Hong Kong Visa, Requirements & Application: A Complete Guide 2026

Written by Matteo Updated Mar. 25, 2026

Hong Kong is a popular destination for international travel, especially for those heading to the Chinese Mainland.

While citizens from 170 countries can visit Hong Kong without a visa, some nationalities need to apply for one. It's important to know that Hong Kong has its own visa policy and requirements as a Special Administrative Region (SAR), which differs from the China Mainland.

Do You Need a Visa to Enter Hong Kong

Citizens who meet one of the following 2 conditions can enter Hong Kong visa-free. First, Hong Kong offers visa-free entry to citizens of around 170 countries. The stay permitted for visa-free entry ranges from 7 to 180 days, depending on your nationality.

For instance, citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore can stay in Hong Kong for up to 90 days without a visa, while citizens of the United Kingdom can stay for up to 180 days.

If you're from a country that is not included in the visa-free list, you will need to apply for a visa to visit Hong Kong. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and length of your stay.

For example, if you're going to Hong Kong for work, you'll need to apply for a Work/Employment Visa, while if you're going to study in Hong Kong, you'll need to apply for a Study Visa.

Second, if you're a Hong Kong resident or hold a Hong Kong passport, Hong Kong re-entry permit, Hong Kong Seaman's Identity Book, or Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, you won't need a visa to enter Hong Kong for any purpose.

No.	Nationality of a foreign country (territory)/Type of travel document	Visa-free period for a visit not exceeding	Always require a VISA, except in direct transit by air, and when the passenger does not leave the airport transit area
1	AFGHANISTAN	-	Visa Required*
2	ALBANIA (holders of Albanian biometric passports only)	14 days	-
3	ALBANIA (holders of Albanian non-biometric passports)	-	Visa Required
4	ALGERIA	14 Days	-
5	ANDORRA	90 Days	-
6	ANGOLA	-	Visa Required^
7	ANGUILLA	90 Days	-
8	ANTIGUA & BARBUDA	90 Days	-
9	ARGENTINA	90 Days	-
10	ARMENIA	30 Days	-
11	AUSTRALIA	90 Days	-
12	AUSTRIA	90 Days	-
13	AZERBAIJAN	-	Visa Required#
14	BAHAMAS	90 Days	-
15	BAHRAIN	30 Days	-
16	BANGLADESH	-	Visa Required^
17	BARBADOS	90 Days	-
18	BELARUS	30 Days	-
19	BELGIUM	90 Days	-
20	BELIZE	90 Days	-
21	BENIN	14 Days	-
22	BERMUDA	90 Days	-
23	BHUTAN	14 Days	-
24	BOLIVIA	30 Days	-
25	BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA	14 Days	-
26	BOTSWANA	90 Days	-
27	BRAZIL	90 Days	-
28	BRITAIN (British citizens)	180 Days	-
29	BRITAIN (British Overseas Territories citizens, British Overseas citizens, British subjects, and British Protected persons)	90 Days	-
30	BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY	90 Days	-
31	BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY	90 Days	-
32	BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS	90 Days	-
33	BRUNEI DARUSSALAM	90 Days	-
34	BULGARIA	90 Days	-
35	BURKINA FASO	14 Days	-
36	BURUNDI	-	Visa Required^
37	CAMBODIA	-	Visa Required#
38	CAMEROON	-	Visa Required^
39	CANADA	90 Days	-
40	CAPE VERDE (REPUBLIC OF)	30 Days	-
41	CAYMAN ISLANDS	90 Days	-
42	CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC	-	Visa Required*
43	CHAD	14 Days	-
44	CHILE	90 Days	-
45	COLOMBIA	90 Days	-
46	COMOROS	14 Days	-
47	CONGO (DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF) (Formerly known as Zaire)	-	Visa Required*
48	CONGO (REPUBLIC OF)	-	Visa Required*
49	COSTA RICA	30 Days	-
50	Costa Rican Provisional passports	-	Visa Required
51	"Documento de Identidad Y Viaje" issued by Costa Rican Government	-	Visa Required
52	COTE D'IVOIRE (REPUBLIC OF)	-	Visa Required*
53	CROATIA	90 Days	-
54	CUBA	-	Visa Required
55	CYPRUS (REPUBLIC OF)	90 Days	-
56	CZECH REPUBLIC	90 Days	-
57	DENMARK	90 Days	-
58	DJIBOUTI	14 Days	-
59	DOMINICA (COMMONWEALTH OF)	90 Days	-
60	DOMINICAN REPUBLIC	30 Days	-
61	ECUADOR	90 Days	-
62	EGYPT	90 Days	-
63	EL SALVADOR	30 Days	-
64	EQUATORIAL GUINEA	14 Days	-
65	ERITREA	-	Visa Required*
66	ESTONIA	90 Days	-
67	ESWATINI (Formerly known as Swaziland)	90 Days	-
68	ETHIOPIA	-	Visa Required^
69	FALKLAND ISLANDS & DEPENDENCIES	90 Days	-
70	FAROE ISLANDS	90 Days	-
71	FIJI	90 Days	-
72	FINLAND	90 Days	-
73	FRANCE	90 Days	-
74	GABON	14 Days	-
75	GAMBIA	-	Visa Required*
76	GEORGIA	-	Visa Required
77	GERMANY	90 Days	-
78	GHANA	-	Visa Required^
79	GIBRALTAR	90 Days	-
80	GREECE	90 Days	-
81	GREENLAND	90 Days	-
82	GRENADA	90 Days	-
83	GUATEMALA	30 Days	-
84	GUINEA	14 Days	-
85	GUINEA-BISSAU	-	Visa Required*
86	GUYANA	90 Days	-
87	HAITI	14 Days	-
88	HONDURAS	30 Days	-
89	HUNGARY	90 Days	-
90	ICELAND	90 Days	-
91	INDIA	14 Days	Pre-arrival registration required%
92	INDONESIA	30 Days	-
93	IRAN	-	Visa Required*
94	IRAQ	-	Visa Required*
95	IRELAND (REPUBLIC OF)	90 Days	-
96	ISRAEL	90 Days	-
97	ITALY	90 Days	-
98	JAMAICA	90 Days	-
99	JAPAN	90 Days	-
100	JORDAN	30 Days	-
101	KAZAKHSTAN	14 Days	-
102	KENYA	90 Days	-
103	KIRIBATI	90 Days	-
104	KOREA (DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)	-	Visa Required*
105	KOREA (REPUBLIC OF)	90 Days	-
106	KUWAIT	30 Days	-
107	KYRGYZSTAN	-	Visa Required#
108	LAOS	-	Visa Required#
109	LATVIA	90 Days	-
110	LEBANON	-	Visa Required
111	LESOTHO	14 Days	-
112	LIBERIA	-	Visa Required*
113	LIBYA	-	Visa Required*
114	LIECHTENSTEIN	90 Days	-
115	LITHUANIA	90 Days	-
116	LUXEMBOURG	90 Days	-
117	MADAGASCAR	14 Days	-
118	MALAWI	90 Days	-
119	MALAYSIA	90 Days	-
120	MALDIVES	90 Days	-
121	MALI	14 Days	-
122	MALTA	90 Days	-
123	MARSHALL ISLANDS (REPUBLIC OF)	14 Days	-
124	MAURITANIA	14 Days	-
125	MAURITIUS	90 Days	-
126	MEXICO	90 Days	-
127	MICRONESIA (FEDERATED STATES OF)	14 Days	-
128	MOLDOVA (REPUBLIC OF)	-	Visa Required#
129	MONACO	90 Days	-
130	MONGOLIA	14 Days	-
131	MONTENEGRO ( REPUBLIC OF )	14 Days	-
132	MONTSERRAT	90 Days	-
133	MOROCCO	30 Days	-
134	MOZAMBIQUE	14 Days	-
135	MYANMAR	-	Visa Required#
136	NAMIBIA	90 Days	-
137	NAURU	90 Days	-
138	NEPAL	-	Visa Required^
139	NETHERLANDS	90 Days	-
140	NEW ZEALAND	90 Days	-
141	NICARAGUA	-	Visa Required
142	NIGER	14 Days	-
143	NIGERIA	-	Visa Required*
144	NORTH MACEDONIA	14 Days	-
145	NORWAY	90 Days	-
146	OMAN	30 Days	-
147	PAKISTAN	-	Visa Required※
148	PALAU	14 Days	-
149	PALESTINE (STATE OF)	-	Visa Required
150	PANAMA	30 Days	-
151	PAPUA NEW GUINEA	90 Days	-
152	PARAGUAY	30 Days	-
153	PERU	30 Days	-
154	Special Peruvian passports	-	Visa Required
155	PHILIPPINES	14 Days	-
156	PITCAIRN, HENDERSON, DUCIE & OENO ISLANDS	90 Days	-
157	POLAND	90 Days	-
158	PORTUGAL	90 Days	-
159	QATAR	30 Days	-
160	ROMANIA	90 Days	-
161	RUSSIAN FEDERATION	14 Days	-
162	RWANDA	-	Visa Required*
163	SAMOA	30 Days	-
164	SAN MARINO	90 Days	-
165	SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE	14 Days	-
166	SAUDI ARABIA	30 Days	-
167	SENEGAL	-	Visa Required
168	SERBIA (REPUBLIC OF) (holders of Serbian biometric passports only)	14 Days	-
169	SERBIA (REPUBLIC OF) (holders of Serbian non-biometric passports or Serbian passports issued by the Coordination Directorate in Belgrade)	-	Visa Required
170	SEYCHELLES	90 Days	-
171	SIERRA LEONE	-	Visa Required*
172	SINGAPORE	90 Days	-
173	SLOVAK REPUBLIC	90 Days	-
174	SLOVENIA	90 Days	-
175	SOLOMON ISLANDS	-	Visa Required
176	SOMALIA	-	Visa Required*
177	SOUTH AFRICA	30 Days	-
178	SOUTH SUDAN	-	Visa Required*
179	SPAIN	90 Days	-
180	SRI LANKA	-	Visa Required^
181	ST. HELENA	90 Days	-
182	ST. HELENA DEPENDENCIES (ASCENSION, TRISTAN DA CUNHA)	90 Days	-
183	ST. KITTS - NEVIS ANGUILLA	90 Days	-
184	ST. LUCIA	90 Days	-
185	ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES	90 Days	-
186	SUDAN	-	Visa Required*
187	SURINAME	14 Days	-
188	SWEDEN	90 Days	-
189	SWITZERLAND	90 Days	-
190	SYRIA	-	Visa Required*
191	TAJIKISTAN	-	Visa Required#
192	TANZANIA	90 Days	-
193	THAILAND	30 Days	-
194	THE SOUTH GEORGIA AND THE SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS	90 Days	-
195	THE SOVEREIGN BASE AREAS OF AKROTIRI AND DHEKELIA	90 Days	-
196	TOGO	-	Visa Required^
197	TONGA	90 Days	-
198	Tongan National passports	-	Visa Required
199	Tongan Protected Persons passports	-	Visa Required
200	TRINIDAD & TOBAGO	90 Days	-
201	TUNISIA	30 Days	-
202	TURKEY	90 Days	-
203	TURKMENISTAN	-	Visa Required#
204	TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS	90 Days	-
205	TUVALU	90 Days	-
206	TUVALU (with national status stated as 'I-TUVALU')	-	Visa Required
207	UGANDA	30 Days	-
208	UKRAINE	14 Days	-
209	UNITED ARAB EMIRATES	30 Days	-
210	URUGUAY	90 Days	-
211	Uruguay passports issued under Decree 289/90	-	Visa Required
212	U.S.A. (except U.S.A. Diplomatic passports)	90 Days	-
213	U.S.A. Diplomatic passports	-	Visa Required
214	US TRUST TERRITORY OF PACIFIC ISLANDS (holders of US Trust Territory passports only)	14 Days	-
215	UZBEKISTAN	-	Visa Required#
216	VANUATU	90 Days	-
217	VATICAN CITY	14 Days	-
218	Vatican Service passports	-	Visa Required
219	VENEZUELA	90 Days	-
220	VIETNAM	-	Visa Required#
221	YEMEN (REPUBLIC OF)	-	Visa Required*
222	ZAMBIA	90 Days	-
223	ZIMBABWE	90 Days	-
224	All 'stateless' travel document holders	-	Visa Required
225	Nationals of other foreign countries do not require visas for a visit	7 Days	-

Remarks:

* All nationals are required to hold a valid visa for Hong Kong for whatever purpose (including those who are in transit and remain on the airside).

^ All nationals (except holders of Diplomatic and Official passports) are required to hold a valid visa for Hong Kong for whatever purpose (including those who are in transit and remain on the airside). Holders of Diplomatic and Official passports may visit Hong Kong visa-free for a stay not exceeding 14 days.

※ All nationals (except holders of Diplomatic and Official passports) are required to hold a valid visa for Hong Kong for whatever purpose (including those who are in transit and remain on the airside). Holders of Diplomatic and Official passports may visit the HKSAR visa-free for a stay not exceeding 30 days.

# Holders of Diplomatic and Official passports may visit the HKSAR visa-free for a stay not exceeding 14 days.

% Indian nationals must complete pre-arrival registration (PAR) online before visiting Hong Kong visa-free.

Related Reading: Hong Kong Visa-free

How to Apply for a Hong Kong Visa

Applying for a Hong Kong visa is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the application.

1. Determine the Type of Hong Kong Visa You Need.

Hong Kong offers various types of visas for different purposes, such as employment, study, investment, or family reunion. Identify the appropriate visa category based on your purpose of visit.

2. Gather the Required Documents.

Each visa category has specific document requirements. Typically, you will need these documents to get a Hong Kong visa:

A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months and has 2 blank visa pages)
A completed Hong Kong Visit/Transit Visa Application Form
Two recently taken (within 6 months) passport-sized (width 40mm * height 50mm) photos in colour with a white background (full face, without glasses/earrings/necklace, lips closed and ears/forehead visible)
Proof of financial capability
Other supporting documents related to your purpose of visit (e.g., employment contract, acceptance letter from a university, or marriage certificate).

3. Complete the Hong Kong Application Form.

Download the visa application form from the Hong Kong Immigration Department's website or our website. Fill it out accurately and legibly, ensuring all information matches your supporting documents.

4. Submit Your Application.

Option 1: Submit all necessary documents in person at the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Some Chinese Embassies and Consulates have established China Visa Application Service Centres (CVASC) to handle the application process. You can submit the required documents directly to them. The CVASC will accept and forward the application to the embassy for further processing and issuance.

Option 2: Submit all the necessary documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department by express mail directly.

Application Mailing Address: Receipt and Despatch Sub-unit, Immigration Department, 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (Chinese: 香港灣仔告士打道七號入境事務大樓二樓入境事務處收發分組)

To shorten the processing time, application forms and supporting documents can be sent by fax to (852) 2824 1133 in the first instance. However, the original copy of the duly completed application forms and the photograph required should be sent immediately to the Hong Kong Immigration Department by air mail. A visa will be issued only on receipt of original, properly completed visa application forms.

5. Collect Your Hong Kong Visa.

Once your visa is approved, collect it from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate or the designated visa collection point. Ensure all details on the visa are accurate, including the validity dates and visa category.

Hong Kong E-visa

From December 28, 2021, travellers who need a visa to visit Hong Kong can apply online for a Hong Kong e-visa. After approval, you will receive an electronic visa, which has the same validity as a paper visa.

Who Can Apply for a Hong Kong E-visa

1. You have a clear purpose for visiting Hong Kong.

2. You have sufficient funds to cover living expenses during the stay in Hong Kong.

3. Unless you are transiting to the Chinese Mainland or Macau, you must hold a connecting ticket to your next destination.

Documents Required for Hong Kong E-visa Application

When applying for a Hong Kong e-visa, you need to upload your own documents and also documents from a sponsor. The sponsor can be your company, a friend, or a family member.

Identification	Document
Applicant	Valid travel document, typically a valid passport
Applicant	Recent photograph
Applicant	Proof of your financial standing
Applicant	Proof of transportation arrangement
Applicant	Proof of the proposed leisure visit to Hong Kong (Suitable for travelling)
Applicant	Proof of the proposed visit in the next destination after visiting Hong Kong (Suitable for transiting)
Applicant	Proof of the proposed business visit to Hong Kong (Suitable for a business trip)
Applicant	Proof of relationship with the local sponsor (Suitable for family visiting)
Applicant	Proof of the proposed visit to Hong Kong (Suitable for purposes other than those mentioned above )
Sponsor	Company chop (Suitable for a sponsor is a company)
Sponsor	Business Registration Certificate (Suitable for a sponsor that is a company)
Sponsor	Hong Kong identity card and/or travel document and/or latest e-visa (Suitable for a sponsor who is an individual)

How to Apply for a Hong Kong E-visa

First, prepare all the required application materials and take photos of them with your phone. Then visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department official website to fill out the application form and upload the photos. After submitting, wait for the result. The processing time is about 4 weeks.

Hong Kong Visa Fee

	Item	Fees
1	Ordinary visa	HKD 330
2	Transit visa	HKD 170
3	Change of conditions of stay or extension of the limit of stay	HKD 330
4	Endorsement of a travel document for which no specific fee is provided	HKD 350

Note: 1 USD ≈ 7.85 HKD

FAQs on Hong Kong Visa Application

Here are some common questions when applying for a Hong Kong visa.

1. How Long Does Hong Kong Visa Processing Take?

The processing time for a Hong Kong visa application may vary depending on the location where you submit your application. When you apply at the Chinese Embassy or China Visa Application Service Centre, the regular processing time is typically around 4 working days.

However, if you choose to send your application materials directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, the overall application process may take at least 4 weeks.

Actual processing times may vary based on individual circumstances and the volume of applications received.

2. Can You Use a Hong Kong Visa to Enter the Chinese Mainland?

A Hong Kong visa cannot be used in the Chinese Mainland. If you want to enter the Chinese Mainland from Hong Kong, first check if your country is on the visa-free list. If it is not, you need to get a visa in advance.

3. Do You Need a Visa for a Layover in Hong Kong

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of countries like the UK, Italy, Singapore, Canada, and 160 others do not need a visa as long as they stay in the airport. For details, please refer to Hong Kong's visa-free country list.

4. After Getting a Hong Kong Visa, when Can You Enter Hong Kong?

The visa clearly states the last entry date. You can enter Hong Kong any time before that date.

5. Can the Visa Fee be Refunded?

No. The visa fee is non-refundable, whether your visa application is successful or not.

Enjoy a Visa-Free Hong Kong Tour

Our experienced team is ready to assist you in crafting a personalised Hong Kong itinerary that suits your needs and preferences. Whether you're visiting for business, leisure, or family reasons, we'll take care of all the details, including visa guidance, accommodation, transportation, and curated activities.

Here are our popular tours for your reference.