Overview
This article outlines the visa and entry permit regulations for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China, but it should not be regarded as a comprehensive explanation of HKSAR immigration laws.
Any traveler, even if they meet all the conditions listed in this article, should not assume they will automatically be granted entry. The Immigration Department of the HKSAR has the authority to refuse entry to any individual, except for those mentioned in Part One of this article.
For specific case inquiries, please consult any Chinese embassy or consulate abroad or the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
If you have a close connection to the HKSAR due to being born or residing there, you may not need a visa or entry permit. Please refer to Part One of this article.
If you do not fall into the categories mentioned in Part One and intend to come to Hong Kong for employment, study, business, or residency, you will need to obtain a visa or entry permit. However, if you are visiting Hong Kong as a tourist, you may not need a visa or entry permit, depending on your nationality or the type of document you hold. Please refer to Part Two of this article.
Part One
If you hold any of the following documents, you do not need to obtain a visa or entry permit, regardless of your purpose for coming to Hong Kong:
- HKSAR passport
- Home Return Permit (for individuals returning to Hong Kong from Mainland China or the Macao SAR only)
- Hong Kong Seamen’s Identity Book
- Hong Kong Visa Identity Card, provided it is still valid or the holder’s stay in Hong Kong has not expired
- Travel document stamped with any of the following endorsements:
- “The holder of this travel document is confirmed to be eligible for a Hong Kong permanent resident ID card.”
- “The holder of this travel document has the right of entry to Hong Kong. (Hong Kong Laws, Chapter 115, Immigration Ordinance, Section 2AAA.)”
- Hong Kong Permanent Resident ID Card
Part Two
If you do not belong to the categories mentioned in Part One, you must obtain a visa or entry permit to come to Hong Kong for employment, study, business, or residency; otherwise, you may be denied entry upon arrival. Travelers should have sufficient funds for their stay without needing employment and must possess onward or return tickets, except for those transiting to Mainland China or Macao. If you wish to stay beyond the visa-free limit, you must obtain a visa or entry permit before departure.
Legally, travelers are not allowed to engage in any employment, business activities, or study in Hong Kong, and they cannot change their visitor status upon arrival except in very special circumstances. You can apply for a visa or entry permit at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate (Indian nationals should apply directly to the HKSAR Immigration Department).
