Everything you need to know about a Hong Kong Visa
Hong
Kong might be a part of China but it is still designated as a Special
Administrative Region (SAR), which follows its own entry rules and has its own
immigration controls.
And as per this policy, British passport holders can
enter Hong Kong without a visa and can stay here for up to six months by
availing the visa-exemption policy.
In
order to reap the benefits of the visa-free regime, you need to own a British
citizen passport that holds a validity of at least one month following your
exit date from Hong Kong.
But we would recommend you to carry a passport, which
is valid for a minimum span of six months at all times and contains at least
two unused visa pages for affixing the required stamps during arrival and
departure from the territory.
Additionally,
you might be asked by the immigration authorities to present proof of
return/onward travel and enough funds to sustain your said stay period in the
territory.
Entry requirements for foreigners traveling to Hong Kong or British citizens planning to enter the SAR for more than six months
If your visit to Hong Kong includes work or study-related activities or if your planned stay period exceeds six months, you need to obtain a visa from a Chinese mission that has visa issuing facilities or the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Again, foreigners residing in the UK under a UK visa or a residence permit and not belonging to any of the visa-exempt nations will also need to secure a visa prior to their arrival dates. Now, let’s have a look at the major types of visas offered to foreign visitors traveling to Hong Kong:
- Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Family Visit Visa
- Diplomatic or Official Visa
Documents required for individual visa types
Business visa
For a business visa, you will need the same set of primary documents as outlined in the case of a tourist visa, which include a completed visa application form, valid passport and UK visa/residence permit, recent photos, financial evidence, cover letter, proof of return/ongoing travel and accommodation. Please refer above for complete specifications.
Additionally, you will need:
- A Sponsor Form ID 1003B, which must be filled in by your inviting party in Hong Kong
- A letter of invitation from your sponsor in Hong Kong
Family visit visa
In case of a family visit visa, the list of documents is almost the same as that of a tourist visa. The only difference is that, along with the hotel booking confirmation, it is mandatory for you to submit a Sponsor Form (filled by your relative in Hong Kong) and a letter of invitation (issued by your relative in Hong Kong, accompanied by a photocopy of his/her residence or stay document, verifying his/her stay in Hong Kong)
Diplomatic/Official visa
For a diplomatic or official visa, you need minimal documentation, which includes an application form, a passport, a UK visa or residence permit, two recent photographs, and an Official Note from the relative institution in Hong Kong.
Once you have the documents ready, you can lodge an application at the nearest Chinese Visa Application Service Center or at the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
If your visa is approved, you will receive your stamped passport within 4-20 working days.
Note: If you are planning to enter Hong Kong for study, employment, training, residence as dependants, capital investment or other activities, you cannot use any of the visas described above. You will need to follow separate visa requirements, which are available at the Hong Kong SAR Immigration Department website.
Entering mainland China from Hong Kong
If your travel plans include a visit to China from Hong Kong, you have to obtain the appropriate Chinese visa prior to your arrival at the border, through the Chinese Embassy in London.
As a British passport holder, you cannot seek a visa on arrival at Chinese airports.
On the other hand, if you enter Hong Kong through mainland China and depart following the same route, you have to get a double or multiple entry Chinese visa.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
The immigration authorities in Hong Kong accept UK Emergency Travel Documents at points of entry, airside transit and exit from the region.