About Hong Kong
What to see and do in Hong Kong
Weather in Hong Kong
Airport in Hong Kong
Visa
Hong Kong with multiple personalities, as a result of being Cantonese Chinese with a long-time British influence. Today, the former British colony is a major tourism destination for China's increasingly affluent population. It is also an important hub in the Chinese diaspora with global connections to many of the world's cities. It is a unique destination that has absorbed people and cultural influences from places as diverse as Vietnam and Vancouver.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is much more than a harbour city. The traveller weary of its crowded streets may be tempted to describe it as 'Hong Kongcrete'. Yet, with its cloudy mountains and rocky islands is mostly a rural landscape. Much of the countryside is classified as Country Park and, although 7 million people are never far away, it is possible to find pockets of wilderness that will reward the more intrepid tourist.
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with at least one season to match your comfort zone. Boasting one of the world's best airports, it is the ideal stopover for those who wish to travel deeper into the Orient.
District from HongKong
Hong Kong Island
What to see and do in Hong Kong
City centre:
The Peak' Overlooking the Victoria Harbour from the island side, it offers views of the Hong Kong and Kowloon skylines, as well as many other touristy but fun attractions. To get there, take the scenic 10-minute Peak Tram from Central (HK$20, 7AM-12PM), and then enjoy a high-speed rollercoaster ride down with green minibus #1 from below the Peak Galleria (HK$7). Get away from the hordes by taking a circular walk around the Peak. The walk starts along Lugard Road, and follows the beginning of the Hong Kong Trail. It finishes along Harlech Road. The walk along Old Peak Road is also recommended, but take the tram up and walk down unless you are fit. For the best view, you can either dish out HK$20 for access to the Peak Tower's observation deck, or just hop into the 3rd floor terrace of the Peak Galleria for free, and get a view that's almost as good.
Man Mo Temple Hollywood Road ' Nestled in amongst the antique shops of Hollywood Road, with air full of smoke from the hundreds of burning incense coils it was built in the 1840s and is Hong Kong Island's oldest temple. While you're there, pop into one of the many antique shops to see some of the best Chinese and South-East Asian antiques in the world, but beware that there are many very clever fakes for sale.
Golden Bauhinia Square' Stands outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and was the site of the handover ceremony in 1997. Visit at night time for a stunning view of the neon lit skyline of both Kowloon and Hong Kong.
Lan Kwai Fong' The main watering-hole for the Hong Kong expat community. Situated up the hill, just behind Central, it has some of the best bars and restaurants in Hong Kong and is lively until the early hours.
Hong Kong Planning and Infrastructure Exhibition Gallery, 1F City Hall, Central. Mostly of interest to architecture buffs, but to its credit, this small propaganda exercise manages to make even, say, sewage treatment reasonably interesting with well-presented exhibits, some interactive. The highlight, however, is the Infrastructure Walk, with a giant scale model of a wide swath of Hong Kong showcasing projects completed and planned. Free admission, open daily except Tuesday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Out of town to try:
Stanley on the south side of the island, has a souvenir market, a nearby beach and some seaside bars and restaurants. Several busses travel there from Central and Admiralty, and the route takes you through a winding, picturesque view of Hong Kong's south side.
Jumbo' A floating restaurant in the bay of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, it's a nice place to relax with good drinks and food, and a view over the yachts in the harbour (particularly from the Top Deck).
Check out Ocean Park on the southern side of Hong Kong island. A shuttle bus which accepts fare payment by Octopus runs there from Admiralty MTR station.
The many beaches of the southern coast are a nice escape on a sunny day, especially outside the weekends when they're often packed. Repulse Bay is largest and the most popular of the bunch. To get there from Central, take bus 6 or 61 for a scenic, slow and cheaper trip over the Island's hills, or expresses buses 6A/6X for a faster trip through the Aberdeen tunnel.
Walk around the grocery market in Wan Chai.
Ride the tram between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan. The journey takes round 80 minutes and costs HK$2. The Hongkong Tramways run between the West and East of Hong Kong Island. Starting from the old district Kennedy Town, you can see the residental areas, followed by the Chinese herbal medicine wholesalers in Sai Ying Pun. Then the tram goes in the famous Central district with high rise commercial buildings and banks. Wan Chai and Causeway Bay are the districts popular with shoppers and are always crowded with people at all times. Travelling further east are North Point and Shau Kei Wan areas, which are of completely different styles from that in Central and Causeway Bay.
Hong Kong Island consists of many small districts, but for administration purposes the Island is broken down as follows:
Wan Chai and Causeway Bay
Wan Chai is much more than a couple of blocks of girlie-bars populated by drunken American sailors; after all, the World of Suzie Wong was just a work of fiction set in Wan Chai during a bygone age. Located between Causeway Bay and Admiralty, Wanchai has an inner-city feel that makes it an interesting but safe area to walk around at any time. Wan Chai has traditional street markets that, unlike many other neighbourhoods, are still outdoors. In the so-called wet-markets, butchers hang animal carcasses on large hooks that overshadow pavements and fishmongers have stalls with live fish that do their best to escape. Between Johnston Road and Queen's Road East are numerous alleys that are worth exploring if you are looking for traditional family-run shops selling anything from tropical fish to cheap clothing.
Causeway Bay - A shopping district that is home to large department stores, such as Sogo. Causeway Bay is crowded most of the time but here you can eat and shop until very late. Some major supermarkets and eateries stay open 24 hours. Times Square in Causeway Bay is a major focal point, especially at the 'calendar' New Year when you will be wise to stay away if you hate crowds. The area is also popular among Hong Kong's youth and is a good place to check out the latest fashion trends.
Happy Valley - Nestled behind the Happy Valley Racecourse, away from the MTR line, this district has a more laid-back feel than nearby Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. Happy Valley was not always the happiest place to be. When the first British troops were stationed in Happy Valley the death rate from malaria was so high that, with typical British sarcasm, the place was dubbed Happy Valley. It is a popular residential area, especially among expats. There is a tram line circling the racecourse that serves the district.
This area is also home to the beautiful and historic Hong Kong Cemetery.
You should see:
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
The monument erected by the Hong Kong government in 1997 to commemorate the return of Hong Kong to China.
The harbour-front at Wan Chai is host to one of Hong Kong's most outstanding buildings - the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Take directions from the MTR to find this remarkable building; alternatively, take the Star ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to arrive at the Wan Chai ferry terminal - sit on the right-hand-side of the ferry and have your camera ready to take shots of the Convention Centre as you sail towards Wan Chai. Currently, the Convention Centre is undergoing a massive extension to its rear end, so photography of the whole building is blighted for a while.
If you are refused admittance, you can take a walk along the promenade at the front of the building to find the place where the British returned Hong Kong to mainland China. Paved in cheap concrete, the modest plaza where the Handover took place in 1997 is home to two monuments; one takes the form of a giant golden bauhinia and the other looks like a chimney stack. The bauhinia tree is sometimes known as the Hong Kong orchid and has been adopted as the emblem of the SAR which features on the Hong Kong flag that flutters above the square. For the many tourists from mainland China, this place holds a special significance, so you can expect a steady stream or tour buses.
Horse Racing has been taking place at Happy Valley racetrack since 1846. Happy Valley is particularly impressive during the evening meets with the surrounding skyscrapers lit up. Unless you know the right sort of people your best chance of getting into the races is by the pubic entrance. Entrance will cost you just a few dollars and you will have the advantage of being at ground level next to the race track. Alcohol, especially beer, is sold at cheap prices. Unless you like fast-food, plan to eat before or after gambling away your holiday savings.
Central Plaza can be seen from all of Wan Chai. It is actually possible to tell the time by the changing lights on the top of this building. During business hours, you can take the lift from the ground floor to the sky lobby on the 46th floor to get a spectacular free view of the harbour and the island.
Noon Day Gun - Across from the World Trade Center, near Causeway Bay, is the historic Noon Day Gun, deemed thus because it is fired every day at noon. To access the Noon Day Gun, enter the underground tunnel between the World Trade Center and the Excelsior Hotel and follow the signs. Finding this subway is difficult and you might need to ask staff for directions. The tradition of firing a gun into Victoria Harbour everyday at noon dates back to the 1860s. It is believed that this is the gun referred to in Noel Coward's song "Mad Dogs and Englishmen".
What should you do in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is located next to the busy Causeway Bay shopping streets.
Take some time to walk through it or to watch people play football on three fields.
There is also a jogging track through the park. Victoria Park can also be
reached by MTR Exit B at Tin Hau station. During the summer months you
can use the public open-air pool in Victoria Park. The pool costs HK$19 for adults
(HK$9 kids) and payment can be made by coins or Octopus card.
Central Library
Central Library feels a world apart from the hustle of Causeway Bay where it is located. Its grand post-modern facade overlooks Victoria Park and is a statement of how seriously Hong Kong people take education. Many universities across the world struggle to provide library facilities this good and visitors often leave suitably impressed. Lending services are provided to non-residents upon production of either a residents Hong Kong ID card, or a cash deposit. It is well stocked with Western periodicals, as well as free Internet access. Major newspapers from all over the world are available. There are public computer terminals throughout all floors. The working tables with internet access for your laptop start on the fourth floor. Either you bring your own LAN cable or ask one of the librarians to lend you one. Do not forget to bring a power converter for the power plugs to charge your laptop (visitors from the United Kingdom can use UK plugs in Hong Kong). The library has souvenir shop and a cafeteria which is operated by Delifrance.
Central and Western
Central and Western is an administrative region of Hong Kong Island. The Central district is the political, administrative financial hub and home to some fantastic skyscrapers and Victoria Peak.
You should see in the Central And Western in Hong Kong:
Central-Mid-Levels Escalator
At 800 m long, this is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. The escalator runs downhill from 06:00 to 10:00 and uphill from 10:30 to 24:00 every day.
Hong Kong skyline from the peak
Take the Peak Tram, a train line going to the highest point on
Hong Kong island for a great view of the natural landscape in stark
contrast with the city (if it's not too cloudy). The tram also makes a few stops,
so it's possible to go half-way and hike the winding roads on the sloping
geography. Follow the signs from Central Station to find the Peak Tram.
Also worth seeing are the parks near Central station, the Memorial Gardens,
Statue Square and the Chater Gardens for a refreshing break,
as well seeing the Cenotaph for the fallen soldiers of WWII. City hall is also nearby.
A ten minute-walk away from Central is the Hong Kong Zoological and
Botanical Gardens, a small, free zoo with reptiles, primates,
a jaguar, and rare and endangered birds and plants.
Walk around Central on a Sunday afternoon, especially around the HSBC building to check out the sights and sounds as thousands of domestic workers, mostly Filipinos, gather together on their day off.
What to do in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay
Peak
Victoria Peak was once the place the rich were carried in their sedan chairs to escape the summer heat.Since 1888 the Peak Tram has been carrying passengers. The Lower Terminus is ten minutes walk from exit J2 of Central MTR station. From the Star Ferry pier, bus number 15C runs regularly. You can also walk to or from the Peak from Mid-Levels along Old Peak Road.
At the upper tram terminus is The Peak Tower and the Peak Galleria, both full of souvenir shops and overpriced restaurants with spectacular views. There are also some viewing galleries. For the best views and to get away from the crowds, there is a circluar walk along Tregunter Road and Harlech Road. From Lugard Road there are views of the skyscrapers of Central and Victoria Harbour, from Harlech road, the views are of Lamma and other Outlying Islands. This takes around an hour.
Walk along Wellington Street. Nice street with dried foodstuffs, various restaurants, majong pieces. Also check out Art Jam at 123 Wellington Street. They provide you with canvas, paints and materials. From HK$200 to HK$500 depending on when you go and canvas size.
Kennedy Town. Walk up Mount Davies to see the abandoned second world war era gunnery fortifications. Take the steps up from Victoria Road just west of KT; or follow Victoria Road until you reach the roundabout (about 1/2 mile), and take the mountain road up. The climb will take a while, but there are many ruins to explore, and great views. There's also a youth hostel at the top if you are too tired to make it back in one go.
Eastern
Eastern is an administrative district on the eastern end of the north shore of Hong Kong Island. From east to west, it constitutes the urban areas of Tin Hau, North Point, Quarry Bay, Sai Wan Ho, Shau Kei Wan, Chai Wan and Siu Sai Wan. If you are only in Hong Kong for a short time then you can safely ignore this corner of the island unless you intend going to the Museum of Coastal Defence.
What to see in Eastern Hong Kong:
The Museum of Coastal Defence, 175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan, 2569 1500. 10AM-5PM, last admission at 4:30PM. Closed on Thursdays. Admission HK$10. 15-minute walk following road signs from Exit B2 of Shau Kei Wan MTR Station.
What to do in Eastern Hong Kong:
Walking - Quarry Bay Park Promenade is a good place to walk which provides an alternative view of the eastern end of the harbour, instead of the familiar one of the west. It also serves as a connection between SOHO east (a reasonably attractive restaurant and pub area) and Citiplaza shopping centre.
What to do in Southern Hong Kong:
The Southern side of Hong Kong Island was historically exposed to typhoons and on the wrong side of the hills, developments on the south of the island, are more limited but growing thanks to better connections including a cross-island tunnel, although the MTR is still notably lacking. Larger centres include Aberdeen and Stanley.
Chill on the beach - South Bay beach is the best beach on Hong Kong Island. Not too busy, even on weekends. Take a taxi from Repulse Bay.
Hiking - walk the Dragons Back. Take the number 9 bus from Shau Kei Wan MTR Station, to just after the small roundabout at Tai Tam Gap. Walk up the steps by the "Shek-O Country Park" sign and turn right along Hong Kong Trail.
Ocean Park is a huge Disney-like (in both the good and bad sense) oceanarium. Marine biodiversity in the Atoll Reef and Shark Tank just as breathtaking as Sea World of San Diego, and thrill rides will satisfy children and adults alike. It is popular with locals as well as tourists from mainland China. You can find out if there are ticket available on any given day from the website linked above. It has beautiful views from the cable car over the ocean and hills. Take a bus from the bus terminus in Admiralty (alternatively, minibus number 40 makes an intermediate stop a couple of minutes away from the entrance if coming from Stanley or Causeway Bay, and it's slightly cheaper than the bus from Admiralty). It is open from 9am to 7pm on weekdays and until 9pm on weekends. Adults HK$206, Children (up to 11) HK$103, Under 3 Free.
Wakeboarding - Hire a boat and driver by the hour at Tai Tam, Repulse Bay or Stanley.
Surfing - Surfboards can be hired at Big Wave Bay for around HK$50 per day.
Kowloon
Kowloon ("nine dragons" in Cantonese) is the peninsula to the north of Hong Kong Island. It lacks some of the glamour of the Island, but makes up for it with unmatched and distinctly Chinese vibrancy. Kowloon is one of the most densely populated places on the planet, and has a matching array of places to shop, eat and sleep. Tsim Sha Tsui, the tip of the peninsula, is Kowloon's main tourist drag and has a mix of backpacker and high-end hotels; while Mong Kok has a huge array of shops and markets in an area of less than a square kilometre.
What to see in Kowloon
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple is the most popular Taoist temple Hong Kong. This is where many people ask for divine guidance by a practice known as kau cim, a practice that has all but disappeared in mainland China. Located just next to Wong Tai Sin MTR Station. Entrance is free though voluntary donations are accepted.
Kowloon Walled City Park' Built on the former site of the Walled City.
Cruise ships berthed at Ocean Terminal.
The Kowloon Waterfront offers splendid views of the Hong Kong shoreline and skyline. At night, the best spots to take photographs from are occupied by enterprising locals who will take your picture for money.
A Symphony Of Lights' Every night at 8pm there is a light show involving Hong Kong Island's key buildings. On Monday evenings, spectators can listen to the show's music and English narration live at the Avenue of Stars, on radio on FM103.4 MHz or by calling 35 665 665.
From the waterfront you can take the Star Ferry (it's a truly amazing experience) to Hong Kong Island, getting an excellent view of the skyline in the process.
Built in the 1950s, Shek Kip Mei Estate is the only place where you can see the living conditions in Hong Kong during the 50s - 60s. There are still a few blocks of buildings built in 1950s and residents are still living in them. Walk from Shek Kip Mei MTR Station.
Hong Kong Space Museum. Quite a small museum, with a basic history of space flight in static exhibits, including a single exhibit on Chinese space flight. It also has interactive exhibits, allowing you to fly a hang glider, work a space motion system, or simulate walking on the moon - fun for kids around 10-15. Admission is free on Wednesdays. Has a planetarium attached, for extra fee, that basically shows movies projected onto the planetarium room. Plan ahead if you want to ensure you see an English session, as most are Cantonese.
Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Hong Kong Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, (852) 2721 0116, 10AM-6PM, closed Thursdays. HK$10, concession HK$5.
What to do in Kowloon:
Tai Chi on Avenue of the Stars. Free lessons in English M,W-F mornings from 8AM-9AM.
New Territories
The New Territories, so named when the British took more land from China in 1898.Often ignored by travellers who have little time to spare, the New Territories offers a diverse landscape that takes time to get to know. Mountainous country parks overlook New Townsthat have a clinical form of modernity that has attracted many to move here from mainlandChina. Public transport and taxis make this area surprisingly accessible if you dare to get out and explore this offbeat place. You wont find many idyllic villages, but once you get over the stray dogs and the ramshackle buildings you will doubtlessly find something that will surprise and cause you to reach for your camera.
What to see in New Territories:
Nam Cheung Country Trail in the Pat Sin Leng Country Park, North East
New Territories
The main attractions of the New Territories are about experiencing rural life in Hong Kong life, as opposed to the urban energy of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon peninsula. Although Hong Kong island has some attractive country parks they are eclipsed by those in the more remote areas of the New Territories. The New Towns are of limited interest to many tourists but the most engaging settlement in the New Territories is Sai Kung which has a number of restaurants and bars that will appeal to visitors because of its slower pace of life. Sai Kung also acts as a gateway into some of the best countryside you are likely to find in Hong Kong.
Museums
Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin (KCR Sha Tin). One of Hong Kong's best museums, this modern, informative and attractively presented museum houses several permanent exhibitions of life in the New Territories, Cantonese opera, and Chinese art, as well as changing exhibitions of a high calibre. Admission HK$10, open 10AM to 6PM daily except Tuesday and some public holidays.
Temples Arhats in the bushes at 10,000 Buddhas Monastery
10,000 Buddhas Monastery, off Sheung Wo Che St, Sha Tin (KCR Sha Tin exit B, down the left ramp, left to Pai Tau St, right to Sheung Wo Che St). This rather garish but enjoyable modern temple dating to the 1950s in fact contains no less than 12,800 Buddhas lining the walls of the main hall. There's also a nine-story pagoda and some smaller temples above the main complex. Half the fun is getting there; the 500-metre path climbing up the hill is lined with life-sized golden plastic statues of Buddhas in poses ranging from serene to outrageous. Free admission, but donations welcome.
Kat Hing Wai, Kam Tin Rd (near KCR Kam Sheung). Of more historical than practical interest, this tiny walled village was one of the first settlements of the Tang clan, who arrived in Hong Kong in the 12th century and have dominated much of the area ever since. The village today, however, has lots of nondescript modern lowrise concrete housing blocks crammed behind a crumbling gray brick wall. HK$1 donation requested, and if you see the old Hakka women lounging near the sole entrance, expect to be paid HK$10 or so if you want to take their picture.
Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree, near Tai Po. The Wishing Tree is an old tree. Traditionally, it is believed that it will bring good luck and fortune. Nowadays, it is a touristic spot for both Westerners and locals. Simply go to Tai Po Market Railway Station and take green minibus route 25K or bus 64K to get to the Wishing Tree. Alternatively, you are advised to take a green taxi from Tai Wo Railway Station if you have 4 or 5 people travelling together.
Man Mo Temple, Tai Po Market. A temple built in the 1890s. It was regarded as a must-see tourist destination in Hong Kong. Get off the train at either Tai Po Market Station or Tai Wo Station and follow the signs to get there on foot.
What to do in New Territories, Hong Kong:
The New Territories offer a wealth of hiking and sports opportunities as well as one favoured Hong Kong pastime, horse racing.
Horse racing
Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin Racecourse near Sha Tin (special services to KCR Racecourse on race days). Participate in the most popular sport in Hong Kong at games held most Saturday afternoons from September to June. Regular stand seats HK$10, but a special package rate Special package available to overseas tourists only allows box access for HK$50.
Outdoor sports
Tai Po Waterfront Park. The Tai Po Waterfront Park is the largest park in Tai Po District. The Park provides a wide range of facilities including a 1.2 long promenade, rest-gardens, sitting-out areas, a jogging trail with fitness stations, a cycling track and a 600-seat amphitheatre. There is also a 32.4-metre-high Lookout Tower in the Park. After visiting the tower, visitors may move on to the Insect House nearby. Take a green taxi instead of bus if you have 4 or 5 people travelling together from Tai Po Market Railway Station.
Tai Mei Tuk. Tai Mei Tuk is famous for the natural view of Pat Sin Leng and Plover Cove Reservoir, the largest reservoir in Hong Kong. You can also make use of the free barbecue site in Tai Mei Tuk and the adjoining country park. Get off from Tai Po Market Railway Station and take bus 75K or green minibus 20C.
Kam Shan Country. Kam Shan Country Park, also known as Monkey Hill, is famous for the wild monkeys. It is at the north of Kowloon, can can be easily accessed by taking the KMB route 72, 81 or 86B from Kowloon or New Territories. A free barbecue site is available in the country park.
For those who are seeking warm, dry and sunny weather, the ideal time is October to December. Those who are wanting to escape the humidity of tropical climates will appreciate the cooler months of January to March.
The temperature ranges from 9 C to 24 C during winter, and ranges from 26 C to 33 C during summer. The humidity is typically high in the spring and worse in the summer, when high temperatures (usual maximum of 32 C - 34 C) are often recorded.
Summary estimated monthly weather:
January 24 C - 8 C
February 25 C - 8 C
March 27 C - 11 C
April 30 C - 15 C
May 32 C - 20 C
June 33 C - 23 C
July 34 C - 24 C
August 34 C - 24 C
September 33 C - 23 C
October 31 C - 19 C
November 28 C - 14 C
December 25 C - 10 C
Events ' During Chinese New Year, whilst there are some extra celebratory events such as a lion dances, fireworks, and parades, many shops and restaurants are closed for three to five days. The official public holiday lasts three days.
Culture lovers will be able to feast on a multitude of cultural activities from February to April. The Hong Kong Arts Festival, a month-long festival of international performances, is held in February and March. The Man Literary Festival, a two-week English language festival with international writers as guests, is held in March. The Hong Kong International film festival, a three-week event, is held in late March to early April.
Rugby fans, and those wishing to party, should come during the weekend of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens.
There is a second round of cultural activities in the autumn lasting till the end of the year.
Christmas is also a nice time to visit as many stores and shopping centres are nicely decorated and the festive mood is apparent across the city.
The Hong Kong International Airport (IATA: HKG; ICAO: VHHH) which is also known as Chek Lap Kok (named after the small island it was built over), is the main port for visitors to Hong Kong by air.
Cathay Pacific and its subsidiary airline Dragonair are Hong Kong's main carriers, with Hong Kong Express providing some welcome competition.
There are two terminals, creatively called T1 and T2. Signs on approach to the airport by car/taxi list the terminals and check in zones. The station is located between the two terminals, so follow the signs when you exit the station.
Once checked in you can clear security at either terminal, there is an underground shuttle bus Outside the security area. There are probably more shopping opportunities before security at T2 before security, but the shops close earlier. There are lots of shopping opportunities after security as well. Travellers will find an efficient post office in the airport which provides boxes, wrapping material, scissors and tape.
To get inside Hong Kong:
Hong Kong maintains a separate and independent immigration system from that of mainland China. This means that unlike mainland China, most Western and Asian visitors do not need to obtain visas in advance. However, it also means that a separate visa is still required to enter mainland China from Hong Kong. Macau residents may enter using their identity card while other PRC passport holders and residents of Taiwan holding ROC passports need to apply for a separate visit permit.
Detailed visa requirements are available from the Immigration Department. Those who require visas should apply for one at a Chinese embassy, but note that the Hong Kong visa has to be applied for separately from the mainland Chinese one. Anyone arriving at Hong Kong International Airport who requires an onward visa for mainland China, will find a kiosk in the foyer in the arrivals area that issues them. A photograph will be required and the staff will be happy to accommodate you.
Visit Visa / Entry Permit Requirements for the Hong Kong Special Administrative RegionEven where all immigration requirements set out in this chapter are met, travellers should not assume that they can gain automatic entry. The HKSAR immigration authorities have the right to refuse any person permission to land except those in Part I of this chapter.
If you need advice on individual cases, please address your enquiries to :
a. any Chinese diplomatic and consular mission; or
b. the Immigration Department.
1. If you have a close connection with the HKSAR by birth or long period of residence in the Region, you may not require a visa or entry permit. Please read Part I of this chapter.
2. If Part I does not apply to you, you will need a visa or entry permit to work, study, establish or join in any business or to take up residence in the HKSAR. However, you may not need a visa or entry permit for visit, depending on your nationality / type of travel document you hold. Please read Part II of this chapter.
PART I
3. No visa or entry permit is required for any purpose if you hold any of the following travel documents:
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport,
British National (Overseas) Passport,
Hong Kong Certificate of Identity,
Hong Kong Re-entry permit (for entry from the Mainland of China and the region of Macao only),
Hong Kong Seaman's Identity Book,
Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes provided that the document is valid or the holder's limit of stay in Hong Kong has not expired.
Travel documents bearing one of the following endorsements:
"Holder's eligibility for Hong Kong permanent identity card verified."
"The holder of this travel document has the right to land in Hong Kong. (Section 2AAA, Immigration Ordinance, Cap. 115, Laws of Hong Kong)"
Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card.
PART II
4. Unless Part I applies to you, you require a visa or entry permit to work, study, establish or join in any business or to take up residence in the HKSAR. Otherwise, you are taking the risk of being refused admission on arrival.
5. Visitors are required to have adequate funds to cover the duration of their stay without working and, unless in transit to the Mainland of China or the region of Macau, to hold onward or return tickets. If you want to stay longer than the visa free period allowed, you must apply for a visa or entry permit before travelling to the HKSAR.
6. Visitors are not allowed by law to take up employment (paid or unpaid), to establish or join in any business, or to enter school as a student, nor, except in the most unusual circumstances, are visitors allowed to change their immigration status after arrival.
7. You may apply for the appropriate visa or entry permit from the nearest Chinese diplomatic and consular mission.
8. As an alternative, you may also submit your visa or entry permit application to the HKSAR Immigration Department either directly by post or through a local sponsor. To shorten processing time, application forms and supporting documents can be sent by fax to (852) 2824 1133 in the first instance. However, the original copy of the duly completed application form and the photographs required should be sent immediately to the HKSAR Immigration Department by air mail. A visa/entry permit will be issued only on receipt of an original, properly completed visa/entry permit application form.
9. If you are a Chinese resident in the region of Taiwan, you should submit your application for an entry permit through one of the authorised airlines.
10. There are separate information leaflets regarding the arrangements for entry in respect of residents of the Mainland of China (ID894A) and for overseas Chinese and Chinese residents in Taiwan (ID895A). You can also obtain information for entry to Hong Kong from Mainland China here. Information of arrangements for entry to Hong Kong SAR for overseas Chinese and Chinese residents of Taiwan can be obtained here.
11. Persons who need a visa or entry permit for visit (or purposes other than a visit) should obtain the appropriate visa or entry permit before travelling to the HKSAR.
12. HKSAR visa requirements for the following foreign countries / territories:
Nationality of foreign country (Territory)/ Type of Travel Document
AFGHANISTAN
Visa Required
ALBANIA
Visa Required
ALGERIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
ANDORRA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
ANGOLA
Visa Required
ANGOLA Diplomatic/Official Passport
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
ANGUILLA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
ARGENTINA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
ARMENIA
Visa Required
AUSTRALIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
AUSTRIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
AZERBAIJAN
Visa Required
BAHAMAS
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
BAHRAIN
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
BANGLADESH
Visa Required
BANGLADESH Diplomatic/Official Passport
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
BARBADOS
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
BELARUS
Visa Required
BELGIUM
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
BELIZE
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
BENIN
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
BERMUDA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
BHUTAN
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
BOLIVIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
BOTSWANA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
BRAZIL
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
BRITAIN (British citizens)
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 180 Days
BRITAIN (British Overseas Territories citizens,
British Overseas citizens,
British subjects and British Protected persons)
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
BRUNEI
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
BULGARIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
BURKINA FASO
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
BURUNDI
Visa Required
BURUNDI Diplomatic/Official Passport
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
CAMBODIA
Visa Required
CAMEROON
Visa Required
CAMEROON Diplomatic/Official Passport
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
CANADA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
CAPE VERDE (REPUBLIC OF)
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
CHAD
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
CHILE
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
COLOMBIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
COMOROS
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
-
CONGO (DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF) (Formerly known as Zaire)
Visa Required
CONGO (REPUBLIC OF)
Visa Required
CONGO (REPUBLIC OF) Diplomatic/Official Passport
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
COSTA RICA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
Costa Rican Provisional passports
Visa Required
"Documento de Identidad Y Viaje" issued by Costa Rican Government
Visa Required
COTE D'IVOIRE (REPUBLIC OF)
Visa Required
CROATIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
CUBA
Visa Required
CYPRUS (REPUBLIC OF)
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
CZECH REPUBLIC
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
DENMARK
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
DJIBOUTI
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
DOMINICA (COMMONWEALTH OF)
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
ECUADOR
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
EGYPT
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
EL SALVADOR
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
-
ERITREA
Visa Required
ESTONIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
ETHIOPIA
Visa Required
ETHIOPIA Diplomatic/Offical Passport
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
FALKLAND ISLANDS & DEPENDENCIES
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
FAROE ISLANDS
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
FIJI
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
FINLAND
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
FRANCE
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
GABON
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
GAMBIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
GEORGIA
Visa Required
GERMANY
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
GHANA
Visa Required
GHANA Diplomatic/Official Passport
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
GIBRALTAR
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
GREECE
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
GREENLAND
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
GRENADA
Visa Required
GUATEMALA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
GUINEA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
GUINEA-BISSAU
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
GUYANA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
HAITI
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
HONDURAS
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
HUNGARY
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
ICELAND
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
INDIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
INDONESIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
IRAN
Visa Required
IRAQ
Visa Required
IRELAND (REPUBLIC OF)
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
ISRAEL
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
ITALY
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
JAMAICA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
JAPAN
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
JORDAN
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
KHAZAKSTAN
Visa Required
KENYA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
KIRIBATI
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
KOREA (DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
Visa Required
KOREA (REPUBLIC OF)
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
KUWAIT
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
KYRGYSTAN
Visa Required
LAOS
Visa Required
LATVIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
LEBANON
Visa Required
LESOTHO
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
LIBERIA
Visa Required
LIBYA
Visa Required
LIECHTENSTEIN
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
LITHUANIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
LUXEMBOURG
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
MACEDONIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
MADAGASCAR
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
MALAWI
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
MALAYSIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
MALDIVES
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
MALI
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
MALTA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
MARSHALL ISLANDS (REPUBLIC OF)
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
MAURITANIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
MAURITIUS
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
MEXICO
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
MICRONESIA (FEDERATED STATES OF)
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
MOLDOVA (REPUBLIC OF)
Visa Required
MONACO
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
MONGOLIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
MONTENEGRO ( REPUBLIC OF )
\Visa Required
MONTSERRAT
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
MOROCCO
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
MOZAMBIQUE
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
MYANMAR
Visa Required
NAMIBIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
NAURU
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
NEPAL
Visa Required
NETHERLANDS
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
NEW ZEALAND
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
NICARAGUA
Visa Required
NIGER
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
NIGERIA
Visa Required
NORWAY
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
OMAN
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
PAKISTAN
Visa Required
PAKISTAN Diplomatic/Official Passport
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
PALAU
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
PALESTINE (STATES OF)
Visa Required
PANAMA
Visa Required
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
PARAGUAY
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
PERU
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
Special Peruvian passports
Visa Required
PHILIPPINES
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
PITCAIRN, HENDERSON, DUCIE & OENO ISLANDS
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
POLAND
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
PORTUGAL
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
QATAR
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
ROMANIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Visa Required
RWANDA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
SAMOA (WESTERN)
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
SAN MARINO
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
SAUDI ARABIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
SERBIA (Republic of)
Visa Required
SENEGAL
Visa Required
SEYCHELLES
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
SIERRA LEONE
Visa Required
SINGAPORE
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
SLOVENIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Visa Required
SOMALIA
Visa Required
SOUTH AFRICA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
SPAIN
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
SRI LANKA
Visa Required
SRI LANKA DIPLOMATIC/OFFICIAL PASSPORT
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
ST. HELENA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
ST. HELENA DEPENDENCIES (ASCENSION, TRISTAN DA CUNHA)
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
ST. KITTS - NEVIS ANGUILLA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
ST. LUCIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
SUDAN
Visa Required
SURINAME
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
SWAZILAND
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
SWEDEN
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
SWITZERLAND
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
SYRIA
Visa Required
TAJIKISTAN
Visa Required
TANZANIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
THAILAND
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
THE SOUTH GEORGIA AND THE SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
THE SOVEREIGN BASE AREAS OF AKROTIRI AND DHEKELIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
TOGO
Visa Required
TOGO Diplomatic/Official Passport
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
TONGA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
Tongan National passports
Visa Required
Tongan Protected Persons passports
Visa Required
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
TUNISIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
TURKEY
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
TURKMENISTAN
Visa Required
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
TUVALU
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
TUVALU (with national status stated as 'I-TUVALU')
Visa Required
UGANDA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
UKRAINE
Visa Required
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
URUGUAY
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
Uruguay passports issued under Decree 289/90
Visa Required
U.S.A.
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
US TRUST TERRITORY OF PACIFIC ISLANDS (holders of US Trust Territory passports only)
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
UZBEKISTAN
Visa Required
VANUATU
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
VATICAN CITY
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 14 Days
Vatican Service passports
Visa Required
VENEZUELA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
VIETNAM
Visa Required
YEMEN (REPUBLIC OF)
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 30 Days
ZAMBIA
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
ZIMBABWE
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 90 Days
All 'stateless' travel document holders
Visa Required
Nationals of other foreign countries do not require visas for a visit
Visa free period for visit not exceeding 7 Days