Despite its compact size, Hong Kong remains an open territory that warmly welcomes foreigners for visits and even residency. Residents of Hong Kong can extend their hospitality by inviting friends and family to visit them through a Hong Kong visit visa. This guide offers comprehensive insights into obtaining a Hong Kong visit visa for Indian travelers.

Understanding the Hong Kong Visit Visa:

What is a Hong Kong Visit Visa?

Hong Kong offers various permits tailored to the traveler’s purpose of visit. The visit visa to Hong Kong is specifically designed for those who wish to visit friends and family in the country. Additionally, this visa permits engagement in activities such as sightseeing, attending concerts, exhibitions, and other leisure pursuits. There are two primary ways to obtain a visit visa for Hong Kong. The first involves a mandatory procedure called pre-arrival registration (PAR), generally valid for six months or until the passport’s expiration if less than six months. The permitted stay per visit is 14 days and can be extended based on requirements and approval by the Immigration Officer. In the event of a PAR failure, the validity of the offline visa label is determined by the Immigration Department.

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How to Apply for a Hong Kong Visit Visa:

To apply for a visit visa to Hong Kong, travelers must first meet the eligibility criteria. Once eligible, the application can be made online using PAR. The PAR application process is as follows:

1. Visit the Official Website: Access the official Hong Kong Immigration website to initiate the registration.

2. Form Completion: Fill out the application form with accurate details.

3. Instant Result: The system provides immediate registration results.

4. Notification Slip: Generate a Notification Slip, which should be printed on an A4-size paper.

5. Travel Preparation: Travel to Hong Kong with your passport, Notification Slip, and other required documents if requested.

PAR involves completing a concise one-page form. It’s imperative that all information is accurate and matches the travel document provided, as any discrepancies may result in PAR failure. Various reasons can lead to a PAR failure for certain users.

In cases of PAR failure, travelers can apply for a visit visa offline directly through the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Since Hong Kong does not have a diplomatic mission in India, this option is only available when PAR fails. The steps for the offline application process are as follows:

1. Download the Hong Kong Visa Application Form.

2. Print and Complete the Form: Print the application form, fill it out accurately, and sign it.

3. Gather Required Documents: Assemble all necessary documents.

4. Attach Hard Copies: Attach hard copies of the required documents and a recent photograph to the application form.

5. Mail Application: Send the hard copies of the documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department via airmail.

6. Include International Bank Draft: Along with the documents, enclose an International Bank Draft payable to ‘The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’ for HK$190.

Upon processing, the visa label will be airmailed back to the applicant for placement on a blank passport page. Travelers can fax the required documents to Immigration directly to save time. However, the original visa application form and photographs must still be airmailed. The utmost care must be taken to ensure that the application form contains accurate and verifiable information, as incorrect or unverifiable details could lead to application rejection. A visa rejection can have implications for future visa applications, both to Hong Kong and other countries. Therefore, professional assistance is recommended to minimize the risk of rejection.

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Eligibility:

To determine eligibility for a Hong Kong visit visa, travelers must fulfill specific criteria. The eligibility criteria for Indian citizens seeking a Hong Kong visit visa are as follows:

1. Proof of Purpose: Travelers must provide proof of the purpose of their visit.

2. Invitation Letter: If visiting acquaintances, an invitation letter from a Hong Kong resident is required.

3. Employment Restriction: Travelers are permitted to visit for tourism or visiting acquaintances only and are not allowed to seek or engage in employment.

4. Health Requirements: Travelers must meet health requirements, including a medical test before traveling to Hong Kong and providing relevant documentary proof.

5. Age Limit: Applicants must be within the age limit to apply for a work permit.

6. Character Requirements: Travelers must have a good character and genuine intentions for visiting Hong Kong, with relevant documentary proof such as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) if requested.

7. Sufficient Funds: Travelers must possess or have access to sufficient funds to cover their stay and expenses in Hong Kong, with bank statements or equivalent documents as proof. In cases of sponsorship, proper documentation is required.

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Requirements for Hong Kong Visit Visa:

The requirements for obtaining a visit visa to Hong Kong differ based on the chosen application process, whether through PAR or offline. The specific requirements are as follows:

With PAR:

• Valid passport.
• Valid Notification Slip.
• Recent photographs.
• Other documents if requested.

Without PAR:

• Photocopy of the passport.
• Completed and signed application form.
• Recent photograph.
• Flight itinerary.
• Proof of purpose of visit (e.g., hotel reservation, invitation letter, travel itinerary, etc.).
• International Bank Draft in favor of ‘The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.’

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Photo Specifications:

Ensure that your visa photos adhere to the following specifications:

• Provide two copies.
• Photo size: 40mm x 50mm.
• Submit colored copies.
• The face should occupy about 70-80% of the frame.
• Ensure the head is centered.
• The photo should not be older than six months.
• Use a white background.
• Maintain a neutral facial expression.
• Both ears must be visible.
• Do not show teeth in the photograph.
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgear is allowed for religious reasons only.
• Avoid clothing that matches the background.

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Hong Kong Visit Visa Processing Time:

Several factors influence the processing time for a visit visa to Hong Kong. The processing time for the PAR process is relatively quick, taking only 10 to 20 minutes. In contrast, the offline process requires approximately four weeks for processing. However, delays can occur due to factors such as embassy workload, staff availability, document completeness, and other variables.

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Hong Kong Visit Visa Fees for Indian Travelers:

The cost estimation for a Hong Kong Visit Visa varies based on several factors, including international costs, service charges, number of entries, validity on the visa label, and more. PAR is free of charge, while the fee for an offline visa label must be paid using an international draft in favor of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Here is an overview of fees for various entry purposes:

• Single entry Normal: 14 days stay within 6 months – No charge.
• 6 months Multiple entry: 15 days stay within 6 months – No charge.
• 6 months Multiple entry: 15 days stay within 6 months – HK$500.0.
• Single entry Normal: 14 days stay within 6 months – No charge.
• 6 months Multiple entry: 15 days stay within 6 months – HK$500.0.

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After Submission:

When submitting and after submitting your application, consider the following important points:

• Ensure that the documents are in good condition when airmailing them to the Immigration Department.
• Notify the Immigration Department of any updates or changes to the application form.
• For PAR, the validity is six months or as long as your passport’s validity if less than six months.
• Further processing after PAR is completed upon arrival in HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region).
• Withdrawal of an application is possible for offline procedures if plans change, but the fee is non-refundable.

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How to Check Status:

For the PAR process, there is no need to check the status, as the result is provided immediately upon completion. The Notification Slip can be printed after successful registration. In the case of offline applications, applicants can check the status on the Hong Kong Immigration website.

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What to Do When You Have the Visa:

Once you have obtained a Hong Kong visit visa, there are essential steps to follow:

Before You Travel:

• Print a copy of the Notification Slip from PAR.
• Note the visa label’s expiry date and the number of permitted entries. Ensure you do not stay in the country beyond this period.
• Travel to Hong Kong within the visa label’s validity.
• Carry copies of your passport and other travel documents when leaving the country.
• Obtain health insurance and travel insurance from a certified company.

At the Border:

• Upon arrival, obtain a Landing Slip.
• Have your documents checked and passport verified by the Immigration Officer.
• Seek assistance from airport authorities if needed.
• Adhere to visa copy guidelines and rules.

When You Enter Hong Kong:

• Do not engage in employment, although volunteer work is permitted.
• Avoid tourist-prohibited areas.
• Apply for a visa extension at least seven days before the permit’s expiration to prevent overstaying.
• Keep the Landing Slip safe, as it is essential for leaving the country without complications.

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