Hong Kong is a beautiful holiday destination known for its many natural, picturesque locations and international tourist spots. Apart from being a popular vacation-worthy destination, it is also one of the busiest business terminals in the world. Hong Kong is a historical place that boasts of a unique culture that blends Chinese customs with British colonial influence. The many traditional temples, hiking on scenic trails, and Cantonese eateries put Hong Kong on every travel enthusiast’s bucket list. But what does it take to get a Hong Kong visa for Indian citizens?

Hong Kong Visa for Indians

  • Determine which visa you will need: There are several types of visas available for travel to Hong Kong. Firstly determine which one of these you would require –
    • Tourist Visa: A visa for travellers planning to visit Hong Kong for tourism or on a short-term business trip. This visa is valid for 14 days.
    • Transit Visa: This visa is for travellers passing through Hong Kong to another destination. It is valid for 72 hours and can be extended to 144 hours under certain circumstances.
    • Business Visa:  A visa for travellers looking to conduct business in Hong Kong or attend meetings, conferences, and trade fairs. The business visa is valid for a maximum of 180 days.
    • Employment Visa: An employer-issued visa is for foreign nationals who intend to work in Hong Kong. The validity of this visa is subject to the duration of the stay.
    • Study Visa: A visa is for students looking to pursue higher education in Hong Kong. This is issued to foreign nationals who have been accepted into an educational institution in Hong Kong. The duration of stay usually is the duration of the program they are enrolled in.
    • Dependent Visa: A visa for dependents, such as the spouse and children of people who hold other visas like an employment or study visa.
  • Collect the required documents: Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you will need to provide specific documents as part of the application process. These include a passport, proof of financial stability, a return ticket, and an invitation letter from a host in Hong Kong, among other things.
  • The visa application form: The next step is filling out the application form. This can be found on the website of the Immigration Department of Hong Kong. Filling out the form accurately is crucial to avoid delays or denied visas.
  • Pay the visa fee: Visa application fees can vary depending on the type of visa and the length of one’s stay. The visa fee must be paid when submitting the application.
  • Submit your application: Once all the required documents are in place, an application form needs to be filled out, and the fee needs to be paid. The visa application can be submitted in person or by mail.
  • Wait for approval: After submission, the immigration authorities will review the application.

NOTE: The processing time for a visa application can vary, so it’s important to apply well before your planned trip.

Travel Insurance – A Must-Have When Travelling To Hong Kong

Travelling to Hong Kong is a great experience. It is a good idea to get traveller insurance in case of any unanticipated events, such as flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or baggage insurance for lost or stolen luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to apply for a visa to Hong Kong?

Applying for a visa of Hong Kong from India is a fairly simple process. You can follow the above-mentioned steps to apply for a visa and travel insurance policy.

How much is a Hong Kong visa from India?

The cost of a visa to Hong Kong from India will vary depending on your visit’s nature and duration. Here are the current fees for some common types of visas for Indian citizens.

  1. Tourist Visa: HKD 150 (around ₹1,200).
  2. Transit Visa: HKD 150 (around ₹1,200)
  3. Business Visa: HKD 300 (around ₹2,500)
  4. Employment Visa: HKD 1,200 (around ₹10,000)
  5. Study Visa: HKD 1,200 (around ₹10,000)
  6. Dependent Visa: HKD 1,200 (around ₹10,000)

Is Hong Kong issuing visas to Indians?

Yes, there is a provision for applying for a Hong Kong visa from India, the above guide mentions all the details.