Do I Need A Visa for Hong Kong Visiting?

Hong Kong is an exciting destination offering a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. If you're planning a trip to this beautiful region, it's natural to wonder about its visa requirements before starting your Hong Kong tour. With its own visa policy, Hong Kong offers convenience for citizens of 170 countries. Get ready to find out everything you need to know about entering Hong Kong in this guide.

Is A Visa Necessary for A Hong Kong Tour?

For most tourists, applying for a visa is unnecessary for your Hong Kong tour. Hong Kong's visa policy allows citizens of 170 countries and those holding certain certificates to enjoy visa-free visits for a permitted time.

Depending on your nationality, the permitted time period varies from 7 days to 180 days. If you're from the US, Europe, or Australia, you can stay in Hong Kong for up to 90 days without a visa. UK nationals can stay up to 180 days. If you wish to stay in Hong Kong for longer than the allowed period, you'll need to apply for a visa.

However, having a visa for Hong Kong does not entitle you to a Chinese visa. If you want to visit mainland China, a separate application for a Chinese visa is indeed necessary.

Hong Kong Island

How Can I Enter Hong Kong?

Although a visa is not necessarily required for travel to Hong Kong, there are still a few requirements to ensure your smooth journey.

To enter Hong Kong, you need:

• A valid passport that extends for at least a month beyond your planned stay;

• Adequate funds to cover your trip;

• Evidence of onward or return transportation.

However, if you come from countries beyond the policy list or want to stay in Hong Kong longer than the permitted period, you will need to apply for a visa or entry permit before arrival.

How Can I Get A Visa to Enter Hong Kong?

If you don't have a certificate or passport from any of the 170 countries or territories listed above, you need a visa to travel or transit through Hong Kong. There are many ways to apply for it, and you can choose the option that suits you the best.

Anyone who prefers a physical visa can directly submit the required documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department Office by mail or through a local sponsor in Hong Kong. On the other hand, the e-visa is a more convenient option. From submitting the materials to making payment, the entire process can be done online. You need to download or print your e-visa on an A4 paper sheet before entry.

An application for a visa to enter Hong Kong for a visit or transit requires:

• A passport valid for at least six months and has blank visa pages;

• A completed application form for Hong Kong transit or entry;

• Two recently taken photos and one should be attached to the application form;

• Copies of the applicant's passport or travel document, including information page with full name, nationality, date of birth, and visa pages with records.

• Materials related to your trip, including round-trip flight tickets, hotel reservations, etc. If you're transiting in Hong Kong, you need to show proof of continuing to visit the next destination.

• Sponsor's identity or certificates.

The fees for visa application vary depending on the situation as well. If you're applying through the Hong Kong immigration department office, an ordinary visa or an extension of the limit of stay will cost you 230 dollars, while a transit visa will cost 120 dollars.

Where Can I Do Visa-Free Travel From Hong Kong?

Given Hong Kong's unique visa policy, most visitors can enjoy visa-free travel within and from Hong Kong to other destinations.

Macau

For visitors qualified for visa-free tours in Hong Kong, traveling from Hong Kong to Macau still meets this policy. As long as you possess a passport that is valid for at least six months and has more than 2 blank visa pages.

Cities Under 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Visitors can also take advantage of the 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption policy. This means that if you're coming from one of the 54 countries that are included in the policy, with the confirmed departure date and seat number leaving for a third country or region within 144 hours, you're allowed to enter some Chinese cities without a visa and stay for up to 6 days in certain areas.

You need to hold a valid passport with a validity of at least 3 months and a connecting seat number to a third country or region. So, if you are planning to visit Hong Kong or Macau, you can choose either of them as your final or transit destination to meet the requirement of the 144 policy.

Your Dream Trip Starts Here

Now that you've learned about visas for visiting Hong Kong, why not start planning your trip? Our team of travel experts is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us for further details.