Hong Kong, China Entry Policy (Arrival Card Abolished)
Policy Note Asia | Hong Kong, China Entry Policy
August 7, 2026
✈️ Before You Go
Hong Kong has abolished the paper arrival card for most visitors, making entry faster than ever. If you hold a passport from a visa-free country (like the US, UK, or Australia), you need no pre-arrival eTA or visa — just your passport and a clean immigration record. The actual process at the airport takes about 10-15 minutes from queuing to stamp, assuming you’ve filled out the digital health declaration (if required) beforehand. First-time visitors are often surprised that the immigration officer may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking — have them ready on your phone. Also, many don’t realize that the arrival card’s abolition doesn’t mean no record; your entry is logged electronically, so overstaying is still tracked. A tip from repeat visitors: use the e-Channel自助通关 if you’re a frequent visitor with a registered smart ID — it cuts the line to under two minutes. Otherwise, arrive at off-peak hours (before 10 AM or after 9 PM) to skip the cruise-ship crowds.
⚠️ Important Notes
Key Policy Points
No arrival card required — Hong Kong permanently abolished all arrival/departure cards on 16 October 2024
Cost
N/A (arrival card abolished)
Fees are subject to change — always confirm on the official site.
- • IMPORTANT UPDATE: Since October 16, 2024, Hong Kong has permanently abolished ALL arrival and departure cards. Any website claiming to offer 'Hong Kong arrival card online submission' is a scam
- • Immigration now uses Advance Passenger Information (API) submitted by airlines — just present your passport at immigration upon arrival
- • Most nationalities enjoy visa-free entry: 90 days for US/UK/Australia/Singapore/EU passports. Indian nationals and some others need PAR pre-registration
- • Mainland Chinese residents still need a valid Exit-Entry Permit for Hong Kong (EEP) and endorsement, but no arrival card is needed
- • Do NOT pay any website for a 'Hong Kong arrival card' — this service no longer exists
- • Indian nationals traveling to Hong Kong must apply for PAR (Pre-Arrival Registration) — free online application, valid for 6 months with multiple entries
- • Hong Kong International Airport has fully deployed e-Channel automated clearance — eligible travelers can use e-gates without manual inspection
- • Chinese passport holders transiting through Hong Kong to a third country can stay visa-free for 7 days (must hold a valid onward ticket to a third country)
- • Hong Kong Immigration no longer issues any form of arrival/departure card — anyone requesting your personal information under the guise of 'e-arrival card' is attempting fraud
Step-by-Step Guide
💡 Before You Start
Before traveling to Hong Kong, verify your visa status on the official Immigration Department website. Ensure your passport is valid for at least one month beyond your stay. Do not pay any third-party websites for arrival cards or visa services — the arrival card is abolished and PAR is free.
1Understanding the New Entry Policy
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Understanding the New Entry Policy
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This section explains that the arrival card has been abolished and what travelers need to know before departure.
📸 About This Screenshot
This screenshot shows the latest official electronic entry card landing/login page. The step-by-step text guide below is based on the actual form structure, with detailed field instructions and common mistake warnings for your reference.
Entry Card Requirement
textRequiredAs of October 16, 2024, Hong Kong has permanently abolished all arrival and departure cards. Do not fill out any arrival card form online. Airlines will submit your Advance Passenger Information (API) to Hong Kong immigration before your flight. Simply present your passport upon arrival.
⚠ Common Mistakes
- •Filling out fake online arrival card forms and paying fees
- •Assuming you still need to fill a paper card on the plane
2Visa Exemption Check
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Visa Exemption Check
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Determine whether you need a visa or can enter Hong Kong visa-free based on your nationality.
📸 About This Screenshot
This screenshot shows the latest official electronic entry card landing/login page. The step-by-step text guide below is based on the actual form structure, with detailed field instructions and common mistake warnings for your reference.
Passport Nationality
selectRequiredSelect your passport-issuing country. Most Western countries (US, UK, Australia, Singapore, EU nations) enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Indian nationals and a few others need to apply for Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) online before travel. Chinese mainland residents must hold a valid Exit-Entry Permit (EEP) with a valid endorsement.
⚠ Common Mistakes
- •Selecting the wrong nationality or passport type
- •Assuming visa-free entry applies to all nationalities
3Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) for Eligible Nationals
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Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) for Eligible Nationals
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For nationals of countries requiring PAR (e.g., India), this section covers the online registration process.
📸 About This Screenshot
This screenshot shows the latest official electronic entry card landing/login page. The step-by-step text guide below is based on the actual form structure, with detailed field instructions and common mistake warnings for your reference.
PAR Application Status
textOptionalIf your nationality requires PAR, you must complete the online registration at the official Hong Kong Immigration Department website (immd.gov.hk) before traveling. The registration is free and typically takes a few minutes. You will receive a confirmation number that you should keep with you.
⚠ Common Mistakes
- •Paying third-party websites for PAR registration
- •Forgetting to carry the PAR confirmation number
4Travel Documents Preparation
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Travel Documents Preparation
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Ensure your passport and other travel documents meet Hong Kong entry requirements.
📸 About This Screenshot
This screenshot shows the latest official electronic entry card landing/login page. The step-by-step text guide below is based on the actual form structure, with detailed field instructions and common mistake warnings for your reference.
Passport Validity
dateRequiredYour passport must be valid for at least one month beyond your intended stay in Hong Kong. For visa-free entry, ensure your passport has at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Check the expiration date carefully to avoid any issues at immigration.
⚠ Common Mistakes
- •Passport expiring within one month of departure
- •Not having a blank page for the entry stamp
Mainland Residents Permit
textOptionalIf you are a Chinese mainland resident, you must hold a valid Exit-Entry Permit (EEP) with a valid endorsement for Hong Kong. The endorsement must be valid for your intended stay. No arrival card is needed, but you must present your EEP at immigration.
⚠ Common Mistakes
- •EEP endorsement expired or invalid for the travel dates
- •Confusing EEP with a passport for entry
5Arrival Procedures
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Arrival Procedures
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What to expect when you arrive at Hong Kong International Airport or other entry points.
📸 About This Screenshot
This screenshot shows the latest official electronic entry card landing/login page. The step-by-step text guide below is based on the actual form structure, with detailed field instructions and common mistake warnings for your reference.
Immigration Lane Selection
selectRequiredAt immigration, choose the appropriate lane: Hong Kong residents, visitors, or e-Channel (if eligible). For visitors, have your passport ready. The process is quick as no arrival card is required. Follow the signs and be prepared to answer questions about your stay duration and purpose.
⚠ Common Mistakes
- •Choosing the wrong lane (e.g., residents lane as a visitor)
- •Not having passport ready and delaying the line
6Avoiding Scams and Final Checks
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Avoiding Scams and Final Checks
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Important warnings about fraudulent websites and final checklist before travel.
📸 About This Screenshot
This screenshot shows the latest official electronic entry card landing/login page. The step-by-step text guide below is based on the actual form structure, with detailed field instructions and common mistake warnings for your reference.
Official Website Verification
textRequiredOnly use the official Hong Kong Immigration Department website (immd.gov.hk) for any immigration-related services. Be wary of any website that asks for payment for 'Hong Kong arrival card' or 'visa processing' — these are scams. The arrival card has been abolished, and PAR registration is free.
⚠ Common Mistakes
- •Using third-party websites that charge fees
- •Sharing personal information on unsecured sites
💬 Travel Experience Exchange
Applying or already traveled? Share your entry/exit experience, real problems encountered, or recent changes to help fellow travelers — our editors will also respond regularly.
- Share pitfalls or surprises during your entry process
- Let others know about recent entry procedure changes
- Read the guide and warnings above before asking
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