Home/Transit visas

Hong Kong International Transit Visa 2026

Most nationalities can transit airside at HKG without a visa. Entering Hong Kong (leaving the airport) requires a visa for citizens of visa-required countries.

Airside transit zone at Hong Kong International

HKG has a large airside transit area — you can stay airside for the duration of your layover without a Hong Kong entry visa.

Usually need a transit visa

  • • For airside transit: virtually no country needs a transit visa (unless entering Hong Kong SAR)
  • • For entering Hong Kong: nationals of Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia require pre-arrival visa

Usually exempt

  • • Virtually all nationalities can transit airside without any visa
  • • For 24-hour airside transit with onward confirmed ticket: no visa required regardless of nationality (with exceptions above)

Visa types + cost

Airside transit (no visa)

Duration
Up to airline's permitted airside transfer time (typically 24 hours)
Price
Free
Process
No application. Simply stay airside between arrival and departure.

Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR)

Duration
For entering Hong Kong — 90 days for Indian nationals
Price
Free
Process
Register online 24 hours before travel at immd.gov.hk. Only if leaving airport.

Real scenarios

Scenario 1
Indian citizen transit at HKG airside, layover 6 hours
No visa needed — airside only
Scenario 2
Indian citizen wants to spend layover in Hong Kong (leave airport)
Needs Pre-Arrival Registration (free, online, valid 90 days)
Scenario 3
US/UK/EU/AU/CA/JP citizen transiting HKG
No visa needed — visa-free for entry + transit up to 90 or 180 days
Scenario 4
Chinese mainland citizen transiting HKG airside
No visa needed for airside. Chinese passport requires Two-Way Permit to enter HK.

Official source

https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html

Visa rules change frequently. Always verify with the official source before travel.

Staying the night in Hong Kong?

If your connection is overnight and you can enter Hong Kong, search hotels in Hong Kong. Prices and availability are on the booking site; AirConnect earns a commission if you book through this link.

Find hotels in Hong Kong

Hotels, hostels & more · Trip.com

Search hotels