hong kong visa policy

Hong Kong is known for the tall building, the glittering nightscape, and the urban life. The country also houses several places that attract tourists from all over the world. The tourist places in the country depict the true culture and heritage of the nation. You can spend your days visiting your favorite place, go shopping, and eat out at a posh location. At night, you can party at one of the best bars in the country.

If you are planning on visiting this country, read the Hong Kong visa policy to know more about the process. 

WHAT IS THE HONG KONG VISA POLICY?

The policy of a country regarding the visa deals with the issuance of visa and also providing relevant Hong Kong immigration news to the visitors. Due to the country’s political and historical status, the country follows different rules regarding the same from the People's Republic of China. This entirely depends upon the nationality of the applicant, which would determine if he or she needs a visa or not.

Unless and until the person does not have a right to abode status in the country, he or she needs to get an entry permit beforehand to take part in studies, business, or employment. If you are entering from mainland China or Macau immigration, you will have to cross the immigration checkpoints. The residents of Macau get short term visa free access into the country. The citizens of mainland China need to obtain a two way permit which is also called EEP.

Due to the historical reasons, the immigration status in the country is determined both by the applicant’s nationality and residence status. Therefore, you should know that a Chinese national with a right to abode status in the country may have a slightly different status as compared to a foreign national having the right to abode status in the country. This is because the former cannot lose their status ever. However, the latter can lose their status if they do not enter the country for 36 months.

Also, likewise, a foreign national, if they have  a right to abode status will get highly preferential value than a Chinese national that does not possess a right to abode status in the country. This is because the former can reside in the country permanently, but the latter will have to reassess his or her immigration status once his/her visa expires. The same policy applies to the Hong Kong work visa.

The people, who possess the right to abode status, will get to stay in the country for an unlimited period of time. They cannot be deported, and their status cannot be removed. No permit or visas are required for the people who hold these following documents:

•         Permanent identity card
•         Special administrative region passport
•         British national passport
•         Certificate of identity
•         Re entry permit.
•         Seaman’s identity book
•         Documents for identity for the visa process.
•         Any travel documents that have the endorsement of the holder's eligibility for permanent identity card verified.

VISA EXEMPTIONS

The nationals of Macau can enter the country without going through any Hong Kong entry restrictions for tourism and business purposes. For business related activities, they can undertake the following:

•         Supervising or examining the packaging or installation of equipment or goods.
•         Participating in exhibitions or trade fairs.
•         Submitting tenders or concluding contracts.
•         Setting compensations or other proceedings.
•         Participating in orientation of products.
•         Attending business meetings or short term seminars.

The nationals of Macau are not allowed to seek employment, study, or joining or establish a business. If they try to open a business in the country, they cannot. The license will not be given; unless and until they can prove that the business was set up while they were out of the country. The country’s company registry allows non residents to open limited liability companies and they can also be appointed as corporate directors of the company.

As of the countries other than Macau, follow the table presented below.

There are two countries that are exempt from Hong Kong immigration visa for 180 days:

•         Macau
•         United kingdom

There are several countries that can stay for a period of 90 days without availing a visa: 

The countries that are eligible to stay for a maximum period of 30 days without a visa are:

 Additionally, there are several countries that can stay in here for a period of 14 days without possessing a valid: 

Also, there is a country whose citizens can visit here for a period of seven days without a visa:

•         East Timor

The citizens of the following countries need to avail a visa beforehand if they want to visit the country even for tourism purposes. They do not require a transit visa when transiting through the country although:

The nationals of the following countries would have to avail a transit visa before transiting through the nation:

GENERAL FAQs

Q. What are the different Hong Kong visa types?

The different types of visas that one for avail for the country is:

•         Tourist visas
•         Business visas
•         Investment visas
•         Permanent resident visas
•         Student visas
•         Employment visas
•         Training visas
•         Domestic help visas
•         Journalist visas

Q. I am an Indian citizen wanting to visit the country. How can I apply?

As an Indian citizen, you will have to fill the pre-arrival registration form and receive your visa upon reaching the country. As of now, only Indian citizens can do so.

It is now evident that the Hong Kong visa policy is nothing difficult. If you are planning your trip to this beautiful nation, make sure to apply for a visa on Tourist visa online. 

Apply Hong Kong Visa