Hong Kong Visa Policy Overview
By xiaoyue\May 13 2025
General Information
Tourists from over 160 countries can visit Hong Kong visa-free, with stay durations ranging from 7 to 180 days depending on nationality.
However, travelers intending to work, study, establish or join a business, or extend their stay beyond the visa-free period must apply for a Hong Kong visa in advance. Citizens of non-visa-free countries also need to secure a visa before traveling to Hong Kong, as obtaining one on arrival is highly unlikely.
Although Hong Kong is part of China, it operates as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) with independent immigration policies. A Chinese visa does not grant entry to Hong Kong, nor does a Hong Kong visa permit entry into Mainland China.
Hong Kong generally welcomes foreign visitors, whether for tourism or overseas business activities such as attending trade fairs, training, or client meetings. The visa rules have remained largely consistent with those established during British administration prior to the SAR’s return to Chinese sovereignty.
It’s important to note that entry into Hong Kong is at the discretion of immigration authorities, even with a valid visa. The information provided applies to travelers with standard passports; diplomatic, service, or restricted passports may have different requirements.
Do You Need a Visa for Hong Kong?
Most tourists do not require a visa to visit Hong Kong. Check the Hong Kong Visa Exemption List for details. Upon arrival, visitors receive a landing slip instead of a passport stamp. This slip includes the visitor’s personal information, entry date, and conditions or limits of stay. No slip or stamp is issued upon departure.
Visa-Free Stay Durations by Nationality:
- British nationals: Up to 180 days.
- USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, most European countries: Up to 90 days.
- Other countries: 7, 14, or 30 days based on nationality.
- Citizens from some countries require a visa for any entry into Hong Kong.
Most tourists can also travel visa-free from Hong Kong to Macau, which has similar policies. Returning to Hong Kong after visiting Macau is typically straightforward, provided there is no violation of immigration rules (e.g., engaging in unauthorized business). For longer stays, applying for a visa before travel is advisable, though approval is at the discretion of the consular office.
Special Note for Indian Nationals:
Since January 23, 2017, Indian citizens must complete a successful pre-arrival registration online before entering or transiting through Hong Kong visa-free. This requirement does not apply to Indians in direct air transit who remain in the airport’s transit area.
Basic Entry Requirements for All Foreign Visitors
To enter Hong Kong, travelers must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a passport valid for at least one month beyond the intended stayor visa expiration.
- Properly complete an immigration card upon arrival.
- Possess a visa if required based on nationality.
- Provide proof of onward or return travel arrangements.
- Demonstrate sufficient funds for the stay without needing to work (determined by immigration).
- Have no serious criminal record, and pose no security risk.
Although the last three conditions are rarely checked for visitors from Western countries, all travelers should be prepared for possible verification. Additionally, check airline policies, as they may deny boarding if entry requirements are not met.
Major Types of Hong Kong Visas
Hong Kong offers various visa types, including:
- Tourist
- Business
- Transit
- Employment and Investment
- Training
- Working Holiday
- Study
- Residence as Dependents
Applying for a Hong Kong Visa
Visitors are generally not allowed to change visa types or apply for a visa after arrival in Hong Kong. However, travelers can exit Hong Kong and reapply for a visa if needed.
Application Details:
- Where to Apply
- Required Documents
- Processing Time
- Fees
For comprehensive information and application forms, visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department website.
Macau Visa Policy Overview
General Information
Macau generally adopts an open approach toward admitting tourists and short-term business visitors. Nationals from 81 countries are exempt from obtaining a visa for a specified period, while citizens from other countries can typically apply for a visa upon arrival at the border.
Changes to Visa Policy:
As of 1 July 2010, nationals from Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam must obtain a visa before arriving in Macau. Visa-on-arrival services are no longer available for these nationalities.
The Macau SAR Government continuously reviews its immigration policies to maintain effective control, prevent illegal immigration, and ensure public safety.
Diplomatic Passport Holders:
Diplomatic passport holders continue to enjoy visa-free access to Macau. Additionally, consular officials from the six mentioned countries, as well as officials of international organizations stationed in China, and their families, may apply for an entry permit upon arrival using their diplomatic or consular identity cards.
Macau Visa on Arrival
For those not from the visa-exempt countries, travelers can apply for a Macau visa on arrival at any border checkpoint. This visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Cost of Macau Visa on Arrival:
- Individual: MOP 200 for single entry, MOP 300 for multiple entries.
- Family Passport: MOP 200 for single entry, MOP 300 for multiple entries per passport.
- Children under 12: MOP 100 for single entry, MOP 150 for multiple entries.
- Group Visa (over 10 people): MOP 100 for single entry, MOP 150 for multiple entries per person (for organized group tours with a collective travel document).
Requirements for Macau Visa on Arrival:
In addition to a valid passport, travelers must present additional documents, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and travel itineraries, to prove their activities in Macau.
Macau Visa Application
Where to Submit the Application:
- Embassy or Consulate of the People’s Republic of China
- Macau Immigration Department
Required Documents:
- Completed Macau Visa Application Form
- Photocopies of the bio-data pageand any used pages of your passport/travel document
- Proof of financial status (bank statements, savings deposit, tax receipts, employment certificates, etc.)
- Proof of transportation and accommodation arrangements (round-trip air tickets, hotel booking receipts, etc.)
- Copies of any relevant pages from previous travel documents (if applicable)
- Valid entry visasor residence permits from other countries (if applicable)
- Recent 5-inchpassport photo with a white background
Additional Proof of Purpose:
- Tourism: Tour receipt, itinerary
- Family Visit: Copy of family member’s residence permit in Macau
- Study: Admission letter from a Macau educational institution
- Employment: Employment approval from Macau authorities
- Dependent Residence: Family member’s Macau ID card and kinship documents
- Relative of Non-Resident Worker: Approval document from Macau authorities
Visa Fees
- General Fee: USD 30
- Additional Charges:
- Communication Fee (related to Macau Immigration): USD 20
- Express Service: USD 20
- Rush Service: USD 30
Processing Time
- Standard Application:
- 5 working days(if not related to Macau Immigration Department)
- 3 weeks(if related to Macau Immigration Department)
- Express Service:
- 3 working days(only for non-Immigration Department-related applications)
- Rush Service:
- Same day or next working day(only for non-Immigration Department-related applications)
Note: Processing time begins after all necessary documents have been submitted.
Types of Macau Visas and Their Validity
1、Types of Visas:
- Diplomatic
- Official
- Ordinary visas(including Tourist, Study, Employment, and Residence visas)
2、Visa Validity:
- Single entry: Valid for 3 months, with a stay of 14 days per entry.
- Double entry: Valid for 3 months, with a 14-day stay per entry.
- Multiple entry: Valid for 6 months, with a 14-day stay per entry.
Countries Enjoying Visa-Free Access to Macau
Nationals from the following 81 countries can enter Macau visa-free for the specified durations:
Note:
| Country | Free Period | Country | Free Period |
| Albania | 90 Days | Macedonia | 90 Days |
| Andorra | 90 Days | Malaysia | 30 Days |
| Australia | 30 Days | Mali | 90 Days |
| Austria | 90 Days | Malta | 90 Days |
| Belgium | 90 Days | Mauritius | 90 Days |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | 90 Days | Mexico | 90 Days |
| Brazil | 90 Days | Moldova | 90 Days |
| Brunei | 14 Days | Monaco | 30 Days |
| Bulgaria | 90 Days | Mongolia | 90 Days |
| Canada | 30 Days | Montenegro | 90 Days |
| Cape Verde | 90 Days | Namibia | 30 Days |
| Chile | 30 Days | Netherlands | 90 Days |
| Croatia | 90 Days | New Zealand | 90 Days |
| Cyprus | 90 Days | Norway | 90 Days |
| Czech Republic | 90 Days | Philippines | 30 Days |
| Denmark | 90 Days | Poland | 90 Days |
| Dominica | 90 Days | Portugal | 90 Days |
| Egypt | 90 Days | Argentina | 30 Days |
| Estonia | 90 Days | Armenia | 90 Days |
| Finland | 90 Days | Belarus | 30 Days |
| France | 90 Days | Ecuador | 30 Days |
| Germany | 90 Days | Romania | 90 Days |
| Greece | 90 Days | Russia | 30 Days |
| Grenada | 90 Days | Samoa | 30 Days |
| Hungary | 90 Days | San Marino | 30 Days |
| Iceland | 90 Days | Serbia | 90 Days |
| India | 30 Days | Seychelles | 30 Days |
| Indonesia | 30 Days | Singapore | 30 Days |
| Ireland | 90 Days | Slovakia | 90 Days |
| Israel | 90 Days | Slovenia | 90 Days |
| Italy | 90 Days | South Africa | 30 Days |
| Japan | 90 Days | Spain | 90 Days |
| Morocco | 90 Days | Sweden | 90 Days |
| Kiribati | 30 Days | Switzerland | 90 Days |
| South Korea | 90 Days | Tanzania | 90 Days |
| Latvia | 90 Days | Thailand | 30 Days |
| Lebanon | 90 Days | Turkey | 30 Days |
| Liechtenstein | 30 Days | UAE | 30 Days |
| Lithuania | 90 Days | USA | 30 Days |
| Luxembourg | 90 Days | UK | 180 Days |
| Uruguay | 90 Days | — | — |
- The fees listed above apply to applications made in your home country. If you apply in a third country, fees may differ.
- For countries marked with an asterisk (*), citizens must apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). The listed fees include the cost of the visa, the service fee charged by CVASC, and applicable taxes. Note that taxes may vary by region, so the final cost may slightly differ.
- For detailed information on visa fees in your country, please refer to the respective Chinese Embassy or Consulate.