Every year, thousands of Indian travellers choose Hong Kong as their preferred destination for business trips, higher education, holidays, and even as a work destination.
The Pearl of the Orient, Hong Kong, presents a unique blend of Chinese tradition and modern lifestyle, which is why it is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in Asia.
However, you must first complete one very important requirement before you can ride on the iconic Star Ferry or shop at the popular Temple Street Night Market, which is securing the right visa. And with that comes the big question: “How much is a Hong Kong Visa for Indians?
It is important to know about the Hong Kong visa fee for Indians in case you are planning to visit in 2025. Whether it is the free-of-charge Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) for short visits or the regular visa fee for longer visits, it is always better to know about the updated costs to avoid unexpected expenses and last-minute surprises.
This detailed blog will take you through all the information you need to know about the Hong Kong visa fee for Indians, including the types of visas and how to apply, fee details, payment options, and even fee waivers.
Therefore, if Hong Kong is on your list of places to visit this year, read on, as this blog will assist you in planning your trip to Hong Kong smartly and cost-effectively.
Types of Hong Kong Visas for Indians
Depending on the reason for travel and duration of the stay, the Hong Kong Department provides different types of visas. Discussed below are some of the most commonly demanded types of visas.
1. Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR)
Although it is not a traditional visa, it is one of the mandatory requirements for Indian nationals planning on visiting or transiting through Hong Kong. It allows travel visa-free if visiting for up to 14 days.
2. Visit/Tourist Visa
As the name suggests, this type of visa is best suited for tourism, visiting family/friends, and so on. This visa is specifically needed if you plan on staying for longer than 14 days.
3. Business Visa
For attending business meetings, work-related conferences, trade events, and so on lasting longer than 14 days, Indian passport holders need to secure a suitable business visa.
4. Employment Visa
An employment visa is necessary for Indian professionals looking to secure work under a job contract in Hong Kong.
5. Student Visa
Indian passport holders who wish to study abroad and get enrolled in full-time academic programs in Hong Kong need to secure a study/student visa.
6. Dependent Visa
This visa category is exclusively for family members such as spouse, parents or children of resident visa holders, full-time employees or students enrolled in Hong Kong.
7. Transit Visa
While transiting through Hong Kong, if you plan on stepping out of the airport, a short-term transit visa is required.
How to Apply for a Hong Kong Visa from India?
The visa application procedure can come across as challenging and complicated. However, there is no need to worry as you can follow these simple steps to apply for a Hong Kong visa in India.
- Check Your Eligibility – Check your requirements, and if you are eligible to use PAR (Pre-Arrival Registration), then you can fill it out online. In case you need a traditional visa for a long-term visit, you can apply at the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
- Fill out the Application Form – Select the appropriate visa according to your reason for travel, and fill out the application form from the Hong Kong Immigration website. Be careful when filling in the information, such as the purpose of travel, the duration of stay, and personal information.
- Gather Required Documents – Keep all the required documents ready, as you will need to upload the documents while applying. Make sure you have the correct and complete documents.
- Submit Application – Double-check all the details entered and the documents uploaded before the final submission of the application.
- Pay the Visa Fees – Once the application is finally submitted, you will need to pay the prescribed visa fees, which may vary depending on the type of visa.
- Wait for Processing – After completing all the above steps, wait for the processing, which normally takes 4-6 weeks, based on the type of visa.
- Receive Visa/Entry Permit – On approval of your application, you will be issued a visa label or permit which will be attached to your passport before travelling.
Note: this is the process for an e-visa application, which is valid for a stay of up to 14 days. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply to the Immigration Department. An offline application will be needed for longer stay visas.
Documents Needed for a Hong Kong Visa
Indian passport holders applying for a Hong Kong Visa need to submit certain documents. The exact documents required will vary depending on the visa type, but in general, the following documents are needed;
- Valid passport (at least 6 months’ validity)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Flight itinerary and accommodation proof
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Hong Kong (bank statements, ITR, etc.)
- Other supporting documents, such as an invitation letter to a business for a business visa, an admission letter to study for a student visa, a job contract of employment for a work visa, and so on.
Hong Kong Visa Fees for Indians (Updated)
| Visa Type | Duration | Visa Fee |
| Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) | Valid for a period of 6 months, and it allows the holder to stay in Hong Kong for 14 days. | Free |
| Visit/Tourist Visa | Stay beyond 14 days | 230 HKD (2600 INR approx.) |
| Business Visa | For business meetings, trade events, and similar activities going beyond 14 days | 230 HKD ( 2,600 INR approx.) |
| Employment Visa | It is for long-term employment. Initially issued for 12 months or the length of the employment contract. | 230 HKD to 1,060 HKD (around 2,600 to 11,900 INR) |
| Study Visa | Issued to international students for the duration of their course. | 230 HKD (2600 INR approx.) |
| Dependent Visa | For family members visiting Hong Kong | 230 HKD (2600 INR approx.) |
| Multiple Entry Visa | Valid for multiple entries within one year | 470 HKD (5300 INR approx.) |
| Transit Visa | For stepping outside the airport while transiting through Hong Kong | 120 HKD (1300 INR approx.) |
Note: Visa charges will vary depending on the Hong Kong Immigration policies and currency fluctuation. You need to verify with the official website or consulate before the visa application.
Additional Costs
While the cost for a visa is standard and fixed, candidates may come across additional costs such as;
- Courier Charges – For sending offline applications, candidates will need to bear the courier charges, adding to the total.
- Document Translation/Notarization Fees – In some cases, where documents are not recognised due to language issues, they will need to be translated by a certified translator and notarised.
- Travel Insurance – Although it may not be mandatory, travel insurance with good coverage is highly recommended.
- Agency/Consultant Fees – For visa applications sent through a visa agent or a consultant, additional costs need to be paid for their service on top of the fixed visa costs.
- Bank Draft Charges – Since visa fees are paid in Hong Kong Dollars, banks may charge currency conversion or draft-making fees.
Payment Methods
Hong Kong Immigration Department accepts payment of visa fees in the form of:
- Bank Draft (in Hong Kong Dollars)
- Cashier Order (bank-issued)
- International Bank transfer (depending on the rules of the consulates)
- Visa Agent Payments (if applied through an authorised agency in India)
Pro Tip – You should always confirm the most recent payment method with the Chinese Consulate in India before paying for your visa application.
Hong Kong Visa Fee Waiver
There are a few instances in which the visa fees can be waived:
- Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) – No fee is charged for all Indian passport holders who are eligible.
- Diplomatic Passport Holders – They may be exempt from certain visa costs.
- Special Programs – Visa fee waivers may be applied to some student exchange or cultural delegation programs.
However, an important thing to note is that these waivers are case-specific and have to be approved by Hong Kong authorities.
Conclusion
For Indian passport holders, it is fairly straightforward to travel to Hong Kong, especially with the Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR), which allows one to visit without paying any visa charges. For longer visas generally used for higher studies, employment, or family visit, the normal visa charge is roughly HKD 230 (2,600 INR).
A bit of planning ahead, awareness of the revised visa costs, and correct documentation can make the process hassle-free and easy. Be it business, education, or pleasure, you need to know the visa charges for Indians in Hong Kong so you can plan your trip effectively and avoid any last-minute surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
The majority of Indian passport holders require Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) when making brief visits lasting not more than 14 days. For extended stays, a traditional visa is needed.
Yes, PAR is free and valid for 6 months, allowing the holder several visits to Hong Kong, each visit for up to 14 days.
On average, a tourist visa can cost up to HKD 230 (2,600 INR). It is needed if the plan is to stay for longer than 14 days.
The exact time taken to process a visa application depends on the visa type, the documents submitted, and the workload of the concerned authorities. On average, it generally takes about 4-6 weeks.
If you are visiting for a short period of time, you can obtain a Pre-Arrival Registration online. For other visa types, the application needs to be submitted to the Chinese Embassy/Consulate.
The duration of a visa is based on the type of visa, but normally it lasts between 3 months to 1 year with either single or multiple entries.
Yes, the minors, just as adults, will have to apply to PAR or a visa too.
No, the visa fee will not be refunded even if the application has been rejected.
