Visa Requirements for Hong Konger Citizens

Hong Kong citizens can visit 174 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival in 2025. Popular visa-free destinations include Japan (90 days), South Korea (90 days), Singapore (90 days), Thailand (60 days), United Kingdom (180 days), all 29 Schengen countries (90 days), Malaysia (90 days), Indonesia (30 days), Philippines (30 days), and Taiwan (30 days). Hong Kongers can also enter Macau and mainland China using their HKSAR ID card or Home Return Permit.

The US B1/B2 tourist and business visa costs $185 (approximately HK$1,450) for Hong Kong applicants. This is a non-refundable application fee paid before scheduling your visa interview at the US Consulate General in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong passport holders enjoy visa-free access to the UK for stays up to 180 days (6 months) for tourism or business purposes. No visa fee is required for short-term visits. For longer stays involving work or study, a visa application with associated fees would be required.

Hong Kong passport holders do not currently need a Schengen visa for short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Entry is visa-free across all 29 Schengen member countries. When the European ETIAS system launches, Hong Kongers will need to obtain electronic pre-authorization (€7 / HK$60) before travel, with approvals typically granted within minutes to a few days.

Standard visa requirements for Hong Kongers include: valid HKSAR passport with 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages, recent passport-size photographs (specifications vary by country), bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months showing sufficient funds, employment letter or business registration, confirmed flight itinerary and hotel bookings, travel insurance (recommended for most destinations), and cover letter explaining travel purpose.

The US B1/B2 visa approval rate for Hong Kong applicants is approximately 85% to 90% based on recent data. Hong Kong applicants generally have higher approval rates compared to many other nationalities due to strong economic ties and established travel history. Approval rates are higher for applicants with clear ties to Hong Kong, previous international travel history, and solid documentation of funds and employment.

Yes, but Hong Kongers actually do not need a visa on arrival for Thailand as they qualify for visa-free entry. Hong Kong passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for stays up to 60 days. This can be extended for an additional 30 days at a Thai immigration office for a fee of THB 1,900 (approximately HK$430).

Hong Kong passport holders generally enjoy high visa approval rates due to the passport's strength. For the US, rejection rates are typically around 10% to 15%. Canada visitor visa rejections hover around 15% to 20%. The most common rejection reasons include insufficient financial documentation, unclear travel purpose, and incomplete applications. Providing thorough documentation of ties to Hong Kong significantly improves approval chances.

To maximize visa approval chances: apply at least 3 to 6 weeks before travel, provide 3 to 6 months of bank statements showing consistent income and savings, include tax returns or proof of employment, show property ownership or other assets in Hong Kong, document previous international travel stamps, provide a detailed day-by-day travel itinerary, and ensure all documents are properly organized. For US visas, prepare thoroughly for the interview by practicing clear, concise answers about your travel purpose and ties to Hong Kong.