In 2019, the Chinese mainland saw visits from 215 million residents of Hong Kong and Macao, 2.5 times the figure in 1996, according to the exit and entry administration under the Ministry of Public Security.

Starting from Oct. 10, residents of Hong Kong and Macao will be allowed to renew their travel passes to the mainland or have them reissued at any exit and entry department above the county level on the Chinese mainland, the administration said at a press conference on Monday.

Until the new policy takes effect, it is only possible to renew or reissue the travel passes to the mainland in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.

With no additional requirements, applicants will be able to make appointments and inquire about the process through online platforms. They can also complete the entire process within seven working days, and request an urgent service in emergencies.

It is estimated that the new policy will save Hong Kong and Macao residents about 180 million yuan (about 26.3 million U.S. dollars) in transportation costs annually by allowing them to have their passes renewed and reissued on the Chinese mainland.