Skip to content
5 ways to enter

Hong Kong visas

Hong Kong transit visa

Some travellers can change flights without a visa if they stay inside the airport transit area. Others need a visa even without passing immigration.

Ways to get a Hong Kong transit visa

  3. Airside transit for Taiwan nationals

    Transit without a visa

    Taiwan nationals travelling to a third country can transit without an entry permit if they remain within the airport transit area.

    Passports that qualify (1)

  4. 7-day transit with a Chinese passport

    Transit without a visa

    Chinese passport holders transiting to or from another country or territory can receive a 7-day stay.

    Stay
    7 days.

    Passports that qualify (1)

  5. 7-day transit with Macau travel documents

    Transit without a visa

    Holders of Macau SAR passports or Macau SAR Travel Permits transiting to another country or territory can receive a 7-day stay.

    Stay
    7 days.

    Passports that qualify (1)

Who needs it

Travellers in the transit-visa-required group need a visa even when staying inside the airport transit area.

Who doesn't

The listed airside-exempt travellers can transit without a visa if they remain in the airport transit area. Taiwan nationals travelling to a third country also have this exemption.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
Leaving the airport transit area means entering Hong Kong. You must meet the entry rules for your passport or use an eligible 7-day transit route.
Transit without a visa
Where an airside exemption applies, remain inside the airport transit area. The separate 7-day routes for Chinese and Macau travel documents require onward transit to or from another country or territory.

What to bring

  • The passport or travel document required for your transit route.
  • A visa if your passport requires one for airside transit.

Good to know

  • Stay within the airport transit area when relying on an airside visa exemption.
  • Meet the normal entry rules before passing immigration, unless a special transit entry route applies.
  • Kosovo passport holders are refused transit, even if they stay on the aircraft and continue on the same flight.
  • Indian nationals who do not clear immigration do not need Pre-arrival Registration.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Hong Kong?

Travellers in the transit-visa-required group need a visa even when staying inside the airport transit area. The listed airside-exempt travellers can transit without a visa if they remain in the airport transit area. Taiwan nationals travelling to a third country also have this exemption.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Hong Kong?

There are 5 options: Airside transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Visa for airside transit (an online visa); Airside transit for Taiwan nationals (transit without a visa); 7-day transit with a Chinese passport (transit without a visa); 7-day transit with Macau travel documents (transit without a visa).

Can I apply online for Hong Kong?

Yes: Visa for airside transit. Citizens of the listed countries need a visa even when remaining within the airport transit area. Certain diplomatic or official passport exemptions apply.

How long can I stay on a Hong Kong transit visa?

Airside time limit not stated. Eligible Chinese and Macau travel document holders may receive a 7-day transit stay.

What documents do I need for a Hong Kong transit visa?

The passport or travel document required for your transit route.; A visa if your passport requires one for airside transit..

Can I stay inside the airport in Hong Kong without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: Leaving the airport transit area means entering Hong Kong. You must meet the entry rules for your passport or use an eligible 7-day transit route.

What rules do I have to follow on a Hong Kong transit visa?

Stay within the airport transit area when relying on an airside visa exemption. Meet the normal entry rules before passing immigration, unless a special transit entry route applies.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Hong Kong?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Hong Kong visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Hong Kong be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Hong Kong transit visa rules?

On Hong Kong's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Reviewed by