Written on 19^th January 2017

Indian passport holders travelling to Hong Kong 

As per the Hong Kong Immigration Department, with effect from 23rd January 2017, all Indian nationals intending to visit Hong Kong must first apply for and successfully complete pre-arrival registration online. This is a must in order to visit Hong Kong. Indian nationals must apply for and successfully complete pre-arrival registration online before they can visit or transit the HKSAR visa-free (if seeking to enter the HKSAR during transit). In order to allow sufficient time for Indian travellers to obtain a pre-arrival registration, the online platform for pre-arrival registration has been opened on 19th December 2016. Indian passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Exceptions: The following categories of Indian nationals can visit Hong Kong without pre-arrival registration.

1. a) Those who have successfully enrolled for the e-Channel service for frequent visitors.
2. b) Members of operating air crew or operating sea crew on board vessels, or a contract seaman, subject to normal immigration requirements being met.
3. c) Holders of valid Indian diplomatic or official passports.

For a detailed list of exceptions, please visit the Hong Kong Government Immigration Department’s website. Pre-arrival registration is not required for Indian nationals in direct transit by air and not leaving the airport transit area. Pre-arrival registration is valid for 6 months or until the expiry of the Indian passport linked to it, whichever is earlier. For further details kindly visit the Hong Kong Government Immigration Department’s website www.immd.gov.hk.