Hong Kong Visas for Indians

Hong Kong is a melting pot of culture, business, and entertainment. Indians can experience the best of this cosmopolitan destination with a variety of visa options. For short stays of up to 14 days, Indians can apply for a Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) without needing a visa.  

For longer stays, Hong Kong offers different types of visas based on the purpose of the visit. These include Business visas, Work Visas, Family Visit Visas, or Student Visas.  

Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Hong Kong

Indian citizens planning to visit Hong Kong can enjoy a hassle-free entry process due to the Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) system implemented for short visits. Indian nationals holding a valid passport with a minimum of six months validity can apply for PAR online, free of charge. This facility allows them to visit or transit through Hong Kong for a stay not exceeding 14 days without needing a visa. However, they must remain within the airport transit area during direct air transit without leaving it. 

Although Indian citizens do not require a visa for stays of 14 days or less, they will need to apply for a Hong Kong visa if their visit to the region involves a longer duration or specific purposes. These purposes may include study, employment, or booking a residence in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). 

For example, if an Indian national intends to pursue academic or professional opportunities in Hong Kong, they must apply for the appropriate visa, such as a Student Visa or Work Visa. Similarly, if they plan to visit family or friends residing in HKSAR and stay for more than 14 days, they must obtain a Family Visit Visa. 

What is PAR?

Indian nationals planning to visit or transit through Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) must complete the pre-arrival registration (PAR) online for visa-free entry, except when in direct air transit without leaving the airport transit area. The PAR is free of charge and requires an Indian passport with a minimum of six months validity for a stay not exceeding 14 days. 

However, pre-arrival registration is not necessary for Indian nationals with the right of abode, right to land, or unconditional stay in HKSAR or those with valid permission for employment, study, or residence. Additionally, PAR exemptions apply to Indian nationals holding a valid diplomatic or official passport, United Nations Laissez Passer for official UN business, enrollees of e-Channel service for frequent visitors, and holders of a valid HKSAR Travel Pass. 

Indian nationals who are operating aircrew, operating sea crew on vessels, contract seamen, or have obtained a valid entry visa for HKSAR can also visit without pre-arrival registration, subject to standard immigration requirements. 

For Indian nationals intending to stay in HKSAR for more than 14 days or visit for purposes other than tourism (e.g., employment, study, or residence), an appropriate visa must be applied for through the Chinese immigration department. 

How to Apply for PAR

To complete the pre-arrival registration, Indian nationals must visit the designated official website of the Hong Kong government and accurately provide the necessary information, ensuring it matches the details in their Indian passport. The computer system will automatically process the registration, and the individual will receive the result instantly. 

If successful, they must print the Notification Slip for Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals on a blank A4 white paper. They must verify the information on the notification slip, ensuring it matches the details on the passport used for registration, and then sign the slip. The notification slip must be used with the specific Indian passport linked to the pre-arrival registration. If they renew their passport or change their personal details after registration, they must re-apply using the updated information. For registrants under 16, a parent or legal guardian must verify the information and sign the slip. If pre-arrival registration cannot be completed, Indian nationals must apply for a Hong Kong entry visa to the Immigration Department to visit HKSAR. Such applications must be submitted directly to the Immigration Department, as Chinese diplomatic and consular missions do not accept visit visa applications from Indian nationals. 

Before boarding any transportation bound for HKSAR, transport operators will verify the traveler’s valid travel documents. Upon arrival, the traveler must possess the notification slip and the same Indian passport used for pre-arrival registration. Failing to present these documents may result in denied boarding and entry to HKSAR. 

The notification slip does not guarantee entry, as travelers are still subject to immigration control under Hong Kong’s laws. To be granted entry, visitors must fulfill standard immigration requirements, have a legitimate purpose for visiting, possess adequate funds, and hold onward or return tickets (except when transiting to Mainland China or Macao SAR). 

If granted permission to land in HKSAR, visitors receive a landing slip containing their name, Indian passport number, and the conditions and limit of their stay. Visitors are not allowed to work, establish or join a business, or enroll in an educational institution in HKSAR. 

Validity of PAR

A pre-arrival registration remains valid for six months. During this period, and subject to meeting standard immigration requirements, a registrant can use a valid notification slip along with the specific and valid Indian passport associated with the successful pre-arrival registration to make multiple visa-free visits to HKSAR. Each visit permits a stay of up to 14 days in HKSAR. 

A new registration can be made only when the current registration expires. 

Types of Hong Kong Visas for Indians

Hong Kong offers various types of visas for Indian citizens tailored to the purpose of their visit. For business-related activities, Indians can apply for a Hong Kong Business Visa, allowing them to participate in meetings, conferences, and other professional engagements. To pursue higher education, Indian students must obtain a Student Visa, which grants them permission to study at Hong Kong’s educational institutions.  

For individuals seeking employment opportunities in Hong Kong, an Employment Visa is essential. Additionally, Indians can get a Hong Kong Family visiting visa to meet family members. By determining the primary reason for visiting Hong Kong, Indian citizens can apply for the appropriate visa, ensuring a smooth and compliant stay. 

Family Visiting Visa for Indians

The Hong Kong Family Visiting Visa for Indians is specifically designed for those who want to visit their family members residing in Hong Kong. To apply for this visa, applicants are required to submit a duly signed visa application form with correct information about themselves, a cover letter stating their name and journey schedule, and proof of relationship with the family member in Hong Kong, such as photocopies of a marriage or birth certificate. 

Additionally, applicants need to provide their financial statements, which include tax receipts, employment proof, bank statements, salary slips, and employment contracts. They must also submit a copy of the first and last page of their passport and a copy of their transportation arrangements, like a flight itinerary. 

Sponsors are required to provide a copy of the invitation letter, a fully completed Hong Kong visa application form, a copy of their passport (with the stay label) or Hong Kong ID card, and their financial statements, including tax receipts, employment proof, salary slips, and bank statements. They should also submit proof of Hong Kong residency, such as an electricity bill, phone bill, or lease agreement. 

By submitting these documents, Indian citizens can apply for a Family Visiting Visa, enabling them to spend quality time with their loved ones living in Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong Student Visa for Indians

For Indian students planning to study in Hong Kong, either an entry permit or a student visa is required, regardless of whether it’s an exchange program or full-time study. It’s crucial to be aware of immigration requirements during the university application process.  

Full-time university students will receive a visa for the duration of their program, with a maximum entry of six years, while others can stay for 12 months and apply for an extension four weeks before the visa expires. To study in any of the following programs, international students must obtain a Hong Kong student visa: 

Undergraduate Programs, Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programs, Research Postgraduate Programs, Short Term Programs, Exchange Programs, Summer Programs, and Visiting Programs. Indian students applying for a Hong Kong student visa should start the process as soon as they receive their university acceptance letter, as visa processing can take six to eight weeks or more.  

Students need to nominate a local sponsor, either the admitting university or an individual above 18 years of age living in Hong Kong who is financially capable of sponsoring education and accommodation. The student visa application forms, Form ID 995A and Form ID 995B can be downloaded online from the Hong Kong Immigration Department Website or collected from their offices. 

A non-refundable fee of HK$ 230 is required for the visa application. If submitting the application to an overseas Chinese diplomatic and consular mission, the visa/entry permit fee should be paid directly to the mission or the Immigration Division of that consular mission. 

Hong Kong Work Visa for Indians

Indian professionals seeking employment in Hong Kong must apply for a work visa. As a leading global financial center, Hong Kong attracts workers worldwide for its diverse culture, food, and opportunities.  

The Hong Kong government issues work visas or permits to skilled foreign professionals under the Employment for Professionals scheme. Eligibility for a work visa requires a relevant job offer, a clean criminal record, proof of educational background, and a salary on par with local professionals in Hong Kong. Employers must also demonstrate that the applicant possesses skills that local workers lack and will contribute to the economy.  

The eligibility criteria are subject to change at the Hong Kong Government’s discretion. To apply for a work visa, applicants must submit a completed application form and required documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Work visas are valid for one year and can be renewed as long as the applicant remains with the company.  

If the applicant’s relatives accompany them to Hong Kong, they must obtain dependent visas. Changing jobs within Hong Kong requires a new work visa application, and applicants who reside in Hong Kong for at least seven years may seek permanent resident status.  

Processing a work visa typically takes 4-8 weeks. Once approved, applicants can collect their visas from the local Hong Kong Consulate office. Required documents include a valid passport, a completed employment visa application form, a job offer letter, recent passport-sized photographs, travel and health insurance, and education certificates.  

Employers must provide an application form for the employment of foreign professionals, a copy of the employment contract detailing salary, position, benefits, and work duration, financial information of the company, and documents related to the company’s work background and registration with the Hong Kong Government. All documents must be in English or Chinese, and translations must be provided for other languages.  

Hong Kong Business Visa for Indian Citizens

Hong Kong Business Visa for Indians allows individuals to participate in business activities such as meetings and conferences. To apply, Indian citizens must provide a duly signed visa application form with accurate applicant details, a visa application for entry into HKSAR, a copy of the sponsor’s Business/Company Registration Certificate, an invitation letter from the sponsor, and a cover letter stating the applicant’s name, designation, stay schedule, journey expenses, and more. 

Additionally, applicants must submit financial statements along with hotel bookings, transportation arrangements such as flight itineraries, and copies of the first and last pages of their passports. 

Conclusion

Indian citizens planning a visit to Hong Kong can benefit from the convenient Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) system for short stays of up to 14 days, with no visa required. For longer stays or specific purposes, such as business, work, study, or family visits, Indian nationals must obtain the appropriate visa type. By understanding the various visa options and their respective requirements, Indian citizens can experience the best of Hong Kong’s vibrant culture, thriving business environment, and world-class entertainment opportunities.