After months of systems testing and cross-boundary talks, Hong Kong’s Transport Department has confirmed that the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (STGV) pilot will go live at 00:00 on 23 December. Up to 1 700 Guangdong-registered private cars, selected by computer ballot earlier this month, will be allowed to drive directly into Hong Kong’s urban areas via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge.
To qualify, motorists had to pass a 15-point technical inspection on the mainland, fit an HKSAR licence plate with the “FT” prefix, purchase Hong Kong third-party insurance and open an HKeToll account for automatic tunnel payments. All permits have been issued electronically following identity and insurance verification by Hong Kong and Guangdong authorities.
While vehicle approvals are handled by transport authorities, passengers still need to make sure their personal entry documents are in order. VisaHQ’s Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) simplifies the process of obtaining visas and travel permits for Hong Kong or onward destinations, providing digital forms, checklist tools and courier options that save valuable preparation time for cross-border drivers.
![Guangdong private cars cleared to drive into Hong Kong as STGV pilot launches 23 December]()
The STGV scheme is the inverse of Hong Kong’s long-running “Northbound” policy and aims to stimulate inbound tourism and retail spending in the New Territories. Officials estimate each car party will spend HK $6,000–HK $9,000 during a permitted three-day stay, potentially injecting HK $15 million per week during the pilot phase.
Business groups welcome the flexibility for Guangdong executives who previously relied on chauffeurs or shuttle buses, but warn that limited permits and the three-day cap constrain corporate usage. The government will publish usage data after a three-month trial; chambers of commerce are already lobbying for a second-phase quota increase if safety and congestion impacts remain manageable.
Mobility managers should brief mainland staff on driving-on-the-left rules, parking restrictions and the need to keep insurance certificates and electronic permits accessible for roadside checks. Electric-vehicle users can tap a new fast-charging hub on Lantau Island built specifically for STGV visitors.
To qualify, motorists had to pass a 15-point technical inspection on the mainland, fit an HKSAR licence plate with the “FT” prefix, purchase Hong Kong third-party insurance and open an HKeToll account for automatic tunnel payments. All permits have been issued electronically following identity and insurance verification by Hong Kong and Guangdong authorities.
While vehicle approvals are handled by transport authorities, passengers still need to make sure their personal entry documents are in order. VisaHQ’s Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) simplifies the process of obtaining visas and travel permits for Hong Kong or onward destinations, providing digital forms, checklist tools and courier options that save valuable preparation time for cross-border drivers.
The STGV scheme is the inverse of Hong Kong’s long-running “Northbound” policy and aims to stimulate inbound tourism and retail spending in the New Territories. Officials estimate each car party will spend HK $6,000–HK $9,000 during a permitted three-day stay, potentially injecting HK $15 million per week during the pilot phase.
Business groups welcome the flexibility for Guangdong executives who previously relied on chauffeurs or shuttle buses, but warn that limited permits and the three-day cap constrain corporate usage. The government will publish usage data after a three-month trial; chambers of commerce are already lobbying for a second-phase quota increase if safety and congestion impacts remain manageable.
Mobility managers should brief mainland staff on driving-on-the-left rules, parking restrictions and the need to keep insurance certificates and electronic permits accessible for roadside checks. Electric-vehicle users can tap a new fast-charging hub on Lantau Island built specifically for STGV visitors.
