Nationals of most countries do not require a visa to enter Hong Kong for tourism and can stay for periods varying from seven to 180 days, depending on nationality. If you’re unsure of your status, please check with any Chinese embassy or consulate.

More than 100 countries and territories have representative offices in Hong Kong. Their contact details are listed here. You can also find further details about visa requirements on the Immigration Department website.

With effect from 28 December 2021, the Immigration Department has introduced electronic services for visa applications in phases to allow applicants to complete the entire process of visa-related applications online. Please visit the Immigration Department website or click here for more details. 

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION TRAVEL PASS

This pass provides simplified immigration procedures for frequent business travellers who hold valid passports and are eligible to come to Hong Kong without a visa or entry permit for the purposes of a visit.

Eligibility criteria:

• You must have a genuine need to visit Hong Kong frequently, and
• you must have previously visited Hong Kong trouble-free on three or more occasions (not including side visits to the Mainland of China or Macao) in the 12 months prior to the application, or
• the Director of Immigration must be satisfied that your visits may bring substantial benefits to Hong Kong.

Pass holders may use Hong Kong residents' counters for simplified immigration clearance procedures.

Further details about this pass and a downloadable application form can be found on the Immigration Department website.

E-CHANNEL SERVICE FOR FREQUENT VISITORS

Frequent visitors to Hong Kong can now enjoy the convenience of computerised self-service e-Channels, which provide quick and easy immigration clearance.

Eligibility criteria:

1. Aged 18 or above;
   
   
2. Holding a valid travel document and where appropriate, valid multiple visit visa;
   
   
3. Holding one of the following documents:
   - HKSAR Travel Pass;
   - APEC Business Travel Card with ‘HKG’ printed on the reverse side; or
   - Frequent Flyer Programme membership card issued by airlines which have joined this scheme (please enquire with your airline for details).
   
   
4. For passengers not holding one of the documents mentioned in item 3:
   - Holding a valid travel document which is not required to have entry visa/permit for entering the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); and
   - Have made visits to the HKSAR by air via the Hong Kong International Airport no fewer than three times in the past 12 months immediately before enrolment for the e-Channel service.
   
   
5. No adverse record in the HKSAR.

Successfully enrolled visitors can use the Frequent Visitor e-Channels at all control points. Please click here for details on the procedure for using the Frequent Visitor e-Channels. 

All visitors entering Hong Kong must go through customs clearance and declare any dutiable commodities exceeding duty-free quotas. Learn more about dutiable commodities and the latest duty-free concessions.

Points to note:

• Import and export of commonly found prohibited / controlled items including dangerous drugs, arms, weapons, animals, plants, endangered species, meat and poultry is governed by Hong Kong’s laws.
• Any import or export of these items must be accompanied by a valid licence, permit or certification issued in advance by the relevant authorities, unless exempted by law.
• While legal in some countries, various personal protection devices, such as 'mace' spray and stun guns, are prohibited in Hong Kong.
• Persons entering or leaving Hong Kong are required to declare or disclose the possession of currency or bearer negotiable instruments totalling more than HK$120,000 to the Customs and Excise Department.
• Cannabidiol (CBD) is classified as a dangerous drug in Hong Kong, and products containing CBD are prohibited. Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (DDO), trafficking (including importing and exporting) and manufacturing of substances in contravention of the law will be subject to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million. Possession and consumption of such substances will also be subject to imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of HK$1 million. Click here to find out more.

For further details, please visit the Customs and Excise Department website. To avoid any unnecessary delays, please follow the guidelines set by Hong Kong International Airport.

TIPS FOR VISITORS

Many visitors transit in Hong Kong or arrive here after visiting other countries. Due to the variations in legislations of different countries, some items which may be considered legal at other points of embarkation or disembarkation can be considered illegal in Hong Kong.

Details on the types of items that are illegal in Hong Kong, as well as some further tips on safety and security at the airport, can be found here.

AIRPORT SECURITY

All passengers departing from Hong Kong International Airport are required to show their boarding passes and travel documents to airport security personnel at the Departures Immigration Hall. Please find further details here.

CARRY-ON BAGGAGE

Departing visitors and those in transit should note that enhanced security measures are now in effect at Hong Kong International Airport. Visitors are reminded not to include any sharp objects with points or blades in carry-on luggage, such as knives, cutters, scissors, razor blades or household cutlery. Pack such items in your check-in luggage.

Restrictions also apply to carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols, which must be in containers no bigger than 100ml and placed in a single transparent re-sealable bag with a capacity not exceeding one litre (maximum one bag per passenger).

Please find further details here.