What travel documents do I need to travel to Hong Kong? Can I cross the border between Hong Kong and Macau or Mainland China without a visa?

Choose a hotel overlooking Hong Kong

Visa

Although Hong Kong is officially part of China, it maintains its own visa policy until at least 2047 due to its extensive autonomy.

Unlike mainland China, which requires a visa to be processed from an embassy, citizens of the vast majority of countries in the world do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong.

A passport valid for another 6 months after leaving the country will be sufficient for travel to Hong Kong.

For complete information on visas and entry requirements, please visit the official website of the Hong Kong government: gov.hk/en.

Trip to Macau

Macau has the same status within China as Hong Kong and also does not require travelers to visit tourist sites. However, Macau is a separate autonomous entity and therefore you must have a passport when travelling from Hong Kong to Macau. A visa is not required.

Travel from Hong Kong to Macau by bus or boat is direct (outside of China).

Trip to China

You must have a visa when travelling from Hong Kong to mainland China, even though it is technically one country. China does not even allow short-term visa-free entry at the mainland border when travelling from Hong Kong.

Other documents

Hong Kong has a very open approach in its migration policy. There are no checks on accommodation or money. On arrival, you need to fill out an Immigration Residency Document, which is handed out on the plane.

Hong Kong does not require a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination, but your airline may require it and it is a good idea to have everything ready.

Customs regulations

The importation of any animal or plant products into Hong Kong is prohibited for health reasons.

You can import 20 cigarettes (one pack), 1 litre of alcohol and 2 litres of wine duty free.