Situated to the east of Pearl River estuary, Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. As one of the world’s major trade and finance industries, the country played a crucial role in the modernization of China. Hong Kong is famed to be a land of many opportunities. Also a tourist hotspot, this region attracts millions of people every year. Bustling with energy and exuberance, Hong Kong is a favourite destination for many Indians. Before you set out to explore the excitement of Hong Kong, a thorough knowledge of the process for obtaining the Hong Kong visa for Indians is mandatory.
It is essential to know the Hong Kong visa requirements clearly. Here is a comprehensive guide for you to obtain the Hongkong visa for Indians without any hassles –
- Hong Kong Embassy in India
- Pre-arrival visa
- Eligibility Criteria for Hong Kong Visa
- Types of Hong Kong visa for Indians
- Procedure for visa application
- Documents required for Hong Kong Visa
- Hong Kong visa fees
- FAQ
Hong Kong Embassy in India
The Hong Kong Embassy in India is situated in New Delhi. There is no territorial jurisdiction. All visas to Hong Kong are processed in New Delhi only.
The address of the Hong Kong Embassy in India:
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
50-D Shani Path Chanakya Puri, New Delhi – 110021
Tel: (11) 2611 2345 / 2688 5486 / 2611 6682
Visa Section: (11) 2467 5559
Fax: (11) 2611 1105
Timings of the Hong Kong Embassy in India:
Visa Submission Time: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
Visa Collection Time: 09:00AM – 12:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
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Hong Kong Visa
There has been a great relaxation in the visa policies of Hong Kong. As a result, the procedure to obtain a Hong Kong visa for Indians has become very simple and trouble-free. While several countries around the world have an elaborate and complex procedure to obtain a visa, Hong Kong has a very unique and uncomplicated visa procedure for Indians.
Pre-arrival Registration
Indian applicants need to apply for and complete a PAR (Pre-arrival Registration) prior to entering or visiting Hong Kong. In accordance with the current norms, Indian citizens can visit Hong Kong and have a stay duration of a maximum of 14 days without a visa, provided you complete the Hong Kong Pre-arrival Registration successfully online. Certain individuals are exempted from the Hong Kong Pre-arrival Registration, provided the immigration requirements are met. These exemptions include –
- Holders of an official Indian passport
- Holders of a diplomatic Indian passport
- Holders of the Hong Kong Travel Pass
- Holders of the United Nations Laissez-Passers, who are transiting or visiting Hong Kong for official purposes
- Members of the operating sea-crew / air-crew or a seaman
- Indian citizens who have enrolled for an e-channel service as they are frequent visitors to Hong Kong
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Each Hong Kong Pre-arrival Registration has a validity for 6 months. In order to complete the Pre-arrival Registration successfully, an applicant will need to meet the immigration requirements. With the use of a notification slip, an Indian applicant who has a valid Indian passport can enjoy multiple visits to Hong Kong without a visa. For each visit to Hong Kong, the maximum stay duration of 14 days stays fixed. However, if the Pre-arrival Registration is not successful, Indian citizens can directly apply for a valid entry visa to the Immigration Department if they intend to visit Hong Kong. The Hong Kong visa requirements need to be fulfilled in order to obtain a valid entry visa.
Eligibility criteria for a Hong Kong visa for Indians
An Indian resident must complete a Pre-arrival Registration before transit or visit to Hong Kong’s visa-free facility, officially known as the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administration Region) visa-free facility.
The online services to apply for the Pre-arrival Registration can be utilized by Indian citizens who fulfill the following criteria –
- Has an intention to transit or visit the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (with an exception of direct transit by air without leaving the airport’s transit region)
- Has a plan of staying in Hong Kong for not longer than 14 days
- Is the holder of an Indian passport which has a validity of 6 months
Note: Pre-arrival Registration does not apply for an Indian citizen is he/she has been given the right to land/abode in Hong Kong Special Administration Region, is on an unconditional stay in the region, and has been given the permission to stay there for residence, study, or employment purposes.
In addition, India citizens must apply for a visa to the immigration division provided he/she has the following requirements:
- Wishes to visit the region of Hong Kong and stay there for a duration longer than 14 days
- Has an intention to stay in Hong Kong for study, employment, residence purposes, and so on
Types of Hong Kong Visas for Indians
- Hong Kong tourist visa for Indians
- Hong Kong transit visa for Indians
- Hong Kong work visa for Indians
- Hong Kong business visa for Indians
- Hong Kong student visa for Indians
- Hong Kong dependant visa for Indians
- Hong Kong permanent residency visa for Indians
- Hong Kong domestic help visa for Indians
- Hong Kong training visa for Indians
- Hong Kong working holiday scheme visa for Indians
- Hong Kong investment visa for Indians
Though there are several types of visas, Indians most frequently apply for the tourist, transit, and work visas.
Hong Kong tourist visa for Indians – A region that has several tourist attractions, Hong Kong attracts a large number of Indian tourists. Known as a visit visa, the application process can take up to four weeks for processing and approval. The visit visa can be processed through the Chinese Embassy or the Consulate.
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Hong Kong transit visa for Indians – The Pre-arrival Registration formality needs to be done in order to transit through Hong Kong without a visa. In case of an issue, a transit visa needs to be applied for. However, a visa or the Pre-arrival Registration is not required if you will be transiting directly by air and will not leave the airport transit area.
Hong Kong work visa for Indians – As one of the leading economies of the world, Hong Kong is full of opportunities for young professionals. This region has an abundance of opportunities for seniors and middle cadre professionals as well. The major industries of employment in Hong Kong include export, logistics, tourism and banking, and finance. To obtain the work visa, you must have a job in the sponsoring company. The company must take up the application process in the concerned department. Necessary documents that prove your skills and expertise in the required field must be endorsed by the company. The following details must be submitted with the support of documents:
- Passport details
- Appointment letter
- Salary and remuneration details
- Proof of accommodation
- Education
- Professional experience
The work visa application process can take around 4 – 6 weeks. It will be issued to the company, which will then forward the same to you.
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Procedure for visa application
- First, an applicant who intends to visit Hong Kong must visit the official government website of Hong Kong for a Pre-arrival Registration and fill out the required information accurately. Ensure that the details filled by you match those that are mentioned in the passport.
- Submit the application online
- After the submission of the application, the system will automatically process the application, and the result will immediately get conveyed to you
- On obtaining success in the application, you must print the PAR Notification Slip
- Ensure that you cross-check the data entered by you on the notification slip to verify the details
- Sign the notification slip
Note: If the application for Pre-arrival Registration is unsuccessful for any reason, you can apply for a valid entry visa to Hong Kong at the Immigration Department
Validity of Pre-arrival Registration
- Valid for a period of 6 months, if all the immigration requirements are met
- During this period of 6 months, an applicant with a valid Indian passport and the required PAR Notification Slip can make multiple visits to Hong Kong without a visa
- Each visit must be no longer than 14 days
- You will be allowed to apply for another registration only if your current one has expired
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Enquiring about registration
- The validity of your PAR can be checked from the official portal of PAR
- In case of an unprinted, damaged, lost, or defaced notification slip, you will have to obtain the slip for printing through the ‘View or Print Registration Notification Slip’ option. In order to accomplish this, you will have to provide the same answer to the question that was selected at the time of the application processHowever, it is important to note that only a notification slip will not guarantee your entry into Hong Kong. In accordance with the Hong Kong Laws Chapter 115, you will still be under the control of an Immigration Ordinance.
- If you intend to visit Hong Kong, all of the immigration requirements must be met. These include all the mandatory travel documents along with the financial capacity to stay in Hong Kong and return to India
- No criminal or security issues must be raised to Hong Kong
- You must not become a possible burden to the government of Hong Kong
- You must have an appropriate and clear purpose to visit Hong Kong
- If you are a visitor, you are not permitted to become a school/university student, take paid or unpaid employment, or join in or establish any type of business in Hong Kong
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Documents required to obtain all types of Hong Kong visas for Indians
- A duly endorsed visa application with the required information
- A cover letter that clearly states information about the applicant’s name, qualifications, purpose of travel, and travel itinerary
- A photocopy of the first and last page of the applicant’s valid passport
- Flight confirmation details
- Financial statements which can include tax receipts, salary slips, and bank statements
- Proof of educational qualification
- Documents that support professional expertise
- Proof of professional / employment experience
- For business visa applications, photocopies of official company documents such as registration certificate, PAN, and GST
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Document details for a few specific visa types –
Documents required for a Tourist visa to Hong Kong
- A printed copy of the online visa application form with a recent photograph
- Original passport with a minimum of two blank pages and 6 months validity
- A photocopy of profile page of passport
- Proof of travel such as vacation letters from employers, tour package receipts, or self-made tour details
- Financial records
- An additional form can be submitted which has all the details of travel
Documents required for a work visa to Hong Kong
- A printed copy of the online visa application form with a recent photograph
- Original passport with a minimum of two blank pages and 6 months validity
- A photocopy of profile page of passport
- Offer of appointment from the sponsoring company that clearly mentions the profile of the company and the complete details of the profile and passport of the applicant
- A copy of the contract showing terms and conditions which includes the nature of the job, details of emoluments, and tax-related issues signed by both, the prospective employee and the employer
- A letter from an Indian company that states why they are unable to recruit the applicant in a position from India
- Copies of documents that relate to the company’s incorporation in India
- A recommendation from the Hong Kong company in case of transfer/secondment
- Resume / CV that shows qualifications and work experience of the applicant
Related: What is a Sponsorship Letter for Visa?
Hong Kong visa fees for Indian citizens
The Hong Kong visa fees for Indian citizens are as follows –
- Ordinary visa – HKD 230; INR 2082
- Transit visa – HKD 120; INR 1086
- Change of conditions of stay or extension of stay duration – HKD 230; INR 2082
- Endorsement to a travel document for which no specific fee is provided – HKD 240; INR 2172
With this guide, you can now easily get through the procedure to obtain a Hong Kong visa!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Indian passport holders get a visa on arrival in Hong Kong?
A: No. Indian passport holders will have to complete a Pre-Arrival Registration process online to enter Hong Kong visa-free.
2. How much is a Hong Kong visa fee?
A: The Hong Kong visa fee for an ordinary visa is HKD 230 (INR 2082) and for a transit visa is HKD 120 (INR 1086).
3. How long does it take to get the Hong Kong visa?
A: Pre-arrival Registration gets done automatically. The processing of visa applications for longer stay durations can take around 4 – 6 weeks.
4. Do Indian passports need a visa for Macau?
A: Indian passports do not require a visa for a stay up to 30 days. For any longer stay durations, visas are required.
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