The long-awaited policy allowing private vehicles registered in Guangdong to drive directly into downtown Hong Kong, known as the "Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles" (粤车南下) program, is expected to launch as early as November 2025, according to an official announcement by Hong Kong's Transport and Logistics Bureau on July 2. 

In its initial phase, the program will allow a quota of 100 eligible private cars from Guangdong per day to enter Hong Kong. Once the new policy proves to be running smoothly, the daily vehicle quota may be increased and rules on length of stay will be refined.

To qualify, mainland vehicles and drivers must meet specific registration, licensing, and insurance requirements under Hong Kong law, and traffic violations or accidents will be handled by Hong Kong authorities. Coordination between Guangdong and Hong Kong police will ensure enforcement, with information-sharing mechanisms to support cross-border management.

Two large automated parking facilities, with 1,800 total spaces, will be activated to support the rollout. One will serve transit passengers heading to Hong Kong International Airport. They can park at the designated lot and take a shuttle directly into the airport's restricted area to complete check-in and boarding, without going through Hong Kong immigration clearance. The other facility is for visitors to Hong Kong, offering a park-and-enter option via the HZMB checkpoint and bridge inspection building, where standard immigration procedures apply.

The scheme mirrors the "Northbound Travel for HK Vehicles" (港车北上) program, which has seen overwhelming success since its launch in July 2023, with over 100,000 Hong Kong vehicles crossing into Guangdong through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB).

For Dongguan, located at the geographical heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), this policy brings tangible benefits. The city has already accelerated cross-border public service access, such as local terminals for Hong Kong e-government platforms, smart kiosks offering 70+ services, and partnerships with hospitals offering Hong Kong Elderly Health Vouchers. Education ties are also growing, with City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) and Great Bay University now active in the region.

The initiative supports the vision of a "one-hour living circle", enhancing mobility for work, education, tourism, and trade. It marks a key step toward deepening integration within the GBA.