Hong Kong is a vibrant metropolis combining skyscrapers with stunning natural landscapes. It offers an array of shopping and culinary experiences.
CapitalHong Kong
Population7,500,000
Official language(s)Chinese (Cantonese), English
CurrencyHong Kong Dollar
Time zoneUTC+8
Use the MTR for convenient transportation.
Hong Kong SAR China allows short visa-free stays for many nationalities, but the permitted length depends on your passport. Check in advance whether your nationality needs a visa and obtain one before departure if required. Electronic travel authorizations such as the US ESTA, Korea K-ETA, UK ETA, Canada eTA, and Australia ETA are different from Hong Kong’s online arrival or customs-related procedures, so do not mix them up. Hong Kong generally does not require a paper arrival card, and you should check customs rules ahead of time for restricted items and any cash declaration threshold.
Check your entry status in advance
Before arriving in Hong Kong, confirm that your trip is for tourism and that you meet the entry conditions shown by the airline or immigration authorities. Some nationalities enter visa-free, while others need a visa in advance, so your passport rules should be checked first.
See if you can use the e-Channel
Hong Kong allows eligible travelers from certain nationalities to use the automated e-Channel. If you are entering for the first time or do not meet the requirements, use the regular immigration lane, where identity checks such as fingerprints or facial recognition may be taken if needed.
Pass immigration
Present your passport and briefly explain that your visit is for tourism. Entry is approved with a stamp or electronically, and you should carefully note the length of stay granted at the counter.
Check customs restrictions
Items such as meat, poultry, fruit, and plants may be restricted, so check before packing them in carry-on or checked baggage. If you have goods or cash to declare, declare them honestly at the customs counter.
Check refunds before departure
Hong Kong does not have VAT on goods, but you should separately check duty-free purchases and individual shop refund or exchange policies. Also make sure any items you bought during the trip are not subject to export restrictions.
Clear departure control
When leaving Hong Kong, departure control is usually straightforward and based on your passport and boarding pass, and there is generally no separate departure tax. Check airline and airport guidance in case you are eligible for an automated departure gate.