Immigration & Customs : Hong Kong  

Hong Kong Immigration & Customs - Travel guide

Hong Kong

Immigration & Customs

Visitors to Hong Kong must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months after the planned departure date from Hong Kong. Nationals of most countries are not required to obtain visas and can stay for periods varying from seven days to 180 days, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status.

Frequent business travellers to Hong Kong can enjoy speedier processing by obtaining a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Travel Pass.

Visas for Mainland China can be obtained in Hong Kong. They require one photo and usually take three working days to process. Visas can be obtained from the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong, China Travel Service (HK) Ltd, or China International Travel Service HK Ltd.

All visitors entering Hong Kong must go through Customs clearance. View a list of dutiable commodities, latest duty-free concessions and prohibited articles / goods. Some personal protection devices like 'mace' spray, while legal in some countries, are prohibited in Hong Kong. To avoid any unnecessary delays, please follow the guidelines from Hong Kong International Airport.

Carry-on Baggage on Departure & Transit
Departing and transit visitors should note that enhanced security measures are now in effect at Hong Kong International Airport. Visitors are reminded not to carry any sharp objects with a point or blade such as knives, cutters, scissors, razor blades, or household cutlery in carry-on luggage. Pack them in check-in baggage. From 21 March 2007, restrictions will also apply to carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols, which must be in containers no bigger than 100ml and placed in a single (maximum one per passenger) transparent re-sealable bag with a capacity not exceeding one litre.

New Security Measures for Cabin Baggage at HKIA

The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) will implement new measures for screening liquids, gels and aerosol starting from March 21, 2007 to comply with the new guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

The new security measures for cabin baggage at HKIA include:

1. All liquids, gels, aerosols in cabin baggage have to be carried in containers with a capacity not greater than 100 ml. Liquids, gels, aerosols carried in containers larger than 100 ml will not be accepted, even if the container is only part-filled.
2. Containers have to be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum capacity not exceeding one litre. The containers must fit comfortably within the transparent plastic bag, which should be completely closed.
3. The plastic bag has to be presented separately from other cabin baggage for visual examination at the screening point. Only one transparent plastic bag per passenger is permitted.
4. Exemptions will be made for medications, baby milk / food and special dietary requirements subject to verification.