After months of system testing and cross-boundary coordination, Hong Kong’s Transport Department confirmed on 19 December that the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (STGV) pilot is ready to go live at 00:00 on 23 December. The scheme will, for the first time, allow up to 1 700 Guangdong-registered private cars—selected by computer ballot earlier this month—to drive directly into Hong Kong’s urban areas via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HZMB).
To qualify, motorists had to clear a 15-point technical inspection on the mainland, install an HKSAR licence plate with the “FT” prefix, purchase Hong Kong third-party insurance and activate an HKeToll account for automatic tunnel payments. All permits are issued electronically once authorities on both sides verify identity, vehicle data and insurance status.
Officials believe the pilot will diversify visitor profiles and inject new spending into districts beyond traditional tourist zones. Analysts, however, note that the three-day stay limit and small quota will cap immediate economic impact; business lobbies are already calling for a phased quota increase if traffic and safety data remain positive.
![Hong Kong finalises ‘Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles’ rules ahead of 23 December launch]()
Motorists who discover they still need entry visas for accompanying family members or colleagues can streamline the paperwork through VisaHQ’s Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/). The platform combines online forms, real-time tracking and courier pick-up to make sure passports, visas and supporting documents are squared away well before anyone pulls onto the bridge.
For corporate mobility planners, STGV opens a flexible alternative to chauffeur services and cross-border coaches, particularly for Guangdong-based executives who prefer self-drive trips for short meetings or site visits. Companies should review employee insurance coverage, distribute Hong Kong traffic-rule guides and avoid scheduling early-morning meetings on the first two pilot days, when arrival peaks are expected.
The Transport Department has launched an STGV page inside its “HKeMobility” app featuring road-safety videos, EV charging locations and real-time HZMB traffic updates. The department will publish utilisation statistics and consider quota adjustments after an initial three-month review.
To qualify, motorists had to clear a 15-point technical inspection on the mainland, install an HKSAR licence plate with the “FT” prefix, purchase Hong Kong third-party insurance and activate an HKeToll account for automatic tunnel payments. All permits are issued electronically once authorities on both sides verify identity, vehicle data and insurance status.
Officials believe the pilot will diversify visitor profiles and inject new spending into districts beyond traditional tourist zones. Analysts, however, note that the three-day stay limit and small quota will cap immediate economic impact; business lobbies are already calling for a phased quota increase if traffic and safety data remain positive.
Motorists who discover they still need entry visas for accompanying family members or colleagues can streamline the paperwork through VisaHQ’s Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/). The platform combines online forms, real-time tracking and courier pick-up to make sure passports, visas and supporting documents are squared away well before anyone pulls onto the bridge.
For corporate mobility planners, STGV opens a flexible alternative to chauffeur services and cross-border coaches, particularly for Guangdong-based executives who prefer self-drive trips for short meetings or site visits. Companies should review employee insurance coverage, distribute Hong Kong traffic-rule guides and avoid scheduling early-morning meetings on the first two pilot days, when arrival peaks are expected.
The Transport Department has launched an STGV page inside its “HKeMobility” app featuring road-safety videos, EV charging locations and real-time HZMB traffic updates. The department will publish utilisation statistics and consider quota adjustments after an initial three-month review.
