Hong Kong

When traveling internationally, citizens of Hong Kong may be required to apply for a visa, which could take the form of an in-person application, an eVisa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a Visa on Arrival (VOA), or they may be permitted to enter certain countries without a visa.

Hong Kong passport holders are eligible to apply for an eVisa or ETA in 51 countries. Both of these options can be completed online, offering a convenient alternative to traditional visa applications.

A Visa on Arrival is available in 11 countries. For countries that require a physical (sticker or stamped) visa, Hong Kong citizens must visit the appropriate embassy or consulate. In some cases, it may be necessary to schedule an appointment in advance through the embassy or consulate’s online system, depending on the regulations of the destination country.

To enter any country, whether a visa is required or not, Hong Kong nationals must hold a valid passport with a minimum validity of six (6) months from the intended date of entry.

Ranked 13th globally in terms of passport strength, the Hong Kong passport allows visa-free access to 104 countries.

Visa requirements differ by destination. Therefore, it is advisable to review the specific visa regulations of the country you plan to visit before starting the application process.

An eVisa is an electronic visa that is issued online. It allows travelers to apply without visiting the embassy or consulate of the destination country. Once approved, the eVisa can be saved on a smartphone or printed and presented at the airport upon arrival.

An ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorization, is a digital travel permit that allows entry into a country without requiring a visa beforehand. Upon arrival, travelers can obtain a visa directly from the immigration authorities.

Similar to an eVisa, an ETA can also be applied for online and is delivered via email. However, unlike the eVisa, which can typically be used at any time within its validity period, an ETA comes with a specific timeframe. Travelers must enter the country and complete immigration procedures within that period in order to receive their visa.

If this timeframe is missed, the ETA becomes invalid, and a new application must be submitted.

Here is a list of countries that offer an eVisa and ETA for Hong Kong citizens:

VoA or Visa on Arrival is a type of visa that allows travelers to apply for a visa after arriving at the destination country’s airport or border. 

As immigration authorities can change the VoA policy at times, it is best to check the recent policy range of your destination country before traveling. 

The countries mentioned below allow Hong Kong citizens to get a VoA:

As the Hong Kong passport ranks 13th globally, its holders can travel to 104 countries without the need for a visa.

Here is a list of countries Hong Kong citizens can visit visa-free:

Hong Kong citizens need to get a sticker visa before they can travel to 32 countries in the world. The visa application can be done both online and offline.

For some countries, the online visa application can be completed without visiting the office and sending your passport via post. This depends on the destination country’s visa application policy.

The offline application process requires you to be present in the embassy or consulate of the desired country to submit your documents, visa application form, and passport for the visa. 

Furthermore, the duration of the visa depends on the type of visa and the intention to visit. You must check the specific requirements for the visa you will apply for before you start the application process.

Here is the list of countries that require a visa from Hong Kong citizens:

While visa rules differ by country, there are common requirements that apply in most cases. Hong Kong citizens traveling internationally are generally expected to meet the following basic conditions:

• Valid Passport: A valid Hong Kong passport with at least six (6) months of validity remaining from the date of entry to the destination country. 
• Visa Application Form: A completed visa application form that needs to be submitted either online or physically to the embassy or consulate of the destination country. The application form will require your personal information, travel details, documents, and your reason for visiting the country.
• Photograph: One or more passport-size photographs. These should be recently taken (within the last three months) and should have a white background, showing your face from all sides.
• Flight Tickets: Some countries require you to submit your proof of travel. This includes your inbound and outbound flight tickets. 
• Proof of Accommodation/Stay: The proof of your accommodation or the place you will stay (hotel, hostel, or friends and family) is required. You must show proof of booking or provide a genuine address on your visa application form. 

You can visit 198 countries with your Hong Kong passport. As the Hong Kong passport is ranked 13th globally, you can visit 104 countries without a visa.

Hong Kong citizens can visit 104 countries without a visa. These countries are listed above in the ‘Visa Free’ section

The most reliable way for Hong Kong citizens to prove their citizenship is by presenting a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport. This passport is issued only to permanent residents of Hong Kong who are Chinese citizens. Additional supporting documents, such as a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, may also serve as proof of permanent residency and citizenship status when required.

Under the Basic Law of Hong Kong and Chinese nationality law, dual citizenship is not officially recognized for Chinese nationals in Hong Kong. This means that if a Hong Kong Chinese citizen acquires foreign nationality, they may be considered to have automatically lost Chinese citizenship, unless they have received official approval to retain it.

However, in practice, some Hong Kong residents hold more than one passport. The Chinese government does not formally acknowledge its foreign citizens and continues to treat them solely as Chinese nationals while they are in Hong Kong or mainland China.