South China's Guangdong province will allow private vehicles from the Hong Kong special administrative region to drive across the border to enter the province starting July 1, according to a statement released Monday by the Guangdong provincial department of public security. More than 450,000 Hong Kong drivers will benefit from the new measures.

Hong Kong drivers can make an appointment and apply for approval online starting at 9 am on June 1. Allowing private cars from Hong Kong to enter Guangdong is one of the measures introduced by the central government to support the development of the SAR and promote the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

After Hong Kong residents have successfully applied for an entry permit, they are exclusively allowed to enter Guangdong through the highway port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Cars from Hong Kong can stay in the province for up to 30 days each trip and for up to 180 days a year.

All Hong Kong residents who are 18 years or older can apply for an private vehicle entry permit to Guangdong province if they already have the proper travel documents for Hong Kong residents to enter the mainland, and a car can have two valid drivers.

There are no restrictions, including investment, tax payment and other conditions, on applying for the permit.