Passports and visas

Hong Kong SAR

Visa and transit information

Passengers visiting or transiting in Hong Kong can learn more about the visa and entry permit requirements at the Hong Kong Immigration Department website.

e-Channel service for frequent visitors

The Hong Kong Immigration Department offers the e-Channel Service to eligible frequent visitors for self-service immigration clearance at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

If you are aged 18 or above, hold a valid travel document and, where applicable, a valid multiple-entry visa, and have no adverse record in the HKSAR, you may enrol for the service on arrival after immigration clearance if you meet one of the following requirements:

• You have visited Hong Kong via HKIA at least twice in the past 24 months
• You hold a valid HKSAR Travel Pass
• You hold a valid APEC Business Travel Card with the code “HKG”
• You hold a valid Cathay membership card

If you hold a valid electronic travel document and have visited Hong Kong via HKIA at least twice in the past 24 months, you may also enrol through the “Go Hong Kong” mobile application before you arrive. Once you have successfully enrolled and activated the service, you can use the e-channels for self-service immigration clearance.

For more information, visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department website.

Advance Passenger Information (“API”) System

The HKSAR government has introduced an Advance Passenger Information (“API”) System, which includes an additional travel document requirements for certain passengers travelling to Hong Kong, including those in transit.

During check-in, you are now required to present/add your Hong Kong Identity Card in addition to your travel document if you are travelling:

• on a British National (Overseas) passport; or
• from the Chinese Mainland to Hong Kong on your Home Return Permit (Hong Kong and Macao Residents Mainland Travel Permit)

For more details, please visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department website.

Passengers travelling on British National (Overseas) passports

The HKSAR government has announced that the British National (Overseas) passport is not recognised as valid travel document or proof of identity.

Passengers travelling with Cathay Pacific to / from Hong Kong are asked to note the following:

• BN(O) passport cannot be used for immigration clearance in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong residents concerned may continue to use their HKSAR Passports or Hong Kong Permanent Identity Cards for entering or departing Hong Kong;
• BN(O) passport cannot be used as any form of proof of identity in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong residents concerned may continue to use their Hong Kong Permanent Identity Cards as proof of identity;
• When passengers board flights for Hong Kong, airlines concerned must require Hong Kong residents travelling on a British National (Overseas) passport to present their HKSAR Passports or Hong Kong Permanent Identity Cards;
• Hong Kong permanent residents who are not of Chinese nationality and do not hold other valid travel document may apply to the Immigration Department for Document of Identity for Visa Purposes for international travel.

Taiwan, China

Pre-arrival registration for Taiwan residents entering Hong Kong

Taiwan residents who wish to visit Hong Kong can submit their pre-arrival registration online or find out more on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website.

Arrival card for passengers travelling to Taiwan, China

All inbound foreign passengers are required to fill in an “Online Arrival Card” by the relevant authorities in Taiwan. This includes:

• Foreigners without a Taiwan resident certificate, a diplomatic ID card or a resident visa. 
• Chinese Mainland residents with a multiple entry and exit permit for the purpose of sightseeing.
• Hong Kong and Macao SAR residents with a single/multiple entry and exit permit, excluding those who enter Taiwan, China with an online entry permit, a landing entry permit or a Taiwan resident certificate. 
• Passengers without household registration and without a Taiwan resident certificate.

For more information, please visit this link .

India

Pre-arrival registration for Indian nationals entering Hong Kong

In accordance with the Hong Kong Immigration Department, effective from 23 January 2017, all Indian nationals intending to visit Hong Kong must first apply for and successfully complete pre-arrival registration online before travel.

Once registration is completed, you must print the computer-generated notification slip on A4 paper and present it at the Cathay Pacific check-in counter and when passing through Hong Kong immigration. The details on the printed slip must match those on your passport.