Hong Kong Can Indians travel to Hong Kong now?
With travel restrictions constantly changing during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it can often be hard to decide if you can visit an international destination, including Hong Kong, as an Indian citizen. This complete guide aims to guide travelers through the current requirements to travel to Hong Kong SAR ((Special Administrative Region), including the need to complete a Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Indians (PAR).
Hong Kong Entry Restrictions for Indians
As of writing, several COVID-19 restrictions for Hong Kong for travelers from India remain in place. At present, only nationals and residents of Hong Kong, as well as spouses and children with proof of relationship, are able to enter the Special Adminstriv Region, with only a few exceptions.
Indian citizens with a valid residence or study visa issued by Hong Kong SAR are permitted entry, as are:
● Passengers who have only been in Australia, the Mainland of China, Chinese Taipei, Macao SAR, New Zealand, or Singapore within the past 21 days
● Holders of a diplomatic, official, or service passport traveling on duty
● Merchant seamen
● Deadheading crew.
All passengers permitted entry to Hong Kong who have been in or transited through India in the past 21 days must have a copy of the following documents in either Chinese or English:
● A confirmed hotel reservation in Hong Kong for a minimum of 21 nights
● .A certificate of negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result, taken at most 72 hours before departure of the last direct flight to Hong Kong. The name on the certificate must match the name on the travel document. Otherwise, a written confirmation issued by the laboratory showing the name of the passenger is required.
● A document proving that the laboratory is approved by the local government
● A completed Health Declaration Form to present to the Department of Health in Hong Kong.
Although a number of airlines, including Cathay Pacific, have now resumed flights between India and Hong Kong, all passengers are still required to undergo medical screening on arrival and to quarantine for up to 21 days.
Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Hong Kong?
Hong Kong’s visa policy states thsat citizens of India do not need a visa to travel to Hong Kong for short stays or to transit through the SAR for up to 14 days. However, they are required to pre-register for a Hong Kong PAR in advance, with only a few exceptions.
Indians do not need the PAR for Hong Kong if they:
● Hold a diplomatic or official passport issued by India
● Have a Hong Kong travel pass
● Hold a Laissez-Passer issued by the United Nations and are traveling on official business
● Are enrolled as a frequent visitor in the e-Channel service
● Have right of abode, right to land, or have been granted an unconditional stay in Hong Kong
● Are in direct transit and do not leave the Hong Kong Airport transit area
● Have a valid work, study, or resident permit for Hing Kong
● Are working as crew on-air or sea transportation.
The Hong Kong PAR for Indians was introduced in 2017 to replace the visa on arrival process previously available for travelers from India for short stays in the SAR. For stays longer than 14 days, or to visit Hong Kong for purposes such as to work, study, or obtain residency, all Indian citizens are required to obtain an approved HK visa from an embassy or consulate in advance.
How to Apply for a HK Pre-Arrival Registration from India
Citizens of India are able to register for the Pre-Arrival Registration for Hong Kong in just a few minutes using a simple online application form, by entering the details of their Indian passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months. Otherwise, it will be necessary to renew the passport before applying for the PAR.
After filling in this form and submitting it for approval, Indian nationals will see a display confirming whether the PAR has been approved or denied. If it has been approved, the traveler is then required to print a copy on an A4 piece of paper.
The copy of the PAR can then be presented to board a flight from India to Hong Kong and at immigration control on arrival to gain entry to the SAR, alongside the same passport they used to complete the online application. The details on the PAR must match those on the passport. Otherwise, the traveler may be denied entry.
Indian travelers should note that if they are permitted to board a flight to Hong Kong, they are also required to complete a landing slip with their personal information before they arrive. They may also be asked to present immigration officials with proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay and a copy of a flight ticket for onward or return travel on arrival.
An approved Hong Kong PAR for Indians is valid for 6 months from issue and allows multiple entries during its validity. After an approved PAR expires, it is necessary to complete a new Pre-Arrival Registration online for Indians to be able to continue to Hong Kong
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