Hong Kong remains one of Asia’s most accessible international destinations. As of January 2025, nationals from over 170 countries and territories may visit the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)without a visa for a limited period, while certain nationalities still require advance approval before travelling.
This article summarises the official visa-free periods and key visa-required categories, based on the Immigration Department of Hong Kong’s latest update.
Visitors holding valid national passports from most countries may enter visa-free for stays ranging from 7 to 180 days, depending on nationality. The purpose of entry must be tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Work, study, or residence always requires a visa or entry permit in advance.
Visa-Free Access by Region
Asia–Pacific
Country / Territory
Visa-Free Stay
Australia
90 days
Japan
90 days
South Korea
90 days
Singapore
90 days
Malaysia
90 days
Thailand
30 days
Philippines
14 days
Indonesia
30 days
India
14 days (requires Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR))
New Zealand
90 days
Brunei
90 days
Fiji
90 days
Maldives
90 days
Papua New Guinea
90 days
Vanuatu
90 days
Tonga
90 days
Tuvalu
90 days
Kiribati
90 days
Nauru
90 days
Europe
Country / Territory
Visa-Free Stay
United Kingdom (British citizens)
180 days
Other British Nationals (Overseas Territories citizens etc.)
90 days
Schengen Area Countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.)
90 days
Switzerland
90 days
Ireland
90 days
Russia
14 days
Ukraine
14 days
Georgia
30 days
Serbia (biometric passports)
14 days
Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City
90 days
Americas
Country / Territory
Visa-Free Stay
United States of America (non-diplomatic passports)
90 days
Canada
90 days
Argentina
90 days
Brazil
90 days
Chile
90 days
Mexico
90 days
Peru
30 days
Colombia
90 days
Uruguay
90 days
Venezuela
90 days
Middle East & Africa
Country / Territory
Visa-Free Stay
Israel
90 days
United Arab Emirates
30 days
Qatar
30 days
Saudi Arabia
90 days
Bahrain
30 days
Kuwait
30 days
South Africa
30 days
Egypt
90 days
Morocco
30 days
Seychelles
90 days
Tanzania
90 days
Kenya
90 days
Zambia
90 days
Zimbabwe
90 days
Mauritius
90 days
Caribbean & Other Territories
Country / Territory
Visa-Free Stay
Bahamas
90 days
Barbados
90 days
Jamaica
90 days
Saint Kitts & Nevis
90 days
Saint Lucia
90 days
Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
90 days
Trinidad & Tobago
90 days
Cayman Islands
90 days
Bermuda
90 days
British Virgin Islands
90 days
Turks & Caicos Islands
90 days
🚫 Countries That Require a Visa to Enter Hong Kong
Nationals of the following countries must obtain a visa before travelling to Hong Kong — even for short stays or transit:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo (DR & Republic), Côte d’Ivoire, Eritrea, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Korea (DPRK), Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen 🔹 All nationals require a visa regardless of purpose or transit【user data table L221-L224】.
14-day visa-free stay permitted only for official or diplomatic passport holders (^ mark)
Diplomatic / Official passport – 14 days visa-free
Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Moldova, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
General passport holders need a visa (# mark)
Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) Required
India
Must complete PAR online before travel (14-day stay)
Extended Visa-Free Stay (180 Days)
British citizens only
Applies to holders of full British citizenship; other British categories = 90 days
Transit Without Visa Allowed
All visa-required nationals
Only if remaining airside and continuing journey within 24 hours
Notes & Updates
The information above is based on the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s January 2025 circular.
Some Chinese diplomatic and consular missions handle visa applications via the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre—travellers should confirm with the nearest mission before applying.
Regulations may change at any time; always verify with the Hong Kong Immigration Department before travelling: www.immd.gov.hk.
Quick Reference Summary
Category
Typical Stay
Example Countries
Visa-Free (180 days)
6 months
United Kingdom (British citizens)
Visa-Free (90 days)
3 months
USA, Canada, EU / Schengen Area, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia
Visa-Free (30–60 days)
1–2 months
Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Panama, Samoa
Visa-Free (14 days)
2 weeks
India (PAR required), Philippines, Kazakhstan, Mongolia
Visa Required
—
Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, Syria, etc.
Final Takeaway
Hong Kong offers one of the world’s most open entry systems. Travellers from over 170 jurisdictions can visit visa-free, reinforcing its status as a global financial and tourism hub. Still, requirements vary by passport type, and electronic pre-authorisations or special diplomatic exemptions may apply — so always check official updates before booking your trip.
Author
Ang Wee Chun
Wee Chun Ang is a seasoned professional with expertise in business expansion, global workforce solutions, accounting, and strategic marketing, backed by a strong foundation in financial markets. He began his career managing high-value FX transactions at Affin Moneybrokers, a subsidiary of Affin Group, and KAF Astley & Pearce, a subsidiary of KAF Investment Bank. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in setting up FX options desks, achieving significant milestones, including a 300% increase in desk revenue.
