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Application of the authorisation letter for the “Mai Po Nature Reserve Entry Permit” - Type B Permit
© WWF-Hong Kong

According to the latest guidelines issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on 9 June 2026, the existing “Permit to Enter the Mai Po Marshes Restricted Area” will be renamed the “Permit to Enter the Mai Po Nature Reserve” (the “permit”) with effect from 24 July 2026, and will be categorised into a Type A Permit and a Type B Permit.  

Mai Po Nature Reserve is a wetland of international importance and forms part of a restricted area. Public access is regulated under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) and AFCD’s permit system. The permits are primarily intended for eligible applicants, such as experienced bird watchers, conservation practitioners, academic researchers, or those undertaking activities in line with the management objectives of the nature reserve. 

The personal permits are divided into two types. A Type A permit allows access into the Mai Po Nature Reserve, but excludes the boardwalks and bird hides located outside the boundary fence (i.e. facilities beyond Gate 107), which are constructed and managed by WWF‑Hong Kong (WWF). A Type B permit covers access to these facilities, but applicants must obtain a separate annual authorisation letter issued in advance by WWF. To avoid exceeding the carrying capacity of these facilities, a yearly quota will apply to the Type B permit. If the number of applications exceeds the quota, AFCD will allocate permits by drawing lots. Please note that an authorisation letter issued by WWF serves only as supporting documentation and does not in itself grant entry into the Mai Po Nature Reserve. 

The personal permits are divided into two types. A Type A permit allows access into the Mai Po Nature Reserve, but excludes the boardwalks and bird hides located outside the boundary fence (i.e. facilities beyond Gate 107), which are constructed and managed by WWF‑Hong Kong (WWF). A Type B permit covers access to these facilities, but applicants must obtain a separate annual authorisation letter issued in advance by WWF. To avoid exceeding the carrying capacity of these facilities, a yearly quota will apply to the Type B permit. If the number of applications exceeds the quota, AFCD will allocate permits by drawing lots. Please note that an authorisation letter issued by WWF serves only as supporting documentation and does not in itself grant entry into the Mai Po Nature Reserve. 

The application form below is for eligible applicants who need to obtain an authorisation letter from WWF in support of their application for the Mai Po Nature Reserve Entry Permit – Type B Permit. The authorisation letter serves as supporting documentation only and does not guarantee that AFCD will approve the permit application. 

If you simply wish to learn about Mai Po and enjoy its wetland habitats as a general visitor, you do not need to apply for individual Type A Permit or Type B Permit. We encourage you to join WWF’s public guided tours and education programmes as a responsible way to experience Mai Po Nature Reserve. For details of public visit programmes, please refer to the “Mai Po Nature Reserve” section on WWF‑Hong Kong’s website.  

For the official application procedures and enquiries regarding the Mai Po Nature Reserve Entry Permit – Type A and Type B Permits, please refer to the latest information provided on AFCD’s official website.