Hong Kong tourist visa and visa-free entry

The Immigration Department publishes a nationality list showing which passport holders can enter visa-free and for how long. Examples: 14 days for India, the Philippines and the Russian Federation; 30 days for Indonesia, Thailand and South Africa; 90 days for Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Türkiye and the United States; 180 days for British citizens. Nationals of countries not named in the list get 7 days. The rule applies to leisure trips, visits to friends and relatives, and short business trips that stay within the permitted activities for visitors.

Some nationalities, among them Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria and Pakistan, need a visit visa, usually applied for through a Chinese diplomatic or consular mission or directly to ImmD by post or through a sponsor in Hong Kong. Indian nationals must complete online pre-arrival registration before travelling. If you plan to stay longer than your visa-free period, or for a purpose other than a visit, you need the relevant visa or entry permit before you travel.

On arrival you present your passport to the immigration officer. ImmD expects visitors to have enough funds to cover their whole stay without working, and an onward or return ticket unless they are continuing to the Chinese Mainland or Macao. Officers may ask about the purpose of the trip, accommodation and means of support.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission: the officer decides at the border. Carrying a printed return ticket, hotel booking and recent bank statement or card makes the conversation easier.

As a visitor you may not take up any employment, paid or unpaid, establish or join a business, or enrol as a student at any school, university or other institution. ImmD lists breach of a condition of stay as a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to HK$50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Overstaying beyond the permitted period is also a breach.

Short-term business activities such as meetings, negotiating contracts and attending trade fairs are allowed within the visitor rules; see the separate business visit page for details.

ImmD states that visitors who wish to stay beyond the visa-free period must obtain a visa or entry permit before travelling, and that a change of status after arrival is normally not allowed except in very exceptional circumstances. If you intend to work, study or settle, apply for the correct visa before the trip instead of entering as a visitor.