Hong Kong Visa - Application, Regulations & Fees [In 2022]

A Hong Kong visa is official permission that allows foreigner’s entry into Hong Kong. It is issued to foreign nationals who want to visit and stay in Hong Kong for a specified period of time. Even foreigners transiting through Hong Kong, who plans to step out of the airport transit areas, also need to obtain a valid visa.

The Hong Kong visa for Indians is issued by the Embassy of China or the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

As per the current guidelines, Hong Kong offers visa-free entry to all Indian citizens visiting or transiting through the region for a maximum of 14 days. In case an Indian citizen plans to stay in Hong Kong for a longer duration, he/she will have to apply for a valid Hong Kong visa.

All Indian citizens travelling to Hong Kong are advised to cover the trip against any unforeseen hazards with the help of a travel insurance Hong Kong plan.

Types of Hong Kong Visa for Indians

Take a look at the various types of Hong Kong visa available for Indian citizens:

Visit/ Transit Visa

This type of visa is granted to Indian citizens who want to visit and stay in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for more than 14 days. It is granted to people whose purpose of travelling to Hong Kong is a vacation, meeting family/ friends, conducting business or transiting. It also allows transit passengers to move out of the airport transit areas and explore the region.

Student Visa

This type of visa is issued to Indian nationals who wish to travel to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to study. It is granted to people who have secured admission in a private/public school, full-time/part-time post-secondary local programme or a non-local higher education/ professional course in Hong Kong. Indians who need to travel to Hong Kong for a full-time local/non-local exchange programme for up to six months at a sub-degree level and up to one year at undergraduate level or above can also obtain this Hong Kong visa for Indians.

The applicants for a Student visa should be aged between 5 years and 8 months to 11 years in case of primary education and less than 20 years to pursue secondary education in Hong Kong.

Besides, the applicants/holders of Student visa can also apply to bring their family members, including legal spouse/partner and dependent children to Hong Kong by becoming their sponsors.

Employment/ Investment Visa

This type of visa is granted to Indian citizens who want to travel to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for employment purposes. It is issued to professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and imported workers who want to work or invest in a Hong Kong-based company. The applicants of this visa can also bring their spouse or dependent children to Hong Kong by becoming their sponsors, except for those arriving as imported workers.

The Employment/ Investment visa is further divided into the following four categories:

General Employment Policy (GEP) Visa - This type of Employment visa is issued to people who want to travel and stay in Hong Kong to work as professionals under the General Employment Policy (GEP). Student visa holders can also apply for this visa to stay back in Hong Kong to work as skilled professionals under the GEP.
Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) Visa - This type of Employment visa is granted to people who wish to enter and stay in Hong Kong to work as technology professionals under the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS). Eligible companies under TechTAS can sponsor Indians professionals to get a visa.
Investment Visa - This type of Employment visa is issued to people who want to travel and stay in Hong Kong to invest as an entrepreneur under the GEP. The applicants of this visa can either start their own business or invest in an existing company in Hong Kong.
Imported Workers Visa - This type of Employment visa is issued to people who want to travel to Hong Kong as imported workers under the Supplementary Labour Scheme (SLS). It is issued to people who want to work as labour at the technician level or lower in Hong Kong.
Training Visa: This type of visa is granted to Indian citizens who wish to enter and stay in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to undergo professional training. It can be applied by people who are willing to acquire special knowledge skills from training in Hong Kong.
Foreign Domestic Helper Visa: This type of visa is issued to Indian nationals who need to travel to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to work as a domestic helper for a local family. This visa does not allow its holders to settle permanently in Hong Kong.

Visa-Free Arrival for Indians in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Immigration Department allows visa-free entry of Indian nationals in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This provision applies to Indian citizens who wish to travel to Hong Kong for a vacation of up to 14 days. It is also available for Indians transiting via Hong Kong directly through the air and does not plan to leave the airport transit areas.

However, Indian citizens need to apply for a pre-arrival registration online before commencing their visa-free trip or transit to Hong Kong. The traveller must carry a signed copy of the notification slip for the pre-arrival registration while travelling to Hong Kong.

A pre-arrival registration granted to Indian nationals is valid for a maximum period of six months unless the passport of the traveller expires earlier. They can make multiple visits to Hong Kong during the validity of the pre-arrival registration with a maximum stay duration of 14 days per trip.

Indian nationals with Hong Kong Travel Pass, diplomatic or official passport and successful enrollment for frequent visitor e-Channel service are exempted to apply for pre-arrival registration before travelling to Hong Kong. Besides, Indians who are a member of aircrew, seacrew or seamen on contractual basis also do not need pre-arrival registration to travel visa-free to Hong Kong.

In case an Indian citizen needs to travel to Hong Kong for more than 14 days or a trip purpose other than visit/ transit, he/she needs to apply for a valid Hong Kong visa for Indians.

Validity of Hong Kong Visa for Indians

Take a look at the validity of different types of Hong Kong visa for Indians:

Types of Hong Kong Visa for Indians		Visa Validity	Maximum Visa Extension
Pre-Arrival Registration		Up to 14 days	-
Visit/ Transit Visa		More than 14 days	7 days
Student Visa	Full-Time Post Secondary Programmes	6 years	4 weeks
	Other Courses	12 months
Employment Visa		24 months	4 weeks
Training Visa		12 months	-
Foreign Domestic Helper Visa		2 years	-

How to Apply for Visa-Free Pre-Arrival Registration Online for Hong Kong?

Follow the steps given below to apply for pre-arrival registration online before travelling visa-free to Hong Kong:

Visit the official website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department
Go to the ‘Our Services’ tab on the menu bar and click on ‘Visas/ Entry Permits’
Scroll down to click on ‘Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals’ under the ‘Visit’ category
Select ‘General Procedures’ and click on the ‘designated GovHK website’ link
Accept the declaration and click on the ‘Start’ button
Click on ‘Continue’ if you have the required items and have read the guidance notes & eligibility
Fill in all the required details as mentioned in your passport
Enter the code and click on ‘Confirm and Continue’
The result of the registration will be displayed
Take a printout of the notification slip on an A4 sheet

Who Should Apply for Hong Kong Visa for Indians?

All Indian citizens who want to travel to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for more than 14 days or for a purpose other than visiting should apply for a valid Hong Kong visa. Even people who need to transit via Hong Kong to travel to another country need to apply for a Hong Kong visa for Indians in case they plan to leave the airport transit area.

Moreover, Indian nationals who were unable to successfully apply for pre-arrival registration for visa-free entry to Hong Kong should also apply for the visa.

How to Apply for Hong Kong Visa for Indians?

An Indian citizen can apply for a Hong Kong visa by following the steps given below:

Visit the official website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department
Go to the ‘Forms’ tab on the menu bar and select the ‘Visas’ option
Choose the visa type as per the purpose of your trip
Download the Hong Kong visa application forms from the available list
Fill in the downloaded form
Submit the duly filled form along with the required documents to the Embassy of China
The Chinese Embassy will issue the Hong Kong visa after successful processing of visa application

Documents Required to Apply for Hong Kong Visa for Indians

Indian citizens need to submit the following documents to the Embassy of China or the Hong Kong Immigration Department while applying for a Hong Kong visa:

A valid passport with at least six months of validity
Hong Kong visa application form
Recent photograph

The following table shows the list of additional documents required to apply for different types of Hong Kong visa for Indians:

Type of Hong Kong Visa for Indians		Documents Required*
Visit/ Transit Visa		For Visit: Proof of travel bookings, such as flight booking details Proof of financial standing, such as bank statements, tax receipts, bank passbooks, etc. Proof of leisure visit in Hong Kong, such as tour package details, trip itinerary, etc. Proof of employment, such as salary slips, leave letter from the employer, etc. Proof of relationship with the local sponsor (if travelling for a family visit) Application form by the sponsor Sponsor’s Hong Kong Identity Card (if the sponsor is a person staying in Hong Kong) Copy of the sponsor’s passport (if the sponsor is a non-permanent resident of Hong Kong) Proof of proposed visit to Hong Kong for other reasons For Transit: Flight booking details from Hong Kong to the destination country (if travelling to a country apart from Mainland of China or Macao) For Business: Letter from employer confirming applicant’s business trip to Hong Kong Invitation letter from a local company Letter from trade body confirming applicant’s proposed visit to exhibitions/ trade fairs Proof of travel bookings, such as flight booking details Sponsor’s Business Registration Certificate (if the sponsor is a company in Hong Kong)
Student Visa		Acceptance letter from an educational institution in Hong Kong Proof of financial standing, such as bank statements, tax receipts, bank passbooks, etc. Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card (if any) Consent letter from applicant’s parents and Hong Kong-based guardian (if the applicant is a minor) Application form by the sponsor Sponsor’s Hong Kong Identity Card (if the sponsor is a person staying in Hong Kong) Copy of sponsor’s passport (if the sponsor is a non-permanent resident of Hong Kong) Sponsor’s undertaking to provide accommodation to the minor applicant Proof of sponsor’s financial standing, such as bank statements, tax receipts, bank passbooks, etc. For Accompanying Dependents: Proof of relationship between the applicant and the accompanying dependent, such as marriage certificate, family pictures, birth certificate, etc. Dependent’s passport Recent picture of the accompanying dependent Proof of financial standing to support the stay of the accompanying dependents
Employment Visa	General Employment Policy (GEP) Visa	Proof of academic qualifications and work experiences Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card (if any) By Hong Kong Based Employer: Application form by the company to employ professionals Appointment letter or employment contract issued to the applicant Business Registration Certificate (only if the company does not have a permit to employ overseas professionals) Proof of financial standing, such as latest profit tax return, audited financial report, etc. Company’s background details Detailed business plan (for companies less than 12 months old) For Accompanying Dependents: Proof of relationship between the applicant and the accompanying dependent, such as marriage certificate, family pictures, birth certificate, etc. Dependent’s passport Recent picture of the accompanying dependent
	Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) Visa	Proof of academic qualifications, technical skills and work experiences Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card (if any) By Hong Kong Based Employer: Application form by the company Copy of quota allotment letter by the Innovation & Technology Commission Appointment letter or employment contract issued to the applicant Business Registration Certificate (only if the company does not have a permit to employ overseas professionals) For Accompanying Dependents: Proof of relationship between the applicant and the accompanying dependent, such as marriage certificate, family pictures, birth certificate, etc. Dependent’s passport Recent picture of the accompanying dependent Copy of dependent’s Hong Kong Identity Card (if any)
	Investment Visa	Proof of academic qualifications and work experiences Proof of financial standing, such as bank statements, tax receipts, bank passbooks, etc. Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card (if any) Appointment letter or employment contract issued by a company in Hong Kong (if applicable) Detailed two-year investment plan Proof of company’s business activities Proof of company’s financial standing, such as latest profit tax return, audited financial report, etc. Company’s background details Proof of office set-up, such as tenancy agreement Proof of posts created for local employees (if applicable) Business Registration Certificate (if already invested in Hong Kong) Company’s registry documents Business operating licenses and certificates Letter indicating support from a government-backed programme Sponsor’s Business Registration Certificate (if the sponsor is a company in Hong Kong) Application form by the sponsor Sponsor’s Hong Kong Identity Card (if the sponsor is a person staying in Hong Kong) Copy of sponsor’s passport (if the sponsor is a non-permanent resident of Hong Kong) For Accompanying Dependents: Proof of relationship between the applicant and the accompanying dependent, such as marriage certificate, family pictures, birth certificate, etc. Dependent’s passport Recent picture of the accompanying dependent
	Imported Workers Visa	Proof of academic qualifications and work experiences Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card (if any) Proof of medical fitness for the job By Hong Kong Based Employer: Application form by the company Copies of standard employment contract issued to the applicant Copy of in-principle approval letter issued by the Labour Department
Training Visa		Proof of academic qualifications and work experiences Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card (if any) By Hong Kong Based Company: Application form by the sponsor company Training contract issued to the applicant Business Registration Certificate Proof of financial standing, such as latest profit tax return, audited financial report, etc. Detailed business plan (for companies less than 12 months old) For Accompanying Dependents: Proof of relationship between the applicant and the accompanying dependent, such as marriage certificate, family pictures, birth certificate, etc. Dependent’s passport Recent picture of the accompanying dependent
Foreign Domestic Helper Visa		Copies of the standard employment contract signed by both employer and the applicant Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card (if any) Testimonial stating at least two years experience as a domestic helper By Hong Kong Based Employer: Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card Proof of financial standing, such as bank statements, tax receipts, bank passbooks, profit tax assessment return, etc. Proof of residential address in Hong Kong Undertaking of the employer

*All documents must either be in the English or Chinese language. If not, the applicant must attach a certified translation in the English or Chinese language.

Hong Kong Visa Fees

All applicants of Hong Kong visa is required to pay a visa fee at the time of applying. No charges have to be paid while applying for the pre-arrival registration online for visa-free entry to Hong Kong. Refer to the table below to check the visa fees for different types of Hong Kong visa:

Hong Kong Visa for Indians	Hong Kong Visa Fees
All Kinds of Hong Kong Visa	$230
Transit Visa	$120
Visa Extension Fee	$230

The visa fees can be paid in the form of a demand draft issued by a national/ international bank in Delhi payable to the ‘Chinese Embassy, New Delhi’. The local sponsor can pay the visa fees in cash or by cheque/ EPS at the Immigration Department in Hong Kong.

Travel Insurance for Hong Kong Visa

Hong Kong is popular as a financial hub, tourist destination, shopping haven and business centre across the world. Even with world-class facilities, a traveller cannot prevent unpredictable incidents, such as loss of wallet, flight delays, meeting with an accident, etc. from occurring. Despite the best planning, such incidents can result in major financial losses and the only way to avoid that is by keeping the trip covered under a travel insurance Hong Kong policy.

Travel insurance Hong Kong provides the insured traveller with financial coverage against adverse incidents faced during the trip to Hong Kong. It covers the traveller against adversities, such as medical emergencies, flight delays, missed connection flights, baggage loss, personal liability, trip cancellation, etc.

As per the law, carrying a valid travel insurance policy during a trip to Hong Kong is not compulsory. Indian applicants will be granted a Hong Kong visa or pre-arrival registration for visa-free travel even without travel insurance. Nonetheless, it is recommended to buy the travel insurance Hong Kong policy to stay prepared for any adversities faced during the trip.

Hong Kong Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Hong Kong visa varies according to different types of visas. Take a look at the visa processing time for various types of Hong Kong visa:

Type of Hong Kong Visa for Indians		Processing Time
Visit/Transit Visa		4 weeks
Student Visa		6 weeks
Employment Visa	General Employment Policy (GEP) Visa	4 weeks
	Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) Visa	2 weeks
	Investment Visa	4 weeks
	Imported Workers Visa	6 weeks
Training Visa		4 weeks
Foreign Domestic Helper Visa		4-6 weeks

In case the applicant requires faster processing of his/her Hong Kong visa application, an additional visa fee will be applicable.

How to Check the Status of Hong Kong Visa?

An applicant for a Hong Kong visa can check the application status online or by calling the 24-hour enquiry system. Follow the steps given below to check the status of Hong Kong visa online:

Visit the official website of Hong Kong Immigration Department
Go to the ‘Online Services’ tab on the menu bar and select ‘Other Online Services’
Scroll to the bottom and click on ‘Enquiry of Application Status’ under the ‘Right to Abode’ category
Click on the option of ‘Online application status enquiry’
Go to the start button, read the declaration and accept it
Enter your application reference number and submit it
You will see the status of your Hong Kong visa application

FAQs

Q. What to do if my pre-arrival registration notification slip is damaged or lost?

If your pre-arrival registration notification slip is damaged or lost, you can reprint it by visiting the official website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Q. Who can be my sponsor in Hong Kong?

A bona fide resident of Hong Kong who is above the age of 18 years and is acquainted with you can become your sponsor in Hong Kong.
Q. If I am travelling to Hong Kong as a foreign domestic helper, can I bring my dependents along?

No. Applicants and holders of Foreign Domestic Helper visa cannot bring their applicants to Hong Kong.