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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.

Last verified: 2026-07

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.