Updated On: 11 Jun 2024
In 2023, more than 34 million visited Hong Kong. It is one of the most popular destinations for Indian citizens going abroad, as it provides “visa-free” entry to Indians for up to 14 days.
To avail this visa-free entry, Indian residents must apply for “Online Pre-Arrival Registration”. This facility is created especially for Indian citizens.
So what is “Online Pre-Arrival Registration” and how to apply for it? Let us take a look.
What Is Hong Kong Online Pre-Arrival Registration?
The “Online Pre-Arrival Registration” (PAR) is a notification slip that serves as an immigration document for Indian travellers who wish to enter Hong Kong. It allows Visa-free entry for a stay of up to 14 days. It has a validity of 6 months and multiple entry is allowed during the period. There is no fee involved.
Who can apply for the Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration?
An Indian citizen having a valid passport can apply for the Hong Pre-Arrival Registration if they;
- Intend to visit Hong Kong for not more than 14 days
- Intend to visit Hong Kong for travel or business conferences
If one wants to go to Hong Kong for employment or study in a school or university there they would need to apply for the appropriate visa. The Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration will not be applicable for these purposes.
How to Apply for Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration?
You can apply for the Pre-Arrival Registration online in 3 easy steps.
1. Visit Hong Kong immigration website & input registration details
Indian citizens can do the “Online Pre-Arrival Registration” (PAR is free of charge) through the Hong Kong government website.
Fill in the required details in the online form. While doing this, keep your current valid passport handy. It should have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of planned entry to Hong Kong).
2. Confirm registration details
Once you have input the required information, confirm that the information in the Registration is the same as in your Indian passport.
The Hong Kong immigration system will process the registration automatically and display the result. You will immediately get to know whether your “Pre-Arrival Registration” has been successful or not.
For registrants who are less than 16 years of age, their parent or legal guardian must check if the information is correct and sign the slip.
3. Print and sign the Pre-Arrival Registration notification slip
If the Pre-Arrival Registration has been successful for you, then print your notification slip on a blank A4 white paper. This slip will serve as one of the important documents required for boarding a flight to Hong Kong and also for clearing immigration after reaching Hong Kong. Make sure to sign your notification slip.
Here is a video by the Hong Kong Immigration Department that explains Pre-Arrival Registration for Indians ;
Please Note: Successfully applying for and getting a Pre-Arrival Registration slip does not guarantee your entry to Hong Kong. Apart from fulfilling normal immigration requirements, a person entering Hong Kong should not raise any security concerns (criminal activity concerns), have a convincing purpose of visit and have the funds required to cover the duration of his/her stay before entry to Hong Kong may be granted.
Lost or damaged Pre-Arrival Registration Notification Slip
If your notification slip is lost or damaged, you can simply print another one, sign it and it would be good for use. Make sure to save a copy of your notification slip (soft copy or photocopy).
Documents to be produced at the Hong Kong Immigration Desk
Indian nationals travelling to Hong Kong are expected to carry the following documents ;
1. Valid Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) slip
Valid for a maximum of 6 months. A PAR can make multiple trips to Hong Kong within those 6 months. On each visit, they can stay for up to 14 days in Hong Kong.
2. Valid Indian Passport
Valid Indian Passport with a minimum validity of at least 6 months.
Also Read: 8 Essential Things You Need To Take Before Going Abroad
3. Return/onward flight ticket and Hotel Bookings
It’d be better for you to do your flight and hotel bookings once you have applied for your Pre-Arrival Registration successfully. You would lose a lot of money If you booked non-refundable flights or hotel rooms for travel to Hong Kong and then your online PAR application was rejected.
4. Business – Visiting card
If you are going for a business meeting or conference, you need to bring along a document verifying the same which could be an invitation letter or visiting card.
5. Sufficient funds
You must have sufficient funds in hand at your time of entry in Hong Kong. You may be asked to show proof of funds during immigration. Typically, $100 HKD/day per person would be ideal. Based on this, calculate how much money you’d need for your trip. Also, make sure to have credit/debit cards as a backup in your wallet.
You can buy Hong Kong Dollar currency & forex card online at the best rates via ExTravelMoney.
Also Read: What Is The Best Way To Carry Cash When Travelling Abroad? 5 Forex Tips For You
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Indians need a visa to visit Hong Kong?
For a stay of up to 14 days, no visa is required. Indian’s can make use of the “Pre Arrival Registration” facility and travel visa-free to Hong Kong. However, for those intending to stay in Hong Kong for more than 14 days, an appropriate visa is required based on the nature of your visit.
2. What types of visas can Indians apply for to visit Hong Kong?
Indians can apply for several types of visas to visit Hong Kong, including:
- Tourist visa
- Employment visa
- Investment visa
- Training visa
- Dependent visa
3. If visiting Hong Kong with family, do we need to apply for PAR individually?
Yes, each family member, needs to apply for PAR separately.
4. Is there a fee for the Pre-arrival Registration (PAR)?
No, the Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) is free of charge.
5. How do I apply for the Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) for Hong Kong?
To apply for PAR, visit the GovHK website and fill in the required information. Make sure the details match your passport exactly. The system processes your application instantly, and you’ll receive immediate results. PAR is valid for six months, allowing multiple visits, with each stay up to 14 days.
6. How should I enter my details when applying for PAR?
When applying for PAR, ensure all information, especially your name, matches your passport exactly. If your passport does not have a surname or given name in English, leave the relevant field blank.
7. How long can I stay in Hong Kong with a valid PAR?
With a valid PAR, you can stay in Hong Kong for up to 14 days per visit. The PAR is valid for six months, allowing multiple entries, provided you meet normal immigration requirements.
