STARTING Oct. 1, Shenzhen residents must make an appointment online before receiving services at branches of the city’s exit and entry administration.

    Residents can log on to www.gdcrj.com or follow the administration on its WeChat account to make an appointment in accordance with their needs. Once an appointment is made, the resident must arrive at the appointment on time along with the application form and any other required materials. The administration handles residents’ applications for documents required for overseas travel, including passports and travel permits to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

    People who are applying for permanent residency in Hong Kong or Macao with a one-way exit or are in an urgent situation are not subject to the new rule.

    The administration offices are open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

    People with questions can call 8446-5490 for assistance.

    (Zhang Yang)