First ensure safety and establish whether the document is lost, then report it and contact the correct issuing channel. Do not attempt clearance with a phone photograph as if it were the original document.
What to have ready
Understand the arrangements before leaving
NIA describes a route for mainland residents who lose an Exit-Entry Permit in Hong Kong: obtain a police loss report and apply through CTS for a one-off Exit-Entry Pass via the relevant Guangdong visa office to return to the mainland. CTS's current instructions specify documents and service arrangements, which should be checked directly.
The police report supports the application but does not replace a travel document or extend the Hong Kong stay automatically. Macao residents and foreign passport holders need their own identity-document or consular channel. They should not transplant the mainland permit's one-off-return process to a different document or nationality.
Complete the journey step by step
- From a safe location, check belongings and recent locations and contact transport lost-property or accommodation staff. Use the appropriate police channel if theft or immediate danger is suspected rather than treating every case as simple lost property. Record discovery time, place and the companions who can help.
- Report the loss through police procedures and obtain the reference or supporting record, with name, date of birth and document number available. Copies help identification but should be given to official channels rather than posted publicly. Publishing complete identity details can create another problem while the document is being traced.
- Mainland residents should follow CTS's official return-document service and check photographs, the loss report, appointments and processing. For Macao or foreign documents, contact the corresponding authority. A travel agency promising guaranteed same-day clearance is not an official decision or a substitute for the required issued document.
- Check the Hong Kong stay deadline at the same time and enquire with Immigration promptly about necessary action. An unapproved replacement or extension application does not authorise indefinite waiting. Arrange safe accommodation and ticket changes, then verify the return document's permitted route and validity once issued.
Restrictions that are easy to miss
A one-off return document serves a different purpose from replacing the complete permit. A replacement permit and endorsement may still be needed after returning to the mainland. Do not plan another Hong Kong holiday around the temporary document; follow its actual permitted use and restrictions.
Document loss can affect hotel, bank and transport identification, so notify the relevant provider through its formal channel. If a phone or payment card is also missing, handle suspension and account protection separately. A document loss report does not automatically cancel every payment instrument or protect all linked accounts.
Prepare a workable itinerary
A mainland visitor who loses the permit in Mong Kok reports to police, retrieves a document copy and contacts CTS about the return document while checking the remaining Hong Kong stay. A companion can help with tickets and accommodation but cannot lend their own permit for the person's clearance.
Handle reporting, return documentation and the stay deadline together; a loss report does not permit clearance.
Official information and enquiries
These are the reference and service entry points for this guide. Check current fees, eligibility, and schedules with the authority. The preparation date is not each source's official update date.