Hong Kong Visa Information

Immigration

In general, all visitors to Hong Kong must have a passport that is valid for at least one month after the period of their intended stay in Hong Kong. However, documents issued to stateless persons must be valid for a minimum of two months after the period of the intended stay. Please contact Immigration Department for details.

Nationals of most countries do not require visas and can stay for periods varying from 7 days to 180 days, depending on nationality. If unsure of status, check with any Chinese embassy or consulate. Please check the details about visa requirements on Immigration Department's website.

Speedy Immigration Clearance for Frequent Business and Other Travellers
For the convenience of regular visitors to Hong Kong, two special passes are available to enable speedier processing through designated Immigration channels:

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Travel Pass

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Travel Pass is available to frequent business travellers holding valid passports and who are eligible to come to HKSAR without a visa or entry permit for visit purposes. Applicants should have genuine needs to visit the HKSAR frequently, and have previously visit on three or more occasions (not including side trips to Mainland China or Macau) in the 12-months prior to the application; or can satisfy the Director of Immigration that their visits may bring substantial benefits to the HKSAR. Holders of Travel Passes are allowed to use Hong Kong residents' counters for simplified immigration clearance procedures. Details and downloadable application form can be found at the Immigration Department's website.

Frequent Visitor Card

Frequent Visitor Card is available to visitors holding valid passports from any country, who have passed through Hong Kong International Airport at least three times in the previous 12-month period. FVC passes can be used only for entry through the airport. Details and downloadable application form can be found at the Hong Kong Airport Authority's website.

e-Channels

Frequent visitors can now enjoy the convenience of self-service immigration clearance dedicated Frequent Visitor e-Channel at Hong Kong International Airport. To qualify, they must hold an HKSAR Travel Pass or APEC Business Travel Card (economy code 'HKG') or Frequent Visitor Card or Frequent Flyer Programme Membership Card by selected airline, along with a valid travel document and a multiple-entry visa (if required).

Visas are required for all foreigners entering Mainland China. Visas should be obtained from the Embassy or Consulate General of People's Republic of China in your own country before departure to Mainland China. More details can be found in the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China: www.fmprc.gov.cn.

Customs

All visitors entering Hong Kong must go through Customs clearance and declare any dutiable commodities exceeding duty-free quotas. Please find out more about dutiable commodities and latest duty-free concessions. Also, the import/export of dangerous drugs, arms, animals, plants, endangered species, meat and poultry, etc. into or out of Hong Kong is governed by laws. Any import/export of these items must be accompanied by a valid licence or permit issued in advance by the relevant authorities, unless otherwise exempted by laws. Some personal protection devices like 'mace' spray, while legal in some countries, are prohibited in Hong Kong. For details, please visit the Customs and Excise Department’s website. To avoid any unnecessary delays, please follow the guidelines from Hong Kong International Airport.

Airport Security

All passengers departing from HK International Airport are required to show their boarding pass and travel document to airport security personnel at the 'Departure Immigration Hall'. Click here for details.

Carry-on Baggage on Departure and Transit

Departing and transit visitors should note that enhanced security measures are now in effect at Hong Kong International Airport. Visitors are reminded not to carry any sharp objects with a point or blade such as knives, cutters, scissors, razor blades, or household cutlery in carry-on luggage. Pack them in check-in baggage. Restrictions also apply to carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols, which must be in containers no bigger than 100ml and placed in a single (maximum one per passenger) transparent re-sealable bag with a capacity not exceeding one litre. Click here for details.

Tips to Visitors

Most visitors arrive at or transit through Hong Kong using the Hong Kong International Airport. Due to the differences in the legislations of different countries, some items which are considered legal at both the locations where passengers (including transit passengers) embark and disembark can be considered illegal in Hong Kong. More details on the types of illegal items in Hong Kong and some crime prevention tips at the Airport can be found here.