Do Indian nationals need a visa for a short layover in Hong Kong?
No, for layovers less than 48 hours, Indian nationals can enjoy visa-free transit within the airport.
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Last Update: 02-02-2024
| Layover Duration | Visa Requirement | Processing Time | Cost |
Less than 48 hours | Visa-free transit | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
Less than 14 days (with plans to exit the transit area) | Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) is required. | 1 working day | Free of charge |
More than 14 days | Hong Kong Transit Visa is required. | 4 weeks | USD 120 |
No, Indian nationals do not require a visa or any documentation for layovers in Hong Kong lasting less than 48 hours. For stays up to 14 days, pre-arrival registration online (PAR) is mandatory, while visits exceeding this duration necessitate obtaining a visit visa. It's important to note that the simplified process applies specifically to layovers of less than 48 hours, and for longer stays, appropriate documentation, such as a PAR or visit visa, is required for entry into the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Planning a layover in Hong Kong as an Indian traveler? This comprehensive guide provides a clear roadmap for navigating the visa requirements seamlessly. Good news – Indian nationals enjoy visa-free travel for up to 14 days, but if your stay extends beyond, a transit visa for Hong Kong is necessary.
Learn about eligibility criteria, required documents, and the step-by-step application process. Discover how having a sponsor in Hong Kong can expedite your application.
The guide covers essential tips for a successful application, from early preparation to thorough form-filling. Be sure to avoid common mistakes that could lead to delays or rejections. Whether you're on a leisure, business, or family visit, this blog ensures you're well-prepared for a smooth transit through Hong Kong.
For Visa Free Entry:
For Pre-Arrival Registration:
For Transit Visa:
If you find yourself in the situation of being an Indian traveler with a layover in Hong Kong exceeding the 14-day visa-free stay. In such a scenario, certain documents are required for your transit visa application:
Application Form for Entry for Visit/Transit in Hong Kong (ID 1003A)
Recent photograph of the applicant.
Photocopy of the applicant's valid travel document, including personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry, and details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable)
Photocopy of proof of the applicant's financial standing, such as bank statements, savings accounts passbooks, tax receipts, etc. Additionally, proof of employment, like a company leave letter for salary slips (if applicable)
Photocopy of proof of transportation arrangement, such as flight itinerary
Photocopy of proof of the proposed leisure visit to Hong Kong, such as a receipt of joining a package tour, itinerary, etc. (for leisure visit only)
Photocopy of proof of the proposed visit to the next destination after Hong Kong, including itinerary, etc. (for transit only)
Photocopy of proof of the proposed business visit to Hong Kong, such as a letter from the applicant's employing company confirming business activities, an invitation letter from a local company, or a letter from a trade body confirming attendance at trade fairs and exhibitions, etc. (for a business visit only)
Photocopy of proof of relationship with the local sponsor (for a family visit only)
Photocopy of proof of the proposed visit to Hong Kong for purposes other than leisure, transit, business, or family visit.
Note
Additional documents may be requested even if all required information has been provided, depending on the specific needs of the application process.
Sponsor in Hong Kong
Having a sponsor in Hong Kong can speed up your application process. Your sponsor can be a company or an individual, and if it's an individual, they need to:
This sponsorship helps the Immigration Department review your application more efficiently.
Forms and Documents to be submitted by a Sponsor:
For Company Sponsors:
For Individual Sponsors:
If your layover in Hong Kong exceeds the 14-day visa-free stay, you need to apply for a Transit visa for Hong Kong using the official government portal.
Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents
Gather essential documents, including a valid passport, confirmed onward travel details, proof of financial means, and any specific documentation related to your situation. If you have a sponsor do not forget that your sponsor needs to submit the supporting documents.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the Hong Kong Transit Visa application form (ID 1003A) accurately and comprehensively, ensuring all required information is provided.
Note: Completed application forms, i.e. ID 1003A and ID 1003B, and all supporting documents can also be submitted by the applicant or the local sponsor.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Submit your application through the online portal. When prompted, select the 'transit' option in the visa application.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
After successfully completing the application, proceed to make secure online payments using your application reference number.
Step 5: Await Processing
If you submit your application directly to the Immigration Department and it gets approved, the notification you receive will have a web page link for payment.
You can pay the fees using this link, the GovHK website, or the ImmD Mobile Application. Payment options include credit cards, Payment by Phone Service (PPS), or Faster Payment System (FPS). Once payment is done, you can instantly download or print your "e-Visa" on your own.
Submit the completed application forms (ID 1003A and ID 1003B) and supporting documents through the following methods:
By Mail:
Directly send the forms and documents or use your local sponsor in HKSAR to send them to:
Hong Kong Immigration Department
2/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
To expedite processing, you can initially send application forms and documents by fax to (852) 2824 1133. Ensure to promptly mail the original completed forms and the required photograph to the Hong Kong Immigration Department via air mail. The transit visa/entry permit will only be issued upon receiving the original, properly completed application forms.
Note
Indian nationals cannot submit the application to Chinese diplomatic or consular missions. They should directly submit applications to the Immigration Department.
Fees for Hong Kong Transit Visa For Indians
| Layover Duration | Visa Type | Cost |
Less than 48 hours | Visa-free transit | Not Applicable |
Less than 14 days (with plans to exit the transit area) | Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) | Free of charge |
More than 14 days | Hong Kong Transit Visa | USD 120 |
Whether you're an Indian citizen applying for a Hong Kong transit visa or dealing with a visa for another place, avoiding common mistakes is really important. These mistakes might not only slow down the process but could also make immigration say no. It's essential for Indian citizens to be well-informed about the requirements and procedures involved in obtaining a Hong Kong visa for Indians.
The Hong Kong Immigration Department usually checks details carefully to make sure they exactly match your passport. If they don't match well, your PAR or Transit visa application might be denied.
Here are some pitfalls to be mindful of:
By avoiding these common mistakes, you enhance the likelihood of a smooth and successful transit visa application. Additionally, it's crucial to consider the Hong Kong visa processing time to ensure timely submission and approval of your application.
In conclusion, navigating the Hong Kong transit visa process for Indian travelers involves understanding the varying requirements based on layover duration. For short layovers under 48 hours, no visa is needed if you stay within the airport. However, if your layover exceeds 14 days, a Hong Kong transit visa is necessary.
The application process, including the Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) and transit visa requirements, demands careful attention to documentation and eligibility criteria. Having a sponsor in Hong Kong can expedite the process, but it's essential to submit all necessary documents accurately.
Remember, timely preparation, accurate form completion, and avoiding common mistakes are key to a successful transit visa application.
Happy travels!
No, for layovers less than 48 hours, Indian nationals can enjoy visa-free transit within the airport.
The Hong Kong transit visa fee is $120 (INR 9,960/-).
Yes, a sponsor in Hong Kong, either a company or an individual, can expedite the process. The sponsor may help the Immigration Department review your application more efficiently.
Apply for a Hong Kong Transit Visa through the official government portal and follow the step-by-step guide provided.
Processing times for a Hong Kong transit visa is around 4 weeks.
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