Hong Kong Tourist Visa for Indians - Definitive Guide

There are certain formalities that are to be followed when you are travelling to another country as a tourist. A tourist visa for Hong Kong is to the travellers who wish to experience leisure and tourism in the country. The holder is permitted to tour the country for sightseeing, visiting museums and exhibitions, attending concerts, and other such leisure activities. The validity of the permit depends on the requirement and the method through which the visa was obtained. Stay permitted with pre-arrival registration (PAR) is for 14 days and can be changed or extended depending on the Immigration Officer.

Application to get a tourist visa for Hong Kong is to be made with pre-arrival registration (PAR). It is a mandatory procedure to be followed by Indian applicants. However, it is important that you match the eligibility criteria to get this permit. The process for application with PAR is as follows:

1. Visit the official website of the Hong Kong Immigration to register for the permit.
2. Fill out the application form with correct details.
3. The system will provide the result for the registration instantly.
4. A Notification Slip will be generated which is to be printed out on an A4-size paper.
5. Travel to Hong Kong with your passport, Notification Slip and other requirements if requested.
6. You will then be cleared by the Immigration Officer to enter the country.

At the time of providing details for PAR, you need to make sure that the information provided is correct and matches with the details on the passport. If you fail to do so, there are chances that PAR will fail as well. Therefore, it is safer if you consider professional assistance.

If PAR doesn’t work, you can apply offline to the Hong Kong Immigration Department directly. This process is to be followed upon failing of the PAR system as PAR is compulsory for applications for Hong Kong tourist visa from India. The offline process is given as follows:

1. Download the Hong Kong visa application form.
2. Print the application form, fill it out and sign the document.
3. Collect all the required documents.
4. Attach the hard copies of all the required documents and your photograph to the application form.
5. Air mail the hard copies of the documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
6. Along with the documents, also mail an International Bank Draft in favor of ‘The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’ for HK$190.
7. After the processing, the visa label will be air mailed back to you which is to be pasted on a blank page in your passport.

The documents can also be faxed directly to the Immigration Department to save time, however, you will still have to air mail the original application form and the photograph. When you are filling out the offline application form, you need to ensure that the information is correct and the details match the documentary proof that is provided. If there are any kind of flaws related to the information, there are chances that you may have to face visa rejection which can affect your future applications to get a permit for Hong Kong or any other country. You can always consider professional assistance for the same.

• Eligibility: Indian citizens with a valid passport.
  
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Valid Indian Passport: At least six months' validity from the date of entry into Hong Kong.
  
  
• Return/Onward Ticket: Proof of onward or return travel.
  
  
• Sufficient Funds: Evidence of approximately HK$3,000 per person for the stay.
  
  
• Accommodation Proof: Hotel reservation, confirmation of a sponsored stay, or a confirmed booking with a lodging service.
  
  
  
• Limitations:
  
  
• Maximum stay: 14 days.
  
  
• Permitted activities: Tourism, visiting friends/family, or business (excluding employment).

The requirements to issue a tourist visa for Hong Kong will differ depending on the process that you follow. The differentiated Hong Kong tourist visa requirements are listed as follows:

• With PAR

• • Valid passport
  • Valid Notification Slip
  • Recent photographs
  • Other documents (if needed)
    
    
    

• Without PAR
  

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

1. Online Application through the Hong Kong Immigration Department's Website

Step-by-Step Process:

• Visit the Official Website:
  

• URL: www.immd.gov.hk
  
  
• Language: Available in English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese
  
  

• Navigate to the Visa Application Section:
  

• Click on "Services" > "Visas" > "Apply for a Hong Kong Visa"
  
  
• Select "Online Application"
  
  

• Fill Out the Application Form (ID 1003A):

• Form ID 1003A is used for most visa types. Ensure you select the correct form for your visa category.
  
  
• Mandatory Fields: marked with an asterisk (*). Ensure all are completed accurately.
  
  
• Save and Continue Later: If needed, you can save your progress and resume later with a provided reference number.
  
  

• Upload Required Documents:

• Format: PDF, JPEG, or GIF (check size limitations on the website)
  
  
• Documents: Refer to the Detailed Required Documents Section for specifics based on your visa type
  
  
• Upload Tips:
  
  
• Ensure clear, legible scans.
  
  
• Name your files descriptively (e.g., "Passport_Bio_Page.pdf")
  
  

• Pay the Application Fee Online:

• Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
  
  
• Fee Amount: Varies by visa type; check the Fees Section for details
  
  
• Receipt: Automatically generated upon successful payment; save for your records
  
  

• Submit the Application:
  
  

• Review: Double-check all information for accuracy before submission.
  
  
• Submission Confirmation: You'll receive an on-screen confirmation and an email with a reference number.
  
  
• Tracking: Use your reference number to track the status of your application on the IMMD website.
  
  

Tips for Online Application:

• Browser Compatibility: Ensure your browser is up-to-date for a smooth experience.
  
  
• Technical Issues: Contact the IMMD's technical support if you encounter any problems.
  
  
• Application Status: Regularly check your application status using the provided reference number.
  
  

2. Through Chinese Embassy or Consulate in India

Locations and Contact Information:

• Chinese Embassy in New Delhi:

• Address: 50-D, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021

• Phone: +91 11 2611 2345

• Website: in.china-embassy.org
  
  

• Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai:

• Address: 11th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai - 400021

• Phone: +91 22 5632 4303

• Website: Check the Chinese Embassy's website for Mumbai Consulate details
  
  

• Chinese Consulate General in Kolkata:

• Address: EC-72, Sector I, Salt Lake City, Kolkata - 700064

• Phone: +91 33 4004 8166

• Website: Check the Chinese Embassy's website for Kolkata Consulate details
  
  

Step-by-Step Process:

• Obtain the Application Form:

• Option 1: Download from the embassy/consulate's website.

• Option 2: Collect in person from the embassy/consulate.
  
  

• Fill Out the Application Form (ID 1003A):

• Guidelines: Same as for online applications; ensure accuracy and completeness.
  
  

• Gather and Attach All Required Documents:

• Same Documents as for Online Application: Refer to the Detailed Required Documents Section.

• Additional Tips:

• Ensure all documents are duly signed and dated where required.

• Use a secure method to attach documents to the application form (e.g., staples, paper clips).
  
  

• Submit the Application:

• In Person: Visit the embassy/consulate during business hours.

• Through a Trusted Third Party: Authorized by you in writing; ensure they have all necessary documents.
  
  

• Pay the Application Fee:

• Payment Methods: Typically cash, credit/debit card, or bank draft; confirm with the embassy/consulate.

• Fee Amount: Same as for online applications; check the Fees Section for details.

• Receipt: Ensure you receive a payment receipt for your records.
  
  

Tips for Embassy/Consulate Submission:

• Appointment: Some embassies/consulates may require an appointment for submission; check in advance.

• Waiting Time: Be prepared for potential waiting times for in-person submissions.

• Document Verification: Embassy/consulate staff may verify your documents at the time of submission; ensure everything is in order.
  
  

3. Authorized Visa Application Service Centers

Availability and Locations:

• Check with the Hong Kong Immigration Department: For the latest list of authorized service centers in India.

• Typical Locations: Major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and sometimes in additional metropolitan areas.
  
  

Step-by-Step Process:

• Find Your Nearest Authorized Service Center:

• IMMD Website: Check for the latest list of authorized centers.

• Center’s Website: Some may have their own websites listing services and requirements.
  
  

• Fill Out the Application Form (ID 1003A):

• Same as Above: Ensure accuracy and completeness.
  
  

• Gather and Attach All Required Documents:

• Same Documents as for Online/Embassy Application: Refer to the Detailed Required Documents Section.
  
  

• Submit the Application to the Service Center:

• In Person: Recommended for direct interaction and immediate feedback on your application.

• Through a Trusted Third Party: If the service center allows, with a written authorization.
  
  

• Pay the Application Fee and Service Charge:

• Application Fee: Same as for other methods; check the Fees Section.

• Service Charge: Varies by service center; inquire when submitting your application.

• Receipts: Ensure you receive receipts for both the application fee and the service charge.
  
  

Tips for Authorized Service Centers:

• Service Quality: Evaluate the center's reputation and service quality before choosing.

• Additional Services: Some centers may offer additional services (e.g., document preparation, expedited processing) for extra fees.

• Tracking: Use the reference number provided by the service center to track your application's status.

Common Documents for All Visa Types:

1. Completed Application Form (ID 1003A)
   
   
2. Recent Passport Photos (2)
   
   
3. Valid Indian Passport (copy of the bio page and any visa pages)
   
   
4. Copy of Flight Itinerary (return/onward ticket)
   
   
5. Proof of Financial Resources (bank statement showing sufficient funds)
   
   
6. Hotel Booking or Sponsor's Letter (for accommodation)
   
   

Additional Documents by Visa Type:

• Extended Stay as a Visitor:
  

• Detailed itinerary for the extended stay.
• Additional proof of financial resources.
  
  

• Employment Visa:
  

• Employment contract.
• Proof of qualifications (degrees, certificates).
• Company background (business registration, etc.).
  
  

• Study Visa:
  

• Admission letter from the Hong Kong educational institution.
• Proof of financial support for tuition and living expenses.
• Academic transcripts.
  
  

• Investment Visa:
  

• Business plan.
• Proof of investment capability (bank statements, etc.).

Application Fees by Visa Type:

• Extended Stay as a Visitor: HK$230 (subject to change)
  
  
• Employment Visa: HK$580 (subject to change)
  
  
• Study Visa: No fee for the visa, but other institutional fees may apply.
  
  
• Investment Visa: HK$1,230 (subject to change)
  
  

Service Fees (if applicable):

• Varies by authorized service center.
  
  

Payment Methods:

• Online Application: Credit/Debit card.
  
  
• Embassy/Consulate and Service Centers: Check with the specific location for accepted payment methods (often cash, credit/debit card, or bank draft).

• Processing Time: Typically 4-6 weeks, but can vary.
  
  
• Collection:
  
  
• Online Applications: Receive an e-Visa/entry permit via email.
  
  
• Embassy/Consulate and Service Centers: Collect in person or through a trusted third party, as per the submission method.

• Passport Validity: Ensure at least six months' validity beyond your intended stay.
  
  
  
• Travel Advisories and COVID-19 Entry Requirements: Check the latest updates before travel.
  
  
  
• Changes in Visa Policies: Verify all information with official sources before applying.

• Hong Kong Immigration Department:
  

• Website: www.immd.gov.hk
• Phone: +852 2824 6111
  
  

• Chinese Embassy in New Delhi:
  

• Website: in.china-embassy.org
• Phone: +91 11 2611 2345
  
  

• Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai and Kolkata:
  

• Refer to the Chinese Embassy's website for contact details.