HK resumes multiple-entry IVS for Shenzhen residents

Currently, Shenzhen residents can only visit Hong Kong once a week under the IVS.

The government has welcomed the central government’s decision to resume the multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) for Shenzhen permanent residents and expand it to include Shenzhen residence permit holders, effective 1 December.

The move will allow Shenzhen residents to visit Hong Kong more frequently, benefiting sectors like tourism, retail, and catering. Currently, Shenzhen residents can only visit Hong Kong once a week under the IVS, but the new arrangement removes this restriction.

The resumption of the multiple-entry IVS will increase the number of eligible Shenzhen residents to over 10 million, the government said.

Chief Executive John Lee thanked the central government for its continued support and for responding to Hong Kong’s requests, including the IVS expansion, which he had proposed in his Policy Address.

To ensure a smooth rollout, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki led an interdepartmental meeting to prepare for the changes, coordinating efforts across border control, tourist facilities, and transport networks.

Culture, Sports & Tourism Secretary Kevin Yeung also highlighted that the new IVS arrangements would boost tourism, retail, and catering industries in Hong Kong.

“IVS visitors are significant driving forces for the development of tourism-related industries in Hong Kong,” he said.

Marcos Chan, head of research at CBRE Hong Kong, added that the resumption of multiple-entry IVS for Shenzhen residents will boost tourist traffic to Hong Kong, benefiting retail and F&B businesses in the New Territories along railway lines.

He also noted that the expanded capacity at Hong Kong International Airport, with the new third runway, will further support the recovery of tourism.

“Leasing demand for shops in those major tourist bearing points is expected to improve and further lowering vacancy rates,” Chan said. “Should interest rates will further lower, domestic consumption will also strengthen as household burdens reduce. A fuller retail market recovery is expected for 2025.”