Do I need a visa for Hong Kong?

Planning a trip to Hong Kong might require a visa, depending on your nationality. Hong Kong’s visa policy allows citizens of many countries to visit visa-free for varying durations. However, it is essential to check your specific eligibility and entry requirements before traveling.

Citizens of visa-exempt countries

Hong Kong offers visa-free entry to citizens of more than 150 countries and territories, with permitted stay durations ranging from 7 to 180 days. The specific duration depends on your country of origin.

Visa-free access durations

• 180 days: Citizens of the United Kingdom and Macau are allowed to stay for up to 180 days.

• 90 days: Countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most European nations have a 90-day visa-free period.

• 30 days: Nations including Thailand, South Africa, and Russia are granted a 30-day stay.

• 14 days: Citizens of Kazakhstan and the Philippines can stay for up to 14 days.

• 7 days: Certain nationalities, such as East Timor, have a 7-day visa-free allowance.

If you're a national of one of the visa-exempt countries, consider having the following ready before traveling to Hong Kong:

• Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least one month beyond your intended stay.

• Proof of funds: You may be required to prove you have sufficient funds to cover your stay.

• Return or onward ticket: Having a return or onward ticket is advisable to confirm your departure plans.

While many travelers can enjoy visa-free entry, Indian passport holders must complete a Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration before departure.

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Can Indian passport holders travel to Hong Kong?

Yes, Indian passport holders can travel to Hong Kong but first, they must apply for a Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR). The PAR allows a stay of up to 14 days and is valid for six months with multiple entries. Once approved, the notification slip will be sent via email, which must be printed and presented at the port of entry.

Applying for a [Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) can sometimes feel like a battle with technology. One traveler shared their frustration:

“I have been trying to complete the PAR form, but the website keeps timing out before I can finish. It’s incredibly frustrating.”

Dealing with constant timeouts is enough to make anyone give up. That’s why the iVisa platform is designed to be user-friendly and reliable. No timeout issues here—you can even save your application and finish it whenever it’s convenient for you. Plus, with the iVisa app, you can complete your PAR application on-the-go, so you don’t have to put your plans on hold.

Visa-required countries

Citizens of certain countries are required to obtain a visa prior to entering Hong Kong. The application can be submitted through the nearest Chinese embassy or directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Processing typically takes about 4 weeks.

Application requirements

• Valid passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.

• Completed application form: Available from the Hong Kong Immigration Department's website.

• Recent photograph: One passport-sized photo.

• Proof of financial means: Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay.

• Travel itinerary: Including flight bookings and accommodation details.

Do you need a Hong Kong visa or can you enter visa-free? Visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s official website to find out.

Transit without a visa

For most travelers, transiting through Hong Kong does not require a visa as long as they remain within the airport’s transit area. However, some nationalities may need a transit visa even if they do not leave the airport premises.

It’s advisable to confirm your transit requirements on the Immigration Department website before traveling.

iVisa insider advice: Keep an official ID with you at all times—it’s the law in Hong Kong. Your own country’s ID card works fine, so you can leave your passport safely in your hotel. For travelers from the US or UK, a photo driving license will do since the Hong Kong police understand these countries don’t have national ID systems.

Need more information?

Our customer service team is ready to assist with any questions you have about traveling to Hong Kong or the Pre-Arrival Registration application process. Contact us any time via iVisa chat or WhatsApp.

And if you’re ready to apply for your Hong Kong PAR, we can help you do it in less than 30 minutes. Your application will undergo an expert review to check for any errors before we forward it to the Hong Kong government.