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If you're planning a trip to Hong Kong, the first thing you need to check is whether you require a visa or not. Currently, approximately 170 countries are exempt from visa requirements. Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports need to apply for a visa to enter Hong Kong for any reason; unless you possess diplomatic or official passports of Vietnam, in which case you'll be granted a visa-free stay in Hong Kong for up to 14 days.
Typically, tourist visas for Hong Kong are valid for 14 days from the date of issue, allowing a single entry and a maximum stay of 7 days from the date of entry.
What Documents Are Required for a Hong Kong Visa Application?
#teamKlook needs to understand the process and necessary documents to ensure a smooth Hong Kong visa application. Determine the type of visa you need based on the purpose of your trip to Hong Kong.
- Applicants need to complete form ID 1003A, while sponsors should complete form ID 1003B. You can obtain the forms (ID 1003A and ID 1003B) free of charge at the following offices:
- Immigration Department Headquarters
- Immigration Department Offices
- Chinese diplomatic and consular missions abroad
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Offices outside Hong Kong
Tourist visa application forms for Hong Kong can also be downloaded from the Immigration Department's website.
A. Hong Kong Visa Application Forms and Required Documents
- Entry visa application form for visits/transits in Hong Kong (ID 1003A)
- Recent photograph of the applicant (attached on page 1 of form ID 1003A)
- Copy of the valid travel document (passport) with at least 1 month validity beyond the planned stay in Hong Kong, containing personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry, and/or details of any previously issued re-entry visas (if any)
- Copy of evidence of the applicant's financial situation, e.g., bank statements, savings accounts, tax receipts, etc., and evidence of employment (if any), company leave letter, pay slips, etc.
- Copy of evidence of travel arrangements, e.g., flight itinerary
- Copy of evidence of the proposed trip to Hong Kong, e.g., receipts for participating in packaged tours to Hong Kong, detailed itinerary, etc. (for sightseeing purposes only)
- Copy of evidence of the proposed onward journey after visiting Hong Kong, itinerary, etc. (for transit purposes only)
- Copy of evidence of the proposed business trip to Hong Kong, e.g., recruitment letter from the applicant's company confirming proposed business activities in Hong Kong, invitation letter issued by local company, letter issued by a trade body confirming the applicant's participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, etc. (for business purposes only)
- Copy of evidence of relationship with the local sponsor (for family visits only)
- Copy of evidence of the proposed visit to Hong Kong (for purposes other than tourism, transit, business, or family visits)
B. Forms and Documents Required by Sponsors
For cases where the sponsor is a Company:
- Application for visit/transit (sponsor) in Hong Kong (ID 1003B)
- Copy of Business Registration Certificate
For cases where the sponsor is an Individual:
- Application for visit/transit (sponsor) in Hong Kong (ID 1003B)
- Copy of the sponsor's Hong Kong identity card
- Copy of the sponsor's travel document containing personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry, and the latest entry/extension stamp in HKSAR and the latest “e-Visa” (if any) (for non-HKSAR residents)
Some Notes When Applying for a Hong Kong Tourist Visa
- Despite providing the necessary documents and information as above, applicants and sponsors may still be required to submit additional documents to support the applications when necessary.
- In case the documents are not in Chinese or English, they must be accompanied by a certified translation in Chinese or English.
- Making false declaration or representation to an immigration officer is a criminal offense. A person who knowingly and intentionally makes a statement or provides information that he knows to be false or does not believe to be true commits an offense under Hong Kong law and any visa/permit allowing entry or stay in HKSAR granted shall be void.
Where to Submit Hong Kong Visa Applications
Applicants or sponsors can submit applications online on the website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Additionally, the required documents and application forms (ID 1003A and ID 1003B) after being completed and signed (applicants under 16 years old must have the signature of parents or legal guardians), can be sent by post directly or through sponsors in Hong Kong to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Note that this agency only accepts visa applications for two or more people. Therefore, if you're traveling to Hong Kong alone, you cannot apply on your own and must go through a Hong Kong visa service provider to be paired for application submission.
Visa applications without payment of fees will not be accepted by the Immigration Department. Additionally, ensure that your application package has sufficient postage for return delivery before sending it.
Address of the Hong Kong Immigration Department:
- Receipt and Despatch Sub-Unit, Immigration Department
- 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
To expedite processing time, application forms and supporting documents can be faxed to (852)-2824-1133 initially. However, original completed and valid application forms and photos must be sent directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department by air mail. Visas/entry permits will only be issued upon receipt of properly completed original visa application forms.
How Much Does a Hong Kong Visa Cost?
You can refer to the following fees to be paid under Immigration Regulations, depending on the service you choose:
- Regular visa: 230HKD
- Transit visa: 120HKD
- Change of residence conditions or extension of residence period: 230HKD
- Authentication of unspecified travel documents fee: 240HKD
- Translation fee, notarized translation: 20-50USD, depending on the number of pages in each case
(*) Visa fees will not be refunded even if your Hong Kong visa application is rejected.
#teamKlook can explore the payment methods for Hong Kong visa fees below and choose the most suitable option.
1. If the applicant submits the application directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department
- After the visa application is approved, an email notification about the result from the Immigration Department will include a web link for the applicant to proceed with the payment.
- Payment of relevant fees can be made through the aforementioned web link, GovHK website, ImmD Mobile Application using credit card, Payment by Phone Service (PPS), or Faster Payment System (FPS) service.
- After payment, applicants can immediately download or print the “e-Visa”.
2. If the applicant or authorized representative pays directly at the Hong Kong Immigration Department
- Fees can be paid in cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS, or by cheque. Cheques must be crossed, payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, dated, and signed accurately.
- After payment, the applicant or authorized representative will be issued an “e-Visa” printed on an A4 white paper on the spot. Applicants can download or print the “e-Visa” themselves via the GovHK website or ImmD Mobile Application.
3. If the applicant cannot pay the fee using any of the above methods
- Fees in the form of cashier’s cheque or bank draft must be submitted along with the application. Cashier’s cheque or bank draft must be issued by a bank affiliated with a bank in Hong Kong and made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”.
Note: Cash should not be sent along with the Hong Kong tourist visa application.
- Once confirmation of receipt of the relevant fee is confirmed, the applicant will receive notification, and they must download or print the “e-Visa” thereafter via the GovHK website or ImmD Mobile Application.
- You will receive the official Hong Kong visa by mail.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Hong Kong Visa?
All applications are processed and determined by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Approval of applications is entirely discretionary and may vary in government policies. The Director of Immigration has full authority to reject any application even if it meets all eligibility criteria.
Typically, it takes about 4 weeks to process visa applications for visits/transits/entry permits after receiving all necessary documents.
Note:
- Avoid inquiring about the status of your application unless absolutely necessary to avoid delaying processing time.
- Apply for a Hong Kong visa at least 2 to 3 months before your trip. If your Hong Kong visa application is rejected, you'll have to wait an additional month for reapplication.
Can You Use a Hong Kong Visa to Go to Macau?
As mentioned, Hong Kong and Macau are both special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China, located in the Pearl River Delta region of China, so the distance between the two areas is not far. However, Hong Kong and Macau are separate autonomous regions. Therefore, if you want to go to Macau, you need to apply for a separate Macau visa. In other words, you cannot enter Macau with a Hong Kong visa and vice versa.
Hong Kong is both exactly what you expect and entirely surprising. It's a compact city, full of towering skyscrapers exuding charm and energy, also highlighted by lush green open spaces dotted with long hiking trails, swimming beaches, and tropical vegetation—a combination that brings a wonderfully refreshing feeling.
Now armed with information and experience in applying for a Hong Kong tourist visa, #teamKlook shouldn't hesitate to plan a visit to the world-renowned exporter of agarwood incense! Visit the Klook Vietnam Blog for more useful travel tips!
Don't hesitate to submit your Hong Kong tourist visa application today!
