allowing both drivers and vehicles to complete all necessary paperwork online. Furthermore, the station has implemented a crucial upgrade to the HZMB Zhuhai Port’s integrated inspection system.
Key Features of the HZMB Crossing:
- Speed: Automated “one-stop” customs clearance takes less than 60 seconds.
- Access: Direct route from Guangdong to Hong Kong via the world’s longest sea crossing.
- Convenience: Online application and registration for both drivers and vehicles.
Implications for Regional Integration
The launch of the “Southbound Guangdong Vehicle” project offers a tangible demonstration of deepening integration within the Greater Bay Area, a region encompassing nine mainland cities and the two SARs of Hong Kong and Macao. By facilitating direct, personalized travel, the policy is expected to boost tourism, trade, and interpersonal exchanges.
Mr. Zhou’s observation that the greater integration within the GBA is evident and accelerating captures the broader sentiment. Economically, cutting down travel friction is crucial for professional and logistical movement between key regional hubs like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Hong Kong.
As the second phase, granting access to Hong Kong’s city centers, nears its late December launch, authorities will monitor traffic flow and system performance closely. The success of this initiative is a precursor to further policies designed to enhance connectivity and solidify the region’s status as a unified economic powerhouse.
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