The Security Bureau and the Hong Kong Police Force will launch a pilot scheme to provide expedited and enhanced services for the approval of the Sha Tau Kok Closed Area Permits for inbound tourists, starting from 12 June 2025. This scheme aims to assist inbound tourists who do not have sufficient time to process the Sha Tau Kok Closed Area Permit, which normally requires at least three working days. Under this trial, travel agents may submit urgent requests to the Police Force after Sha Tau Kok Closed Area Permit application to expedite approval. Upon receipt of such urgent requests, the Police Force will process them as soon as possible.

Please note this urgent expedited approval mechanism is designed specifically to facilitate those inbound visitors with genuine need for but without sufficient time for application. The mechanism should not be exploited as a way for agencies by extending their period of accepting routine visitors.

Any expedited processing requests submitted before 11 a.m. on a working day will have the permit approval available from 11 a.m. on the next working day. The application for a closed area permit generally requires a minimum of three working days. If the application is submitted with sufficient time, it is not required to expedite processing for inbound visitors' closed area permits. For further details and application procedures, please refer to the TIC website.

For enquiries, please contact 2807-1199.