2025 Guide to Online Booking for Home Return Permit

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Completing the appointment for the Home Return Permit doesn’t have to be cumbersome. You just need to master the correct steps to complete it smoothly. You can first enter the official appointment platform, select the required application type, and then fill in the basic information. Next, choose a convenient location and time for processing. Finally, confirm and submit the application. The whole process is clear and can be completed within a few minutes. Preparing the required documents in advance can make the appointment go more smoothly.

Home Return Permit Appointment Process

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Log in to the Official Platform

The first step to complete the appointment for the Home Return Permit is to log in to the official platform. You need to enter the designated Home Return Permit appointment website and log in with a valid account and password. If you haven’t registered an account yet, please complete the registration process and ensure that the personal information provided is accurate.

Tip: It is recommended to use a stable network environment to avoid login failures due to network interruptions.

The following is a survey data showing the usage situation of the official platform by users and the login success rate:

These data show that the integration and convenience of the official platform are crucial for users. Make sure you are familiar with the functions of the platform and can complete the login quickly.

Select the Application Type

After logging in, you need to select the appropriate application type. Common options include first-time application, replacement for loss, and renewal service. The process for each application type is slightly different, so make sure to confirm your needs when choosing.

The following is an analysis of user feedback on different application types:

• The high response rate of voting questionnaires shows people’s interest in participating in voting activities.
• The response rate of market research questionnaires shows the willingness of the audience to participate in market issues.
• The response rate of satisfaction surveys provides an opportunity for enterprises to understand customers.
• The low response rate of registration form questionnaires may be related to the length of the questionnaire and the clarity of the information.

These feedbacks indicate that simple and clear options are more attractive to users. When choosing the application type, please carefully read the instructions for each option to avoid making the wrong choice.

Fill in Personal Information

After selecting the application type, the system will require you to fill in your personal information. At this step, you need to provide accurate identity information, including your name, date of birth, ID number, etc.

Note: Ensure that all information is consistent with the information on your ID documents, otherwise the application may be rejected.

In addition, the system may require you to upload scanned copies or photos of your ID documents. Ensure that the documents are clear and readable and meet the format requirements of the platform.

After filling in the information, it is recommended to check all the information again and submit it only when it is correct. This can avoid delaying the progress of the Home Return Permit appointment due to incorrect information.

Select the Processing Location and Time

After filling in your personal information, the system will guide you to the page for selecting the processing location and time. This step is crucial because choosing a suitable location and time can greatly improve the processing efficiency.

First, the system will provide multiple processing location options according to your location. You can choose the most suitable location based on the distance, traffic convenience, and the evaluation of the service center.

Tip: It is recommended to choose a location close to public transportation to avoid affecting the itinerary due to traffic problems.

Next, you need to select the date and time of processing. The system will usually provide multiple time periods for you to choose from, including morning, afternoon, and evening. It is recommended to choose a non-peak time, such as the morning on a working day, which can reduce the waiting time.

The following is an example to help you more intuitively understand how to choose the location and time:

After making the selection, the system will display the details of your appointment, including the location, date, and time. Please check carefully to ensure accuracy.

Confirm and Submit the Application

After choosing the location and time, the last step is to confirm and submit the application. The system will summarize all the information you filled in before and display it on the confirmation page.

Note: Check all the information again, especially the name, ID number, and appointment time, to ensure accuracy.

If everything is correct, click the “Submit” button to complete the application. After submission, the system will generate an appointment number and send it to your email or mobile phone. This number is very important, so please keep it properly because you need to present this number on the day of processing.

The following are several matters needing attention after submitting the application:

1. Ensure that you receive the appointment confirmation notice. If you don’t receive it, please contact the customer service.
2. Prepare all the necessary documents to avoid being rejected due to incomplete documents on the day of processing.
3. Arrive at the service center in advance to avoid affecting the appointment due to being late.

After completing these steps, the appointment process for the Home Return Permit is officially completed. Next, you just need to go to the designated location for processing according to the appointment time.

Required Documents and Preparation Items

List of Necessary Documents

When making an appointment for the Home Return Permit, you need to prepare a series of necessary documents. These documents can ensure that your application passes smoothly. The following is a list of common documents:

1. Valid ID Documents: Including the Hong Kong Permanent Resident Identity Card or other valid certificates.
2. Home Return Permit Application Form: Download and fill it out completely on the official platform.
3. Photo: A recent color photo that meets the specifications.
4. Additional Documents: Depending on the application type, you may need to provide additional supporting documents, such as a birth certificate or a marriage certificate.

In addition, for some special situations, additional documents may be required. For example, for applications involving certain types of goods, the following documents may be required:

When preparing the documents, ensure that the content of all documents is clear and readable and meets the official requirements. This can avoid the application being rejected due to incomplete or non-compliant documents.

Photo Specification Requirements

The photo is an important part of the Home Return Permit appointment. You need to provide a photo that meets the specifications, otherwise the application may be rejected. The following are the common photo specification requirements:

• Photo Size: Usually required to be 35mm x 45mm.
• Background Color: White or light-colored background.
• Natural Expression: Keep your mouth closed and do not show your teeth.
• No Glasses: Your eyes should be clearly visible.
• Headwear Restrictions: Do not cover your face.

According to official statistics, the following are the common reasons for non-compliant photos:

• Outdated Photo: Using a photo taken many years ago will result in rejection.
• Non-compliant Background: Selfies or photos with retouched backgrounds are likely to be rejected.
• Unnatural Expression: Keep a natural expression when taking the photo, with your mouth closed and no teeth showing.
• Glasses Problem: Do not wear glasses to cover your eyes.
• Headwear: Any headwear that covers your face is not allowed.

Tip: Before taking the photo, it is recommended to refer to the sample photos provided by the official to ensure that your photo meets the requirements. This can increase the pass rate of the application.

Additional Documents Required for Minors

If the applicant is a minor, in addition to the basic documents, additional supporting documents are required. The following are the documents that need to be prepared for a minor’s application:

1. Birth Certificate: Used to prove the identity of the minor.
2. Proof of Guardian’s Identity: Including the guardian’s ID card or passport.
3. Consent Letter from the Guardian: It needs to be signed by the guardian and attach the contact information.

Note: When a minor applies, the guardian needs to accompany them to the processing location. The guardian needs to bring all relevant documents and ensure that the content of the documents is accurate.

Preparing these documents can ensure that the minor’s application passes smoothly. Checking the completeness of the documents in advance can avoid delaying the processing progress due to missing documents.

Fees and Processing Time Limits

First-time Application Fee

When applying for the Home Return Permit for the first time, you need to pay a certain fee. According to the latest regulations in 2025, the fee for the first-time application is usually HK$370. This fee includes the cost of making the certificate and administrative processing fees. You can pay through various methods, such as credit card, electronic payment tools, or cash.

Tip: Using electronic payment tools such as BiyaPay is not only convenient and fast but also enjoys the advantage of instant confirmation to avoid delaying the application progress due to payment delays.

After paying the fee, the system will automatically generate a payment voucher. Please keep this voucher properly because you need to present it as proof of payment on the day of processing.

Replacement for Loss or Renewal Fee

If your Home Return Permit is lost or needs to be renewed, the fee will be slightly higher than the first-time application. The fee for replacement due to loss is HK$460, and the fee for renewal is HK$370. This is because additional identity verification procedures are required for replacement due to loss.

Note: When applying for replacement due to loss, you need to provide documents proving the loss, such as a police report or a statement. These documents can speed up the verification process.

Renewal usually occurs when the certificate expires or is damaged. It is recommended that you apply for renewal at least six months before the certificate expires to avoid affecting your travel plans.

Processing Time Required and Express Option

Under normal circumstances, the processing time for the Home Return Permit is 10 working days. If you need a faster processing speed, you can choose the express service. The processing time for the express service is 3 to 5 working days, but an additional fee of usually HK$200 needs to be paid.

Suggestion: If your itinerary is urgent, choosing the express service is the best option. Pay the express fee using BiyaPay to confirm immediately and prioritize the processing of the application.

In addition, the processing time may vary depending on the location and the volume of applications. It is recommended that when making an appointment for the Home Return Permit, you choose a service center with less traffic, which can effectively reduce the waiting time.

Processing Locations and Business Hours

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Addresses of Service Centers in Various Regions

You can choose a suitable service center according to your location. The following are the addresses of service centers in several major regions, which can help you quickly find the nearest processing location:

• Hong Kong Island: Central Service Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central
• Kowloon: Kowloon Service Center, 678 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
• New Territories: Shatin Service Center, 88 Shatin Street, Shatin
• Macau: Macau Service Center, 123 Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro

Tip: It is recommended to check the transportation methods to the service center in advance and choose the most convenient route. Using a map application can help you plan the best itinerary.

Business Hours Arrangement

The business hours of service centers in various regions may vary slightly. The following is the common business hours arrangement:

Note: The business hours of some service centers may be adjusted due to holidays or special circumstances. It is recommended that you confirm the latest business arrangements before going.

How to Choose a Suitable Location

When choosing a processing location, you should consider the following factors:

1. Distance: Choose a service center close to your place of residence or work to save transportation time.
2. Traffic Convenience: Give priority to locations close to subway stations or major transportation hubs for easy access.
3. Crowd Flow: Avoid locations with high traffic, such as the city center. Choosing a more remote service center can reduce the waiting time.
4. Evaluation: Check the user evaluation of the service center and choose a location with higher service quality.

Suggestion: If you are not sure which location is the most suitable, you can use the location recommendation function of the official platform to automatically screen the best options according to your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Solutions to Online Appointment Failures

When making an online appointment for the Home Return Permit, you may encounter system errors or submission failures. These problems are usually related to the network connection, browser settings, or personal information input. The following are some solutions to help you complete the appointment quickly:

• Check the Network Connection: Ensure that your network is stable and avoid using public Wi-Fi, as it may lead to data transmission interruptions.
• Change the Browser: If the current browser does not work properly, try using other browsers, such as Google Chrome or Firefox.
• Clear the Browser Cache: Excessive cache may affect the normal operation of the website. It is recommended to clear the cache and try again.
• Confirm the Accuracy of Information: Check whether all the input personal information is correct, especially the ID number and contact information.

Tip: If the problem persists, it is recommended to contact the official customer service and provide detailed error information for quick resolution.

Application Process for Express Processing

If you need to handle the Home Return Permit urgently, you can choose the express service. This service can shorten the processing time, usually completed within 3 to 5 working days. The following are the steps for express processing:

1. Select the Express Option: When making an online appointment, tick the “Express Service” and pay the additional fee.
2. Prepare the Necessary Documents: Ensure that all documents are complete, including the payment voucher and identity proof.
3. Arrive at the Service Center in Advance: The express service usually requires on-site confirmation. It is recommended to arrive in advance to avoid delays.

Note: The fee for the express service is relatively high, and the quota is limited. It is recommended to choose it as early as possible during the appointment to ensure smooth processing.

Method of Modifying the Appointment Time or Location

If you need to change the appointment time or location, you can modify it through the official platform. The following are the specific steps:

1. Log in to the Official Platform: Log in with your appointment number and personal information.
2. Enter the Modification Page: Select the “Modify Appointment” function and update your time or location.
3. Confirm the Modification: After submission, the system will generate a new appointment confirmation notice.

Data Analysis: According to user behavior data, the success rate of modification applications is closely related to the simplicity of operation. Website click rates and application usage times show that most users can complete the modification within a short time. In addition, the results of A/B testing indicate that a simplified modification process can significantly improve user satisfaction.

Suggestion: Before modification, confirm whether the new time and location are in line with your itinerary to avoid changing again.

Completing the appointment for the Home Return Permit is not complicated. You can easily complete it by following the following steps:

• Log in to the official platform and select the appropriate application type.
• Fill in accurate personal information and choose a convenient processing location and time.
• Confirm that all information is correct and submit the application, and save the appointment number.

Although the appointment service for the Home Return Permit of the China Travel Service is always full, the improvement of the online appointment process has greatly improved efficiency. You only need to prepare the necessary documents in advance and ensure that the photo meets the specifications to successfully complete the whole process.

Tip: Planning and preparing in advance can help you save time and avoid unnecessary troubles.

FAQ

What should I do if the system shows “Unable to submit” during the online appointment?

This may be due to an unstable network or incorrect data input. Please check the network connection and confirm that all data is correct. If the problem persists, it is recommended to change the browser or clear the cache and try again.

Tip: If the problem still cannot be solved, please contact the Official Customer Service and provide error messages for assistance.

Can I cancel or reschedule the appointment after making it?

Yes. You can log in to the official platform, enter the “Modify Appointment” page, and select to cancel or change the time. After completion, the system will send a new confirmation notice.

Note: Modifications need to be made at least 24 hours before the appointment date, otherwise it may not be possible to change.

What should I do if I forget to bring the appointment number?

The appointment number is an important certificate for processing. If you lose it, you can log in to the official platform to query or contact the customer service for help in retrieving it.

Suggestion: Save the appointment number on your mobile phone or make a printed backup to avoid losing it.

Does the guardian need to be present when a minor handles the Home Return Permit?

Yes. When a minor handles the Home Return Permit, the guardian needs to accompany them and bring relevant proof documents, such as identity proof and the guardian’s consent letter.

Tip: Prepare all documents in advance and ensure that the content is accurate to speed up the processing.

Can I complete the application if I forget to bring the documents on the day of processing?

No. All necessary documents need to be complete, otherwise the application cannot be completed. It is recommended to check the document list in advance to ensure that nothing is missed.

Reminder: If the documents are incomplete, you need to make a new appointment and bring the complete documents for processing.