hong kong visit visa sponsor form

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Online Application for Entry for Visit / Transit in Hong Kong

Who can use this service.

You can use this online service to submit application for entry for visit/transit in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

This online service is not applicable to extension of stay application of visitor. If required, you may apply via this website .

Eligibility Criteria

To find out if you are eligible to apply for entry for visit/transit in Hong Kong, please visit this website .

Documents to be Submitted Online

Documents marked with * are mandatory.

A. Applicant

Please note that in the online application process, the applicant and sponsor will be required to fill in an online application form and sign to confirm that all information given in the online application form is correct, complete and true. If the applicant is under the age of 16 (child applicant), the online application form must be signed by his/her parent or legal guardian.

File Formats

Before uploading the required documents you will need to scan them in one of the following formats: File type: JPEG, PDF, GIF, PNG or TIF (RAW, LZW, JPEG, CCITT-G4) File size: 5Mbytes or below for each file Colour depth: Grayscale (for documents without photos)                        Colour (for documents with photos)

How to Start

Once you have prepared your supplementary documents, you can access the online service through the following link.

Online application for entry for visit/transit in Hong Kong

Please ensure that the information you provide is correct. Incorrect information may render your submission invalid.

Supplementary Document Submission

If you have submitted an application for visit/transit in Hong Kong and received a notification letter from the Immigration Department asking you to provide supplementary documents, you can use the online submission service. The following link will take you to further information on how to submit your supplementary documents online. 

Assistance and Further Information

If you need technical assistance in using the online service, you can call the Immigration e-Services Hotline at (852) 3128 8668 between 7 am and 11 pm daily. For general enquiries, please call (852) 2824 6111 during office hours (from 8:45 am to 5:15 pm, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 12 noon on Saturday, except public holidays), send a fax to (852) 2877 7711 or send an email to [email protected] .   Further information on the online service is available in a set of helpful frequently asked questions (FAQs).

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Hong Kong Visa for Tourists: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: September 6, 2023

Hong Kong visa requirements are fairly clear and easy to understand. Most nationalities are exempt from having a visa. Those who need a visa can apply for one at their nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate. Indian and Taiwanese nationals must register and obtain Pre-arrival Registration prior to arrival in Hong Kong.

Table of Contents

Hong kong tourist visa requirements.

Visa EXEMPT passport holders

180-day entry.

• United Kingdom

90-day Entry

• Antigua and Barbuda
• British Overseas Territories
• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• South Korea
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United States

30-day Entry

• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates

14-day Entry

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Burkina Faso
• Equatorial Guinea
• Marshall Islands
• Philippines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Vatican City

* Visa EXEMPTION is for biometric passport holders only. Non-biometric passport holders must apply for a pre-approved visa from the consulate.

Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) REQUIRED passport holders

Visa required passport holders.

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• Congo, Dem Rep of
• Congo, Rep of
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Guinea-Bissau
• North Korea
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Sudan
• Turkmenistan

Transit Visa REQUIRED passport holders

Visa or Pre-arrival Registration is not needed for direct airside transit and not leaving the airport transit area.

Application Process

Pre-arrival registration (par).

India and Taiwan passport holders must complete Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) online prior to arrival in Hong Kong.

Pre-arrival Registration is required for each individual. If you are traveling as a family, each person in the family must apply for Pre-arrival Registration individually.

Pre-arrival Registration can be done online from anywhere. There are no geographical restrictions.

Each Pre-arrival Registration is linked to a specific passport. So, in the event of loss of passport or passport renewal, a new Pre-arrival Registration must be made.

Pre-arrival Registration for India passport holders

India passport holders must complete Pre-Arrival Registration online at the HK Immigration website prior to arrival in Hong Kong.

The Pre-arrival Registration is valid for 6 months or until the expiration of the passport, whichever is earlier.

The Pre-arrival Registration is for Multiple Entries. Each entry can be up to 14 days.

The following information must be provided while filling out the Pre-arrival Registration online.

• Name in English
• Alias in English
• Marital Status
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Residential Address
• Contact Telephone Number
• India Passport Number
• Passport Place of Issue
• Passport Date of Issue
• Passport Date of Expiry

The entered information must match exactly with the information on the passport. If any piece of information is slightly mismatched, the Pre-arrival Registration will be deemed as invalid.

NOTE Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Hong Kong.

You can only apply for another Pre-arrival Registration if the current one has already expired.

Pre-arrival Registration for Taiwan passport holders

Taiwan passport holders must complete Pre-arrival Registration online at the HK Immigration website prior to arrival in Hong Kong.

The Pre-arrival Registration is valid for 2 months.

The Pre-arrival Registration can be used for up to 2 entries to Hong Kong. Each entry can be up to 30 days.

• Name in Chinese and English
• Alias in Chinese and English
• Taiwan identity card number
• Taiwan re-entry travel document number and validity

NOTE The re-entry travel document must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Hong Kong.

You can apply for another Pre-arrival Registration if the existing one has already expired or 2 entries have been used.

Documentation

You do not need to upload any documentation for Pre-arrival Registration. You just have to input the required information.

There is no fee for Pre-arrival Registration. It’s free of charge.

Processing Time

The result of pre-arrival registration is immediate. A “notification slip” is generated right away.

Notification Slip

You must check the information on the notification slip for any possible errors. All information on the notification slip must match exactly with the information on the passport. Any discrepancy will deem the notification slip invalid.

You must print the notification slip on an A4 size blank white paper. You must sign the notification slip. You must present the signed notification slip along with your original passport at the first port of entry in Hong Kong.

NOTE The immigration officers at the airport will check if the data on the notification slip matches with the information on the passport. It’s extremely important to input accurate information and verify and confirm the data on the notification slip before printing and signing.

Pre-approved Visa

Application.

In order to apply for a Pre-approved Visa for Hong Kong, you would need a local sponsor in Hong Kong. A local sponsor can be a business or individual. The individual sponsor must be a Hong Kong resident and must prove their relationship with the applicant.

Hong Kong Visitor Visa can be applied in 4 ways

• In-person by your local sponsor in Hong Kong
• In-person by yourself at your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate
• By Mail or Post

Apply In-Person by Local Sponsor

Your local sponsor can submit your application directly to the following address in Hong Kong. An original passport is NOT NEEDED in this case.

Receipt and Despatch Sub-unit Hong Kong Immigration Department 2/F, Immigration Tower 7 Gloucester Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Apply In-Person by Yourself

You can submit your application along with your original passport at the nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate in your country of residence.

Foreigners living in Mainland China can submit their visa application along with their original passport at the Hong Kong Immigration Division in Beijing or Shanghai.

The Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing No. 71, Di’anmen Xidajie, Xicheng District Beijing 100009 People’s Republic of China

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai 21/F, The Headquarters Building, 168 Xizang Road (M), Huangpu District Shanghai 200001 People’s Republic of China

Note for India passport holders Chinese diplomatic missions and consulates in your country of residence or anywhere WILL NOT accept Hong Kong visa applications from Indian passport holders. India passport holders must apply for a Hong Kong visa directly at the HKSAR Immigration Department in Hong Kong via sponsor, mail or fax. Alternatively, Indian passport holders can request Pre-approval Registration online for entries up to 14 days.

Apply by Mail

If applying by mail, all application forms and supporting documents must be mailed to the following address in Hong Kong. An original passport is NOT NEEDED in this case.

Apply by Fax

In order to speed up the process, the application forms and supporting documents can be faxed to the Hong Kong Immigration Department at the following number.

• +852 28241133

The immigration officials can start your Hong Kong visa process as soon as they receive the fax, but the receipt of the original documents is still required in order to issue the visa if approved. Therefore, you must airmail your original documents immediately after faxing the documents. An original passport is NOT NEEDED in this case.

The following documentation is required

• Completed Hong Kong Visa Application Form ID1003A
• Completed Sponsor Application Form ID1003B
• One recent passport-size photograph
• Copy of passport Id page
• Copy of visa for onward travel (not needed if returning to home country)
• Financial proof (Bank statements)
• Employment proof (Employment letter or pay slips)
• Round trip flight tickets
• Hotel reservation
• Copy of sponsor’s Hong Kong Identity card
• Copy of sponsor’s passport ID page
• Copy of the latest entry stamp in the passport or extension proof (only if the HK sponsor is a resident and not a citizen)

Note The Hong Kong Visa Application Form and Sponsor Application Form can be downloaded online or obtained from any of the Chinese diplomatic missions, consulates or HKSAR government offices.

The fee for the Hong Kong Tourist Visa is currently $190 HKD.

If sending the application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department by post, you must attach a cashier order or bank draft payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”. The cashier order or bank draft must be issued by a bank that has a connected bank in Hong Kong.

If submitting the visa application through a local sponsor, the visa fee must be paid by your sponsor in cash or by cheque. The cheque must be payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”.

If submitting the visa application in person at your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate, the visa fee must be paid in cash.

If submitting the visa application in person at the Hong Kong Immigration Division in Beijing or Shanghai, the visa fee must be paid in cash as well.

The visa processing time is about 4 weeks from the receipt of the documents.

In order to speed up the process, the application forms and supporting documents can be faxed to the Hong Kong immigration department. The immigration officials will start your visa process as soon as they receive the fax, but the receipt of the original documents is required in order to complete the visa process. Therefore, applicants must airmail their original documents immediately after faxing the documents.

Application Tracking

You can track your visa application status online or by calling the 24-hour telephone inquiry system.

• Online: Visa Enquiry System
• Phone: +852 31608663

Visa Result

On successful approval of the visa, a visa sticker is generated and sent to the applicant.

If the visa application was submitted in person by your sponsor in Hong Kong, the sponsor must collect the visa sticker and mail it back to the applicant.

If the visa application was directly submitted by mail or fax, the visa sticker is mailed to the applicant directly by airmail.

The visa sticker must be affixed on a blank page in your passport and must be presented to the immigration officer at the port of entry in Hong Kong.

If the application was submitted to the nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate or at the Hong Kong Immigration Division in Beijing or Shanghai, you will be notified of the visa result. You must then pick up your passport in person.

Priority Visa Service

There is no priority visa service.

Customer Service

For any visa-related queries, you can email or call the Hong Kong Immigration Department at

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +852 28246111

To check the status of your visa application, you can call the 24-hour telephone inquiry number.

Application Withdrawal

There is no formal visa application withdrawal procedure. If you have submitted your visa application by mail/post, you can just ignore or abandon your visa application.

If you have submitted your original passport to the Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate or at the Hong Kong Immigration Division in Beijing or Shanghai, you must go in person and request your passport.

Immigration and Customs

Most airlines do not let you check in online if you need a visa to travel to the destination country.

After check-in, make sure to arrive at the gate a bit early. The airline staff at the gate sometimes would like to go through the visa requirements again.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the day of travel.

Unlike other countries, Hong Kong does not issue an entry stamp on your passport. Instead, you will be given a landing slip with your name, passport number, date of arrival and conditions of stay granted.

You must retain this landing slip during your entire stay in Hong Kong.

You must also fill out and present the arrival/departure card along with your passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry. The departure card will be detached and given back to you, which you must fill and present on your exit.

Pre-arrival Registration REQUIRED passport holders If you hold a Pre-arrival Registration (PAR), the immigration officer will check the data on the Pre-arrival Registration slip with the information on your passport.

On your exit, you do not need to present the landing slip. You just have to present your original passport and completed departure card.

Make sure to fill out the departure card before heading to the passport control. You will be sent back if your departure card is incomplete.

You may have to go through immigration and customs on your return to your home country or the country you are flying back to. If you are flying back on an Airbus A330/A340/A380 or Boeing 747/777, expect long lines at the immigration and customs.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Do you need a visa to visit Hong Kong?

It depends on the country of your passport. Hong Kong offers visa EXEMPTION to quite a few nationalities. India and Taiwan must register to obtain a Pre-arrival Registration slip prior to arrival in Hong Kong. The rest of the nationalities can apply for Hong Kong tourist visas at their nearest Chinese diplomatic missions or consulates.

Hong Kong entry requirements are fairly clear. Hong Kong’s visa policy is not as strict as compared to other countries. Refer to the “Hong Kong Tourist Visa Requirements” section above to confirm if you need a visa for Hong Kong.

FAQ: How to avail Hong Kong Visa on Arrival (VoA)?

Hong Kong does not offer Visa on Arrival (VoA). If you have a visa REQUIRED passport, you must apply for the Hong Kong visa at your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or directly from the Hong Kong immigration department in Hong Kong.

FAQ: How to apply for Hong Kong visa online?

Unfortunately, the Hong Kong visa process is not online. You can download the forms online but you must apply for the visa in person at your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate or by post directly from the Hong Kong Immigration Department in Hong Kong.

Exception: India and Taiwan passport holders can register themselves online and obtain a Pre-arrival Registration slip prior to arrival in Hong Kong.

FAQ: What are Hong Kong transit visa requirements?

Visa or Pre-arrival Registration is NOT required for direct airside transit and not leaving the airport transit area.

If flying on different airlines or leaving the airport transit area, then you may have to apply for a transit visa. You can apply for the Hong Kong transit visa at your nearest Chinese diplomatic missions or consulates.

FAQ: How to check Hong Kong visa application status online?

You can track your visa application status online or by calling the 24-hour telephone inquiry number below.

FAQ: What is the minimum passport validity to enter Hong Kong?

The minimum passport validity to enter Hong Kong is 6 months. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Hong Kong.

FAQ: Is a day trip to Macau from Hong Kong considered an EXIT and RE-ENTRY into Hong Kong?

Yes, a day trip to Macau from Hong Kong is still considered as an exit and re-entry into Hong Kong.

On Exit You will go through immigration on your departure at the ferry terminal in Hong Kong. Before boarding the ferry bound for Macau in Hong Kong, you must present your completed departure card, ferry boarding pass and original passport.

On Re-entry When you head back from Macau, on your arrival at the Hong Kong ferry terminal, you will go through immigration. You must grab and fill out the arrival/departure card at the arrival ferry terminal in Hong Kong. You must present the completed arrival/departure card, original passport, and visa or Pre-arrival Registration slip.

Re-entry is considered a fresh entry. So, you will be given a fresh entry (number of days) based on your passport. Indian nationals will get a fresh 14-day entry with their existing Pre-arrival Registration slip.

For Macau visa requirements, refer to the Macau visa guide (coming soon).

Hong Kong tourist visa requirements are fairly clear and easy to understand. Most nationalities are exempt from visas. Those who need a visa can apply at their nearest Chinese diplomatic missions or consulates or directly from the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

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03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

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Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Apply for Hong Kong Visa

Hong Kong grants a visa-free stay period ranging from 7 to 180 days for short-term tourists and businessmen from most countries. Foreigners who do not qualify for the Hong Kong Visa Waiver Concession need to apply for a visa before they go there.  

Where to Submit the Application

Sponsor in Hong Kong

Required documents.

2. If the sponsor is an individual 1) A sponsor application form 2) A photocopy of the sponsor’s HK ID card 3) A photocopy of the sponsor’s travel document (for non-permanent resident of HK only)  

Processing Time

• Application Form for Entry for Visit or Transit in Hong Kong (to be completed by the applicant).pdf
• Application Form for Entry for Visit ot Transit (Sponsor) in Hong Kong (to be completed by the sponsor).pdf
• Notice on Long-term Visa Application for US Passport Holders    (2015-10-20)
• Notice on Issuing Visa with a Validity Period of up to 10 Years to Canadian Passport Holders    (2015-10-20)
• Notice on the Use of Electronic Application Form and Online Appointment System for Chinese Visa Application    (2021-05-08)

Visa Requirements for Hong Kong

Employment Visa

Dependent visa, working holiday visa, visa overstays, extending your visa.

Many people wonder if they need a visa to visit Hong Kong , or even what country Hong Kong is a part of. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region in the People's Republic of China, but the "one country, two systems" government model that the city uses means that even though it is technically a part of China, it uses a completely different visa system. Hong Kong treasures its place as an international hub of business and a top tourist destination , therefore, it strives to make visa regulations as relaxed and seamless as possible. In fact, the application process and fees are the same across the board regardless of the type of visa you need.

Hong Kong is one of the easiest countries to enter: Citizens of about 170 countries and territories do not need a visa to enter and receive entry passes that can last from seven to 180 days.   Nationals of the U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and many other countries don’t require a visa to enter Hong Kong for stays of 90 days or less, while visitors from the U.K. can visit for up to six months without a visa.

India passport holders do not need to apply for a visa and are allowed stays of 14 days, but they must complete pre-arrival registration via an online form before they can use the visa-free privilege.

You will need at least six months' validity on your passport, and  you should check the requirements for your specific country . Because Hong Kong has a separate visa policy from Mainland China, any visitor intending to go onward to Mainland China must apply for a separate Chinese visa .

If your passport fails to qualify you for visa-free entry, you'll need to apply for a "visit visa," which is a tourist visa. There are two methods for applying for the visa: by mailing your application and documents directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department , or by applying at your local Chinese Consulate.

Visa Fees and Application

Applying through a Chinese Consulate is generally easier, especially if you live near a city that has a consulate. You don't have to mail your documents all the way to Hong Kong and you can pay in your local currency, which is $30 for applicants in the U.S. If you send your application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, you have to track down and pay for a cashier's check in Hong Kong dollars . The only downside to using the Chinese Consulate is that they charge an additional "liaison fee," which is about $20–$30 depending on the consulate.

The documents that need to be turned in are:

• Completed visa application form
• Recent photograph
• Photocopy of passport
• Flight itinerary
• Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, pay stubs, etc.)
• Information for sponsor in Hong Kong (if applicable)

Having a sponsor in Hong Kong—whether it's a company or a local individual—isn't necessary for acquiring a visit visa, but it can assist your application. If you have a sponsor, they can also submit the application for you directly at the Hong Kong Immigration Department office.

The processing time takes about four weeks, regardless of whether you turn in the application through a Chinese consulate or mail it to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. In most cases, the visa is mailed directly to the applicant to be affixed in the passport.

Anyone planning to move to Hong Kong for work needs an employment visa . Employment visas are granted to foreign nationals who have been offered a job already and can't be used by someone who wants to move to Hong Kong with the intention to look for work. Furthermore, the visa is tied to the job you've been offered. If you lose that job, your visa may be revoked and you'll have to leave Hong Kong.

Work visas under the General Employment Policy (GEP) are for nationals from any country except Mainland China. Chinese citizens must apply through a special visa program called Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) , unless the Chinese citizen is a legal resident in another country. In that case, they can apply for a work visa under the General Employment Policy like everyone else.

An employment visa can be applied for in-person at your nearest Chinese consulate or by mailing the application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The fee is HK$230 if you apply by mail and it must be paid via a cashier's check in Hong Kong dollars. If you apply at a Chinese consulate, you must pay the same amount in local currency (about $30 in the U.S.) in addition to a "liaison fee" for using the consulate, which is an additional $20–$30.

The documents that need to be turned in for GEP or ASMTP employment visas are:

• Completed application form by the applicant
• Completed application form by the company
• Documentation showing education or relevant work experience

Processing an employment visa takes about four weeks. If approved, your visa will be mailed to you to affix into your passport.

A study visa allows students to enter Hong Kong for schoolwork and is for students studying abroad, students who want to complete university in Hong Kong, or students admitted into a private elementary or secondary school. The visa is valid for the normal duration of studies up to six years, so a student traveling to study abroad for a year will receive a one-year visa while someone entering a Hong Kong university as a full-time student will receive a visa for the time the degree takes (usually four years with the possibility to extend).

The study visa is for students coming to Hong Kong alone for the sole purpose of studying. If the child is coming to Hong Kong with a parent who is moving for work or another reason, the child would apply under a dependent visa, not a study visa.

Apply for your visa by submitting your application to your local Chinese consulate or by mailing it directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The fee is HK$230, payable in a cashier's check in Hong Kong dollars (if mailing to Hong Kong) or in local currency (if using a Chinese consulate). The consulate will charge you a "liaison fee" which adds an additional cost to the visa, but the convenience is often worth it. Once you add up the costs of a foreign cashier's check and international postage to Hong Kong, the price difference becomes negligible.

The documents that need to be turned in for a student visa are:

• Completed application form
• Letter of acceptance into an educational institution
• Proof of financial means
• Letter from parents authorizing a guardian in Hong Kong (for applicants under 18)

It takes about four to six weeks for a study visa to be processed, and the visa will be mailed directly to your home address to be affixed in your passport.

If you've been accepted to work in Hong Kong or as a full-time student in a local institution, you are eligible to bring your spouse and children with you. Family members will need to apply for a dependent visa , and the sponsor of the dependent visa will be the individual who is coming for work or study.

The dependent visa is only available for immediate family members, which Hong Kong considers to be a legally married or domestic partner (of the opposite or same sex) and children under the age of 18. If the sponsor is a permanent resident of Hong Kong, a parent over the age of 60 is also an eligible family member.

If the sponsor is petitioning to bring family members at the time of their original application, they can include information about dependents on their own application. If the sponsor is already living in Hong Kong and family members want to join them, they will have to complete their own dependent application form . To supplement the application, it should also include:

• Proof of family relation (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
• Proof of sponsor's financial means
• Proof of sponsor's accommodations

The application can be submitted to the local Chinese consulate or directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. If the sponsor is already living in Hong Kong, they can apply at the Immigration Department in-person. The fee is HK$230 per dependent and is payable in Hong Kong dollars to the Immigration Department or in local currency at a Chinese consulate, although a Chines consulate will also charge an additional liaison fee.

Dependent visas take about six weeks to process, longer than most Hong Kong visas. Dependent visas are also entire discretionary and the final decision rests with the Director of Immigration.

Foreign nationals from a group of 14 countries are permitted to enter Hong Kong with the primary purpose of travel for longer than the standard 90 days that are given to most tourists by applying for a working holiday visa . The countries that have a working holiday agreement with Hong Kong are Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and the U.K.

The working holiday visa gives visitors the added benefit of being able to find work while staying in Hong Kong, but each country has its own guidelines, quotas, and restrictions. The maximum time allowed is one year and the working holiday visa cannot be extended.

To apply, fill out the working holiday application form and pay close attention to the requirements for your specific country. The application can be turned in to your local Chinese consulate or mailed directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The usual visa fee of HK$230 is payable in local currency to the Chinese consulate or in a cashier's check in Hong Kong dollars if mailing the application to Hong Kong, with the exception of Irish, Korean, and Japanese citizens who are exempt from paying the visa fee.

The time visitors are allowed to stay in Hong Kong varies from case to case, but most foreign nationals—including U.S. citizens—are permitted to stay for up to 90 days without a visa  . If you overstay by just a couple of days, you may get lucky and just get a figurative slap on the wrist at the airport, but that isn't guaranteed. The Immigration Department is very strict about visa overstays and you may be fined or even incarcerated before being deported, especially for lengthy overstays.

The good news is that if you just want more time to enjoy Hong Kong and you come from a visa-exempt country, it's easy to obtain. You just need to leave Hong Kong— Macao is a nearby and convenient option—and enter again, and your time limit will reset. But remember, visitors are not allowed to work or look for employment. If you're just visiting Hong Kong, it's the simplest way to stay for longer. But if you're using this method as a loophole for working, studying, or living in the city, that is illegal and the consequences are severe.

If you know you're going to overstay your visa, even by just a day or two, the safest option is to go directly to the Immigration Department office—the Immigration Tower—in Wan Chai and request an official extension. If you want to stay a few days longer and you have your reserved transportation out of the city, you shouldn't have a problem. If you need to stay longer than a few days, you should have a valid reason and documentation to back it up, whether it's a personal reason like the sudden death of a loved one or something greater like a conflict in your home country. Whether or not the extension is granted is entirely at the discretion of the immigration official.

Hong Kong Immigration Department. " Visa Requirements. " November 2019.

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Hong Kong Tourist Visa

• Table of contents

Traveling to Hong Kong

Who needs a hong kong visa, hong kong tourist visa validity, a valid passport, a complete visa application form, a recent photograph, passport photocopy, photocopies of financial documents, photocopy of transportation itinerary, photocopy of travel itinerary (if applicable), hong kong tourist visa application, hong kong tourist visa fees, where to apply, hong kong tourist visa processing time, approved visa applications, hong kong visa extension, hong kong tourist visa faq.

With a unique history, world-renowned nightlife, excellent gastronomy, and a diverse population, Hong Kong is an excellent tourist destination for travelers of all kinds.

Foreign nationals from the following countries must apply for a Hong Kong tourist visa to enter the country:

Afghanistan, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, China, Congo, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Ivory Coast, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam, and Yemen.

The Hong Kong Visit/Transit visa serves as the country’s tourist visa. It is issued to travelers who plan to stay in Hong Kong for a short visit to engage in non-lucrative activities like tourism, visiting family, or attending a conference or cultural event. It can also be obtained for travelers transiting through Hong Kong on their way to another destination.

The validity and duration of stay will depend on the applicant’s nationality. Holders of this visa type are not permitted to take up employment, engage in business activities, or study in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Tourist Visa Requirements

To apply for a Hong Kong tourist visa, all applicants must provide the following documents:

The applicant should hold a valid passport or travel document.

Applicants should complete the tourist visa application form accurately with all the required personal and travel details.

The photo should be attached to the first page of the application form.

Photocopies must clearly show the identification information located in the applicant’s travel document or passport including the date of issue, date of expiry, and any re-entry visa if applicable.

These documents, such as bank statements, tax receipts, or pay slips, must show the applicant’s financial standing.

This might include flight arrangements or any other transportation.

Travelers who intend to engage in tourism or leisure should submit their complete travel itinerary for the duration of their stay in Hong Kong.

Other documents may apply depending on the applicant’s purpose of travel. If they intend to visit family, conduct any minor business activities, or any other purpose, they must show proof of the activity. In some cases, a sponsor (company or individual) may be required. In that case, the sponsor must submit the relevant documents on the applicant’s behalf including an Application for Entry for Visit/Transit (Sponsor) form ID 1003B and a photocopy of either a Business Registration Certificate (company) or a Hong Kong identity card and passport (individual).

Applying for a Hong Kong tourist visa can be completed by following a few simple steps. Applicants can follow these steps to submit their visa application and required materials: 

Applicants should collect all the required documents for their specific purpose of travel.

Visa application forms and required materials can be submitted online through the official immigration portal , by post, or in person at a Hong Kong embassy or consulate.

If their application is approved, applicants will receive a link to complete the visa payment. They can pay online or in person at the nearest Hong Kong embassy or consulate. The payment method will depend on where they submit the visa application.

Once the application is submitted and the payment completed, approved visas will be sent to the applicant as an eVisa by email. The eVisa can be downloaded and printed by the new visa holder on their own. In some cases, if the applicant pays in person at a Hong Kong foreign mission (embassy or consulate), they will receive the eVisa as a PDF directly.

A Hong Kong tourist visa will cost $230. Visa fees can be paid using a variety of methods depending on where they submit the application. If the application is submitted online and approved, the applicant will receive an email with a link for payment. Payment can be made through the link, using a credit/debit card, Payment by Phone Service (PPS), or Faster Payment System (FPS).

Applicants can pay their visa fees in person at the nearest embassy or consulate. The payment method will vary depending on the embassy or consulate where they submit the application.

Applicants can submit their applications directly online through the Immigration Department website . They can also submit their application materials in person at the nearest embassy or consulate, or they can send the application by post to the relevant office.

It will take around four (4) weeks to process a Hong Kong tourist visa. Applicants should be sure to allocate enough time for their visa application when making their travel plans.

If the Hong Kong tourist visa application is approved, the applicant will be sent a link for payment. After payment is complete they will receive the tourist eVisa by email. This document can be downloaded and printed by the visa holder. If the applicant chooses to pay in person at a foreign mission, they will be given the eVisa after making payment.

In some cases, it is possible to extend a Hong Kong Visit/Transit visa (for tourism purposes). There must be a special or urgent reason for the visa holder to apply for an extension. They must apply within 14 days of the expiry date of their original visa.

Applicants for a visa extension must be physically present in Hong Kong. They must be visitors and not in Hong Kong for other non-immigrant purposes.

Most applicants will submit their extension requests online. For those who cannot, applications for the extension can be submitted at the following office address: Extension Section, 5/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai (Tel: (852) 2829 3100).

A Hong Kong tourist visa is a travel document that allows foreign nationals to travel legally to Hong Kong provided they meet the eligibility requirements, submit all documents, and pay the visa fee.

The visa fees for a Hong Kong visa are $230 for an ordinary visa application. This can be paid after the visa is approved.

Applicants can submit their applications directly online through the Immigration Department website. They can also submit their application materials in person at the nearest embassy or consulate, or they can send the application by post to the relevant office.

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• Apply to Study
• Introduction
• How to Apply
• Admission Requirement

Once you have been accepted by an institution, you must get a student visa or entry permit.* All non-local students need one, whether they come for an exchange programme or full-time studies. In general, non-local students should nominate a local sponsor, which can either be the educational institution granting the acceptance or an individual, and provide the necessary supporting documents. Normally, the Immigration Department requires the following documents, while further supporting documents and information in connection with the application may still be required when necessary. It will normally take six weeks to process a visa or entry permit application for study upon receipt of all the required documents - apply as far in advance as possible!

• Application for Entry for Study in Hong Kong (ID995A)
• Your recent photograph (affixed on page 2 of the application form ID 995A)
• Photocopy of your valid travel document
• Photocopy of your Hong Kong identity card (if any)
• A letter of acceptance from the education institution
• One of your parents should authorize the sponsor or his/her relative/friend in the HKSAR to be your guardian. A consent letter duly signed by both the guardian and one of your parents should be produced (if you are under the age of 18)
• Photocopy of proof of your accommodation arrangement (if you are under the age of 18)
• Photocopy of proof of your financial support, e.g. bank statements, savings account passbooks, tax receipts and salary slips (if the sponsor is the education institution)
• You can submit your application forms and supporting documents in one of the following ways -
• By post directly or through the local sponsor in the HKSAR to the Receipt and Despatch Sub-Unit, Hong Kong Immigration Department, 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong;
• Applicants residing in overseas countries or territories may submit their application forms together with the relevant supporting documents and their valid travel documents in person to the nearest Chinese diplomatic and consular mission in their place of domicile; or
• Holders of foreign passports who are living in the Mainland China may submit the application forms together with all supporting documents to the Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing or the Immigration Division of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai.
• Applications from Chinese residents of the Mainland should be submitted to the Immigration Department through the education institution (the sponsor) granting the acceptance.

Chinese residents of the Mainland of China should submit their applications to the Immigration Department through the education institution (the sponsor) granting the acceptance. Other students can submit their application forms and supporting documents in one of the following ways:

• Applicants residing in overseas countries or territories may submit their applications in person to the nearest Chinese diplomatic and consular mission in their place of domicile; or
• Foreign passport holders living in the Mainland of China may submit their applications to the Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing.

* Please contact your institution for visa information upon admission. Individual institutions will help non-local students apply for their visas or entry permits, or even complete the process for them. If you take up studies in a full-time locally-accredited local or non-local post-secondary programme, you will normally be granted a length of stay in line with the normal duration of your study programme, subject to a maximum period of six years upon entry and the validity of the travel document held. For those studying other courses, they will normally be granted permission of stay for 12 months upon entry or in accordance with the duration of their studies, whichever is shorter. You may apply for extension of stay, if necessary, within 4 weeks before their limit of stay expires to continue their study in the HKSAR. Such applications will be considered only when the applicants continue to meet the eligibility criteria for entry for study. Extension of stay, if approved, will normally be on a yearly basis or in accordance with the duration of their studies, as appropriate. For details of the policy on entry for study, please visit http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/study.html

Declaration of Sponsor (to be completed by the sponsor)

Supplementary Notes