Permit Application
Mai Po Nature Reserve Entry Permit
Mai Po Marshes are of exceptional ecological value and are designated as a “Restricted Area” under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) (“the Ordinance”) to safeguard this important habitat from excessive human disturbance. On 8 May 2026, the Government gazetted the Frontier Closed Area (Amendment) Order 2026 to exclude certain parts of Mai Po from the Frontier Closed Area with effect from 24 July 2026. From that date, members of the public who wish to enter the Frontier Closed Area section of the Mai Po Nature Reserve (MPNR) will no longer be required to apply to the Police for a Frontier Closed Area Permit, but they will still be required to apply to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for a Mai Po Nature Reserve Entry Permit (“Permit”) in accordance with the existing requirements under the Ordinance.
Eligibility for Application
MPNR falls within the “Restricted Area”, and entry is permitted only to holders of a valid Permit. Activities conducted within the Restricted Area must align with recognised conservation objectives, such as birdwatching, conservation, education and scientific research. Persons wishing to visit the area must submit a written application to the AFCD, together with supporting documents or a written statement demonstrating that they meet the eligibility requirements for the Permit.
General public who wish to visit the MPNR may join guided tours or related activities organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (WWFHK) or other non-profit-making organisations. These activities operate on a prior booking and quota basis to effectively control visitor numbers and ensure that the ecological environment of the MPNR is not adversely affected.
Enhancement of the Permit Application Mechanism
The AFCD has enhanced the application procedures and related control mechanisms for the Permit to ensure that, following the opening up of the Mai Po Frontier Closed Area, visitor numbers can be effectively managed while safeguarding the ecologically important habitat from excessive human disturbance.
Under the enhanced mechanism, the Permit will be divided into two categories. Type A Permit allows access to the MPNR, but excludes the boardwalks and bird hides constructed and managed by the WWFHK outside the boundary fence. Type B Permit covers access to the above facilities but requires a separate annual authorisation issued in advance by the WWFHK. For the permitted area under the two types of Permit, please refer to the map below:
All Permits are generally valid for a year. No application fee is charged.
At present, there is no annual quota for Type A Permits. However, the AFCD will closely monitor visitor numbers and implement appropriate control measures where necessary. As the facilities outside the boundary fence have limited capacity, a yearly quota will apply to Type B Permits to avoid exceeding their carrying capacity. If applications exceed the quota, allocation will be determined by ballot.
The deadline for applying for a Type B Permit this year is 10 July 2026.
How to apply
Eligible applicants may download the application form here. Completed application forms shall be submitted along with relevant proof or written account by mail, email or fax to: