Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Individual Yacht Travel Officially Takes Effect

Recently, the first batch of more than 20 yachts from Hong Kong and Macao berthed at designated port terminals in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Zhongshan. After completing entry procedures, the yachts embarked on their maiden voyages in the Chinese mainland, marking the official implementation of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao individual yacht free travel scheme.

In May 2026, China's State Council issued an official reply approving the temporary adjustment of the implementation of certain administrative regulations in the nine mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Under the approval, relevant provisions of the Regulations on Customs Affairs Guarantees and the Regulations on Vessel Registration will be temporarily adjusted. On June 16, 2026, the People's Government of Guangdong Province issued the Measures of Guangdong Province for the Administration of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Yacht Free Travel (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures").

Going forward, Hong Kong and Macao yachts holding temporary ship nationality certificates issued by the mainland authorities will be permitted to navigate freely within the waters of the nine mainland GBA cities— Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing — and engage in recreational activities in designated waters.