【Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area Local Tour】Opening Programme

Since 1 September 2022, the TIC has been commissioned by the Security Bureau to support the Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area Local Tour Opening Programme. The public can go sight-seeing there and take a ferry at the Pier to visit neighbouring places including Lai Chi Wo and Kat O, to gain a deeper understanding of local history, culture, natural scenery and tourist attractions.

The TIC has been advocating for the full opening of Sha Tau Kok. In response to industry feedback regarding the demand for tour groups visiting Sha Tau Kok, the Security Bureau has conducted ongoing assessments of the area's capacity to receive visitors and has considered further development of the tourism industry. Ultimately, all quota restrictions for both individual and group tour travellers have been removed. To facilitate the operation of travel agencies, starting from January 2026, travel agencies can submit applications for Tourism Closed Area Permit (T-Cap) directly to the police. It is recommended that travel agencies allow sufficient time for submission to ensure the permit is approved before departure. Details as below:

Important Points to Note

All kinds of loudhailers are not allowed in the Closed Area to minimise noise nuisance caused to the residents.

All tour buses must park legally in appropriate locations within and beyond the restricted area of Sha Tau Kok. They must not obstruct access to ensure that residents' lives are not impacted, and that traffic safety is maintained.
 

Optimization Measures

(1) Pilot Scheme for Urgent Application for Expedited Approval (Inbound Visitors) of the Sha Tau Kok Closed Area Permit

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 two 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 11a.m. on the next working day.  The application for a closed area permit generally requires a minimum of two working days.  If the application is submitted with sufficient time, it is not required to expedite processing for inbound visitors' closed area permits.

Application Link:  Urgent Application for Expedited Approval (Inbound Visitors) of the Sha Tau Kok Closed Area Permit

(2) Implementation of OCR technology

To fully support the further expansion of the Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area opening-up plan, Police are pleased to announce the implementation of OCR technology on the Hong Kong Police Force Online Applications Platform for the application of T-CAP (G), effective from 29 August 2025. The OCR test will be conducted during online application and travel agencies will receive immediate feedback on the documents and information submitted, allowing timely rectification when necessary and hence a more streamlined application experience.

The document types applicable for OCR are (i) HKID, (ii) Passport, (iii) One-way Permit, and (iv) Two-way Permit.  Applications involving document types other than the aforementioned categories will be processed according to the existing procedure.  This system enhancement aims to detect faulty applications at an early stage and enable travel agencies to conduct timely rectification and avoid undue delay, thereby having a more streamlined application process and ultimately facilitating tourists to visit Sha Tau Kok. To align with the application of the latest technology, travel agencies are hereby requested to refer to the following link for the most up-to-date information regarding the application process for Tourism Closed Area Permits (T-CAP).

Enquiries: