Hong Kong eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Introduction

Hong Kong SAR maintains a separate immigration policy from mainland China. Most Western nationalities enjoy visa-free access for tourism and business visits. The Territory operates under "one country, two systems" — a Chinese visa does not allow entry to Hong Kong and vice versa. Hong Kong is a major international finance, trade, and aviation hub.

Tourist & Short Stay

Hong Kong is one of the most generous destinations for visa-free access:

• Visa-free (most Western nationalities): USA, Canada, Australia, UK, EU members, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and many others are admitted without a visa. Stay limits range from 14 days (some) to 90 or 180 days.
• Specific allowances: UK: 180 days; USA, Canada, Australia, most EU: 90 days; ASEAN: 30–90 days depending on country.
• Extension: Possible at Immigration Tower in Wan Chai, but generally tourists should plan for the initial admission period.
• Visa required: Mainland China passport holders with HK permanent residence card are exempt. Visitors from Africa (most), Middle East (some), South Asia (some), and certain other regions need a pre-arranged visa.

Business Visa

Business visits for meetings, conferences, and trade are permitted under visitor admission for most nationalities. For employment or setting up a business entity, an Employment Visa or Investment/Entrepreneur Visa is required from the Immigration Department (immd.gov.hk).

Work & Long-Stay Visas

• Employment Visa (General Employment Policy): Requires a job offer from a Hong Kong employer. Salary must meet market rate. Initial 24-month visa, renewable.
• Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS): Launched 2022 for high earners (HKD 2.5 million/year annual salary) or graduates of top-100 global universities. 2-year initial stay, no job offer required.
• Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS): Points-based quota scheme for talented individuals without a prior job offer. Annual quota (~4,000); General Points Test or Achievement-based Points Test.
• Investment as Entrepreneur: Substantial business plan and investment required; assessed by ImmD.
• Dependant Visa: For spouses/children of HK residents/workers.

Student Visa

Required for full-time study in Hong Kong at universities or approved institutions. Apply to ImmD with university acceptance letter, proof of funds (HKD 120,000+ per year), and accommodation details. Part-time work up to 20 hours/week during term; full-time during holidays (if studying full-time at a university).

Airport Transit

Hong Kong airport allows transit without visa for most nationalities who remain airside. Some nationalities (e.g., Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and others) require a Transit Visa even for airside transit. Check the full list at immd.gov.hk before travel.

Required Documents

• Valid passport (at least 1 month beyond intended stay)
• Completed visa application form (if visa required)
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Accommodation confirmation
• For employment visa: job offer letter, qualifications, employer's business registration
• For TTPS: proof of salary or university degree (top-100)

Visa Fees

How to Apply

1. Check if your nationality requires a visa at immd.gov.hk.
2. If a visa is required, download the application form (ID 1000A for visitor; ID 990A for employment) from immd.gov.hk.
3. Submit the completed application, documents, and fee to the nearest Chinese Consulate/Embassy handling HK visas, or directly to ImmD if already in HK.
4. Processing takes approximately 4–6 weeks; long-stay and work visas may take longer.
5. Collect the visa label and affix to your passport, or receive approval notice if handled electronically.

Official Links

• immd.gov.hk — HK Immigration Department
• gov.hk — Visas & Entry overview
• talent.gov.hk — Top Talent Pass & QMAS

Who Is Visa-Exempt?

Visa-free entry for holders of: UK (180 days), USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, most EU countries (90 days), Japan, South Korea, Singapore, most ASEAN (30–90 days). Nationalities requiring a visa include most of South Asia, Africa, and some Middle Eastern countries. Always verify your nationality's admission entitlement at immd.gov.hk before travel.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.