travel through hong kong airport

Increase of duty-free allowance for luggage articles brought into the Mainland by Mainland residents travelling from Hong Kong is now in effect. Click here for details.

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Hong kong tourism board, immigration & customs.

Immigration and customs processes in Hong Kong are clear and efficient. Here, we’ve got all the info you’ll need to ensure you’re prepared for a smooth entry so you can just get on with what’s most important: having a good time in the city!

Immigration

Nationals of most countries do not require a visa to enter Hong Kong for tourism and can stay for periods varying from seven to 180 days, depending on nationality. If you’re unsure of your status, please check with any Chinese embassy or consulate .

More than 100 countries and territories have representative offices in Hong Kong. Their contact details are listed here . You can also find further details about visa requirements on the Immigration Department website.

With effect from 28 December 2021, the Immigration Department has introduced electronic services for visa applications in phases to allow applicants to complete the entire process of visa-related applications online. Please visit the Immigration Department website or click here for more details.

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION TRAVEL PASS

This pass provides simplified immigration procedures for frequent business travellers who hold valid passports and are eligible to come to Hong Kong without a visa or entry permit for the purposes of a visit.

Eligibility criteria:

You must have a genuine need to visit Hong Kong frequently, and
you must have previously visited Hong Kong trouble-free on three or more occasions (not including side visits to the Mainland of China or Macao) in the 12 months prior to the application, or
the Director of Immigration must be satisfied that your visits may bring substantial benefits to Hong Kong.

Pass holders may use Hong Kong residents' counters for simplified immigration clearance procedures.

Further details about this pass and a downloadable application form can be found on the Immigration Department website .

E-CHANNEL SERVICE FOR FREQUENT VISITORS

Frequent visitors to Hong Kong can now enjoy the convenience of computerised self-service  e-Channels , which provide quick and easy immigration clearance.

Aged 18 or above;
Holding a valid travel document and where appropriate, valid multiple visit visa;
Holding one of the following documents: - HKSAR Travel Pass; - APEC Business Travel Card with ‘HKG’ printed on the reverse side; or - Frequent Flyer Programme membership card issued by airlines which have joined this scheme (please enquire with your airline for details).
For passengers not holding one of the documents mentioned in item 3: - Holding a valid travel document which is not required to have entry visa/permit for entering the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); and - Have made visits to the HKSAR by air via the Hong Kong International Airport no fewer than three times in the past 12 months immediately before enrolment for the e-Channel service.
No adverse record in the HKSAR.

Successfully enrolled visitors can use the Frequent Visitor e-Channels at all control points. Please click  here  for details on the procedure for using the Frequent Visitor e-Channels.

All visitors entering Hong Kong must go through customs clearance and declare any dutiable commodities exceeding duty-free quotas. Learn more about dutiable commodities and the latest duty-free concessions .

Points to note:

Import and export of commonly found prohibited / controlled items including dangerous drugs, arms, weapons, animals, plants, endangered species, meat and poultry is governed by Hong Kong’s laws.
Any import or export of these items must be accompanied by a valid licence, permit or certification issued in advance by the relevant authorities, unless exempted by law.
While legal in some countries, various personal protection devices, such as 'mace' spray and stun guns, are prohibited in Hong Kong.
Persons entering or leaving Hong Kong are required to declare or disclose the possession of currency or bearer negotiable instruments totalling more than HK$120,000 to the Customs and Excise Department.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is classified as a dangerous drug in Hong Kong, and products containing CBD are prohibited. Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (DDO), trafficking (including importing and exporting) and manufacturing of substances in contravention of the law will be subject to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million. Possession and consumption of such substances will also be subject to imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of HK$1 million. Click here to find out more.

For further details, please visit the Customs and Excise Department website . To avoid any unnecessary delays, please follow the guidelines set by Hong Kong International Airport .

TIPS FOR VISITORS

Many visitors transit in Hong Kong or arrive here after visiting other countries. Due to the variations in legislations of different countries, some items which may be considered legal at other points of embarkation or disembarkation can be considered illegal in Hong Kong.

Details on the types of items that are illegal in Hong Kong, as well as some further tips on safety and security at the airport, can be found here .

AIRPORT SECURITY

All passengers departing from Hong Kong International Airport are required to show their boarding passes and travel documents to airport security personnel at the Departures Immigration Hall. Please find further details here .

CARRY-ON BAGGAGE

Departing visitors and those in transit should note that enhanced security measures are now in effect at Hong Kong International Airport. Visitors are reminded not to include any sharp objects with points or blades in carry-on luggage, such as knives, cutters, scissors, razor blades or household cutlery. Pack such items in your check-in luggage.

Restrictions also apply to carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols, which must be in containers no bigger than 100ml and placed in a single transparent re-sealable bag with a capacity not exceeding one litre (maximum one bag per passenger).

Please find further details here .

Practical Info

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The Asian Traveller

Ashley Tham

SINGAPORE: From Wednesday (Dec 14), international passengers arriving in Hong Kong will no longer face COVID-19 movement controls following the axing of a mandatory mobile application.

Travellers were previously issued an "amber code", which meant they could not visit venues like restaurants or bars for their first three days in Hong Kong.

Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau said on Tuesday that "international arrivals don't have any restrictions" after the easing of COVID-19 rules.

"So the same day they step off the aircraft, they are free to enter any premises," he added.

While arrivals no longer face restrictions on moving around - provided they test negative for COVID-19 - there are still several regulations in force.

Inbound travellers to Hong Kong have to be fully vaccinated and undergo a pre-departure Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours before the scheduled time of departure.

After submitting their negative test result and vaccination records via a health and quarantine declaration form, a green health declaration QR code will be generated for visitors for presentation at their airline check-in counter.

Upon arrival, they must take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at the Hong Kong International Airport and on their third day in the city.

The PCR tests can be conducted at community testing centres, mobile specimen collection stations or any recognised local medical testing institution.

Travellers are also required to undertake RAT testing for the first five days of their visit and report the results through Hong Kong's electronic COVID-19 Medical Surveillance System.

Snap Insight: Hong Kong lifts all travel curbs – could this be the test balloon for China’s reopening?

Here's everything new you'll want to experience when you're in Hong Kong

Masks are also still compulsory both indoors and outdoors, unless engaging in exercise or in country parks, while group gatherings are currently capped at 12 people. However, people are able to go to nightclubs and banquets.

For those intending to visit eateries or drinking establishments, Mr Lo said visitors will "need to show a photograph or paper record of their COVID-19 vaccines at some venues which require it".

Hong Kong has followed closely in China's footsteps in enforcing a zero-COVID policy but began scaling down the tight regulations in the last few months.

COVID-19 rules that travellers to Hong Kong must continue to follow:

Inbound travellers to Hong Kong have to be fully vaccinated and undergo a pre-departure RAT test within 24 hours before the scheduled time of departure.

Two PCR tests - one at the airport and one on the third day of their visit.

RAT testing for the first five days of their visit, with results to be submitted online.

Mask-wearing remains largely compulsory both indoors and outdoors.

Group gatherings of more than 12 people in public places are not allowed.

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Tips For Transiting Through Hong Kong Airport

Jayne Gorman

June 19, 2015

When travelling from Australia to the UK (or vice versa) one of my favourite airports to transit through is Hong Kong International. I know Singapore Changi Airport gets a lot of love in the industry but for me Hong Kong Airport has far better shops, lounges and phone charging capabilities for those of us flying economy!

If you’re travelling long-haul via Hong Kong these are my tips and tricks for a smooth transit.

Having such a fun time in transit at Hong Kong Airport it requires a selfie!

When you arrive at HKIA you’ll need to pass through security to get to the departure gates. If you already have a boarding pass, follow the signs for ‘transfers’ and join the queue for security checks. You will need to throw away any unfinished bottles of water and get your electronic goods out of your bag. If you don’t already have a boarding pass for the onwards flight you’ll need to go to your airline’s transfer desk. Their locations are listed here .

Once through to departures head to the Information desk if you’re unsure about where to find any of the places I’m about to mention below. It’s a big airport but the staff speak perfect English so just ask for help.

If you came in near Gate 30 or above you’ll handily already be near to the fantastic Cathay Pacific The Bridge Lounge and Hong Kong’s newest Plaza Premium Lounge . If you’re not flying business/don’t have an airline lounge pass you can pay to enter the Plaza Premium Lounge situated near Gate 40 in the West Hall. (Take the escalators, on your right if facing The Bridge, and head to level 7.)

Depending on how much time you have/what you are in need of, you can just pay for a shower suite. These recently updated rooms feature a powerful shower, sink, toilet and seat and come with all the toiletries and towels you could need – including toothpaste and shower cap. Entry costs $200 HKD (approx £16/ $33 AUD) for a Shower Package or $480 HKD (approx £40/ $80 AUD) for 2 hours lounge use.

Find more information on fees and services here .

If you have a long layover you might want to consider booking a hotel near the airport.

Booking.com

Entrance to Cathay Pacific's The Bridge Lounge

To reach the best shops (and Starbucks) in the East Hall from the West Hall you could walk along several moving walkways in a row and enjoy the view, or you could cheat and take the Sky Train found down the escalators. It’s signposted as a way to reach Gate’s 1 – 20 but is also an easy way to get up and down the terminal.

Take time to shop up a storm in Zara, Jimmy Choo, Mac and M&M’s World. There are many more designer stores but these are just my personal favourites. I also love browsing all the Asian magazines at Relay, but this could just be me!

Is it just me who loves browsing foreign magazines?

When it comes to feeding time there are large food courts in both the East and West Hall serving Asian and Western cuisine. The East Hall, in particular, can get rather busy so if you are looking for somewhere to sit down head to Pizza Express (just opposite the food court), Cafe Deco (a few shops down from Pizza Express) or head for the few hidden seats by the window behind Starbucks on the Central Concourse. There is also a Pacific Coffee Company on the Central Concourse if you are in need of a coffee fix.

Seating on the Central Concourse gets snapped up quickly

Recharging Batteries

There are charge points all over Hong Kong airport for all sorts of sockets. Some have tables so you can use your laptop as it charges, whilst others are designed just for phones (look for the sockets hidden in pillars).

There is free and fast wifi all over Hong Kong Airport.

Exhibitions

There are a number of fun exhibitions dotted around HKIA. During my visit there was a “Childhood Memories” exhibition near Gate 31, which had a really interesting collection of retro toys from Hong Kong, and a selection of Bruce Lee memorabilia near Gate 62.

Smoke (if you must) in the preassigned smoking lounges found near the toilets in the main terminal.

Plane-Spotting

Because the windows at Hong Kong airport are perfect for it. If you look really carefully you can even spot the cable car on Lantau Island that takes you to Big Buddha .

Are you travelling via Hong Kong Airport any time soon?

Moments Of Happiness From My Trip Back Home

Review: sofitel st james hotel, hotel, 63 thoughts on “tips for transiting through hong kong airport”.

I’ve spent some quality time in the Hong Kong airport. It’s so nice to get stuck in a well-equipped space (unlike some of the disgusting ‘airports’ I’ve also been stuck in over the years). It makes all the difference! I didn’t realize, however, that the price to get into the lounge was so reasonable. I’ll definitely do this next time (and probably use the same tip in other airports)!

It definitely is a fair price to pay for the opportunity to feel half-human again! I’ve done the same thing in KL, Singapore and Abu Dhabi when flying Sydney to London and it really helps break up the journey. The facilities at HK are among the best.

I’m going to Hong Kong at the end of the year – it’s my first stop on my flight over to travel around South East Asia from the UK, & my last stop before I go home. I’m really excited to get to HK & hit the ground running, but now also looking forward to spending a good amount of time in the airport on the way back home!

Haha it’s wonderful to know you won’t be stuck somewhere grotty whilst waiting to fly back home. Have a wonderful time in SE Asia. I’m very jealous!

Hi , I have 9 hours transit time at HK . Could I go out to the Peak for a sunset view and dinner? I have an Australian passport

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hi I only have about 1hr in transit do I need to worry

Hi Jacqui, that should be fine. HK is much easier to transit through than say Singapore Changi which is so huge it takes a while to get inbetween terminals. Are you booked on a single ticket with the same airline? In that case they should be expecting you and will meet you at the gate to escort you if your first flight is running late.

I also have an hour and am switching airlines. Do you think that will be a problem? If I have a boarding pass in hand? I won’t need to clear immigration or anything, it’s just standard security?

I’m travelling through HK to NZ (from the UK), my inbound flight is with Virgin and I leave on an Air NZ plane (All booked as a single trip through Air NZ). I only have 1h 40m at Hong Kong, will this be long enough if I have to transfer my own luggage etc? The airlines have said I won’t be able to find this out until the day I travel D: I have really high anxiety and am only travelling as there’s literally no way around it. Anything you could tell me would be useful.

Hi Lois, As your flights are all on one booking there is no need to transfer your luggage. Just confirm at check in in London that it’s checked through to NZ and then take all your essentials in your hand luggage. 1hr40 is not enough time to transfer your own luggage but with your bags checked through it’s more than enough time to grab a shower and/or something to eat instead!

I am transiting Hong Kong in Feb 2017 . A shower is a must .Flying from UK to Auckland .So seeing how cheap it is its a must. The food looks great too . I transited Guangzhu in may this year and arrived in Auckland looking and smelling like something your cat would drag in. Yes a shower is a must .

My husband and I are flying in to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific (Business Class – love those frequent flyer miles) and transit to Singapore Airlines (Economy). What is the absolute minimum amount of time you would recommend for transit, if shopping, showering, and eating aren’t on the agenda? Thank you.

How exciting – Cathay’s business class is amazing. If you’re changing airlines I think you will need to collect your bags and recheck them in/go through security, in which case I would leave a 3 hour buffer.

Thank you so much.

Hey I am travelling from Auckland to Abu Dhabi (transit in Hong Kong for 1 hour 5 minutes). First flight with hong kong airlines, second flight is code shared with Etihad airlines (it is a single ticket, i.e. one booking). Do I need to worry ?

Hi Ayla, not at all. As you’re on a single ticket you will be able to check in for both flights at the start of your journey and your bags will get checked through too. The airlines will look after you if there are any delays 🙂

I have a 17h layover at HKIA (get in 3pm and depart next day around noon). Was planning on staying at the Regal Airport for convenience.

Any tips on getting into the city and some easy things to see/do at that time of the day? This would be my first visit to HK.

That’s shy to tell that This is the first time I take a flight. I’m that kind of worried too much about transit. I have only 80 mins to transit at Hongkong airport ( Vietnam to Osaka). Is it enough time to transit?

Thanks for this. I needed a guide to transit and this gave me so much more! Really great stuff.

I’m travelling from Auckland to India. My flight is on 01st Apr and there is a 20 hrs stay at the Airport. Was just wondering, if someone can guide me with what I can do there. 🙁

Is your stopover during the daytime? If so 20 hrs should give you enough time to visit Hong Kong briefly – the express train to central takes just 24 minutes. You could take the tram up The Peak, visit the markets in Kowloon and take the Star Ferry across the harbour. If it’s nighttime I would recommend a transit hotel. There’s a Marriott, Novotel and Regal Airport hotel all at International. http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/passenger/hotel-mice/regal-airport-hotel.html

Hi there. First time in HK airport in about 20 years (yikes). I am headed to Korea from NZ (via HK airport). My standby time is about 5 hrs, but my flight arrives at 9pm in HK. I was wondering how/where to eat/shop/shower or if anything was open around that time? Would this be after going through the security checks? Thanks!

Hi Dennis, All the places I mentioned are post-security but unless you’re rechecking in your bag I assume you won’t be leaving the transit area anyway. Many places are open late with a few shops and restaurants open 24 hours. See here http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/shopping/24hours.html Best, Jayne

I still love Changi but Hong Kong is a close second. Have you ever gone via Seoul. Transit there is pretty smooth and there is good shopping and free showers. Also Narita and Hamad are good. I go from the US East Coast to Australia.

I’m currently in Hamad and am seriously impressed with its sleek design and smart facilities. Changi is hard to beat with all its greenery, pool and cinema rooms though!

I have a question. What would I need to do if I am flying SIN-JFK via HKG And SFO. SIN-HKG is on Cathay Pacific. HKG to SFO is on Singapore Airlines (premium economy). SFO to JFK is on JetBlue Mint Product. Would I need to go to transfer desk at HKG?

Hi Isaac, Usually if the airlines are in the same alliance or you bought the flights on one ticket your bags would be checked straight through and you go through the transit line but I think in this instance you will need to head to arrivals to collect your bags and then check them in for the onward flights. Call Cathay to check but that’s my understanding! Best, Jayne

Hi. I’m flying from Auckland to Germany next month. I’m permanent resident of New Zealand. I have few hours stay at Hong Kong airport to catch my next flight. I’m bit confused with transit process. Do I have to pass through immigration or passport control desk to catch my next flight? I f yes then I don’t have much time to get a transit visa of Hong Kong. Or on arrival I will just go to my gate and don’t need to show passport. I will have my next flight boarding pass. I would appreciate if some One can share their experience of transit in Hong Kong airport. Thanks

Hi Imran, if you are checked through to your final destination and already have the boarding pass you do not need to go through immigration. Just follow the signs for connecting flights. Best, Jayne

Hi. In case the mentioned name in the List of Tranfer desk doesn’t have my airline – Jetstar ( Airline : Jetstar Japan , Code : GK , Transfer desk : — ) So how can i take the boarding pass in Transfer area ?

Hi Jayne i want to go from Oregon to Guam but it’s pretty pricey via Hawaii or Japan. A friend told me that going through Philippines, Taipei or Hong Kong is way cheaper. Which do you think is the cheapest, safest, cleanest for couples traveling with a 13 and 7 year old.

Hi Angie, I haven’t flown via the Philippines but have done via Hong Kong and Taipei and both airports are modern and easy to navigate. Hong Kong has the benefit of international food chains such as Pizza Express that the kids might enjoy but if you end up with a longer layover Taipei is a good option as they offer free sightseeing tours for passengers on long layovers. I wrote a little about it here for Skyscanner https://www.skyscanner.com.au/news/7-airports-that-offer-free-city-tours-during-long-layovers

Hope this helps! J

Hi Jayne, we have a 6.5 hr layover in Hong Kong, arriving about 1700 on a Saturday in December this year. is it worth trying to get a city tour whilst in transit?? appreciate. Cam

Hi Cam, it’s doable to leave the airport in that time but as you’re arriving at night you’re limited to what you can do. As far as I’m aware HK airport don’t run any transit tours but you can catch the Airport Express to the city (24 mins) and see the harbour light show.

Hello. I’m flying to dubai today april 30 2018 with Cathay Facific connecting flight from CEBU PHILIPPINE to HONGKONG then change airplane from HONGKONG to DUBAI. But my concern is if i arrive hongkong , do i need to wait and get my luggage before i proceed to thr next airplane?

I really need your replies as soon as possible. Thanks

Hi Mary, it will depend on the relationship between the airlines you are flying with. If both flights are with Cathay Pacific you will be able to check your luggage all the way through and not need to collect them in Hong Kong. Double check at check in that the bags are going all the way to Dubai.

Jayne, So cool that you wrote this post 3 years ago and you are still communicating with your readers! I am flying to Malaysia on Cathay Pacific. JFK to HKIA (15 hours) then HKIA to Penang. I am looking at the Plaza Premium Lounge for a shower and massage when I land. With a three hour layover will I have enough time to make it to their newest lounge and then back to my departure gate? Thanks so much for the help!! 😀

Hi Colleen, that is definitely more than enough time to head to the new lounge for a much needed hot shower! It doesn’t take long to get around HKIA and as long as they have showers available you should be able to walk straight in.

Hi We are flying from Bali to HK with Cathy Pacific, we then have a connecting Virgin flight to uk. Our CP flight has been amended and we only have a 2 hr window. We are apprehensive that this will be cutting it tight, as the are seperate airlines I assume we will need to clear customs, collect our bags and then head for departures to check in again…… we we have enough time?

Hi Ingrid, if you can’t check bags through I agree that will probably be too tight. I would suggest calling CP and explaining you have an onward flight and see if they can put you on an earlier outbound. Best of luck.

Hi there, we have a flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong then we have an hour & 5 min layover before we take a flight to Vancouver Canada. When we came to Bangkok we did not have to get our bags or go through customs until we arrived in Bangkok. I’m assuming the same thing will happen with returning home, will we have enough time to make it to our Vancouver flight?

I’ll stopping over in Hong Kong for over 20 hrs can I be able to get out of the airport or I need to have a visa I’m traveling from Tonga.

Hi Palu, it depends what passport you are travelling on. Nationals of about 170 countries and territories may visit Hong Kong without a visa – including Tonga. You can find the full list of visa free countries here https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html

Hi Miss Jayne,

Thank you for this information you done a great job, helps many people who travels, my question is same as Palu, I am from Philippines and travelling this December to my country coming from UAE i have 6 hours layover can i get a quick sight seeing outside of hong kong airport? if yes can you give me tips to go around and comeback smoothly, safe and sound to airpot ^_^ many thanks!

Hi Me my wife and 2 kids are transiting HK terminal 1 and would like to take a shower. Are there any family facilities available? JP

Hi – flying to UK via Hong Kong & Frankfurt in a weeks time. Have 2.5 hours at HK – is that long enough to get through everything and take a shower ? Sound like the wee train is just an option ?

Hi Ash, in my experience that is ample time as long as there are no queues for the shower/lounge facilities.

Hi, I am transiting in Hong Kong from philippines. But I plan on booking my ticket (going to Bahrain) upon arrival in Hong Kong, is there any problem with that? Also, may I know if what are the step by step process upon arrival in Hong kong before flying to Bahrain? (ex., get luggage, immigration, check in and so on…) Thank you!!!

hi, on arrival in HK it depends if your connecting flight is the same airlines. if not you need to clarify this to the first airline and ask for their assistance for quick luggage pick up specially if your transit time is short you need to be ahead and at least know where is your next boarding.

if you happen to stay longer in HK or like you will be staying more than 24 hours and you like to go outside the airport and have a look around (much better if you know someone or like a friend staying in HK) you can go and see places, before you go out you need to fill up an immigration paper, present this to immigration officer with your passport and you have 7 or 8 days to stay (if you are holding a Philippine passport and FYI i have only 6 hrs transit time).

Hi im travliing from UK to Auckland, with 9hr stay at Hong Kong Airport. Getting confused which lounge to book . east or west and if I can book a trip into hong kong. Land at 7am and fly out again at 9pm

Hi Lindsay, that sounds like enough time to leave the airport if you want to explore. Just make sure your passport allows you to apply for visa on arrival. The airport is easy to get around so just book the lounge that looks best!

Hello On 19 november ill have a KLM flight to Hong Kong, 1 hour and 25 minutes stopover and then a Philippines airlines flight to Manila. My question is, do i need to collect my bag and check in again for the flight to Manila? Both flights are on the same booking, not 2 separate bookings, but i see i have 2 different check in codes, one for KLM and 1 for Philippines airlines. I´m flying initially from Romania, thank you for your answer.

Hi Adrian, It’s best to send an email or Tweet to KLM and ask if it’s possible to check the back through as it will depend on their relationship with Philippines Airlines. My guess is that if the flights are on the same ticket you will be able to check bags through to final destination.

Hello Thank you for your answer, i´ve contacted KLM already, but their answer was not so clear, like: ” you´ll find out when you´ll reach the counter in the airport, if its not possible to check your bag until final destination, you´ll need to pick it up in HK and check it in again” …

Hi i will answer this for the sake of other passengers who have different airlines arriving and departing Hong Kong, i ask one of the staff there if i need to pick up my luggage because i have 6 hours before my next flight, the staff ask me if the next plane is a different airline from the first one i answer no (both are Cathay pacific planes) and he ask me if my transit time is more than 24 hours and i said no, so the staff told me that i dont have to pick up and check in my luggage again and it will be in my last destination and since the journey is shorter than 24 hrs.

Hello – I’m an admin for our Pastor who is flying to Taiwan from SFO. He has a stop over in Hong Kong for 2 hours. He has two separate ticktes – one from SFO to HKG on United and one through expedia – HKG to KHH. We are concerned about having only two hours from arrival to Hong Kong around 7:30 PM to catch his flight on Cathay Dragon at 9:15 PM. Will going through customs and Immigration, picking up his bags, going back through security and then checking in to his KHH flight take too much time. We are very concerned about him missing his connection. He’s on a very tight schedule. First time to Taiwan and travel like this – could use your advise. Thank you.

Hi, I am going to Hong Kong Airport from Kuala Lumpur in August together with my daughter, who will need a next flight to Sydney 4 hours later (yes I know, this is a strange route). We come with Malindo Air, her next flight is with Cathay. Hence, I very much assume that luggage cannot get checked through. I assume she has to pick up her luggage first, then go through immigration, then check-in at Cathay and go through security – is that correct? How long will that take? She has 4 hours between arrival and departure. If that is not sufficient, we will change the booking. How far can I accompany her on that way (I am staying in HK)?

Hi! I have a transit in Hong Kong airport. I have an 8 hour stop over. Is it worth it to leave the airport with a transit visa during this time? Or is it better to explore the airport? Is it worth it to book a lounge? As I am a student so I try to save as much money as possible. Are the places outside of the lounges also comfortable? I’ll be there from 3 pm till 11pm. Thank you for your answer!

Hi Maut, there are definitely enough places to relax in the airport for free – if you’re saving money you might want to just pay for a shower room instead of lounge access. With an 8 hour stopover you probably won’t have time to head into central Hong Kong but you could visit some of the nearby shopping malls or take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car to see Big Buddha. Find more information on that option here https://www.ourtravelhome.com/a-big-buddha-little-tai-o/

Great feed – super useful info!! HKI should be paying you for this service! Quick question – of The three business class lounge options – which is the best? In your opinion? Any advice in terms of where to base myself? I have a 5 hour (early morning) layover so plan to shop/shower/chill but want to be in the best place 🙂 Thanks in advance!!

Hi Lauren, are you flying with Cathay/ partners or have One World status as I really rate The Bridge. It opens at 5.30am and has a Coffee Loft you might appreciate at that time 😀

Hi Jayne, Good evening. I hope you’ll get to see this message. I’ll be travelling to Manila from London Heathrow with Cathay. Cathay all the way: Ldn-HK-Mnl. Booked a return ticket with a travel agent. A family friend had the experience of rechecking their luggages at HK airport. From your knowledge, do you know if I have to do the same or will my luggages go all the way to Manila without rechecking them again? Would appreciate your advice please. Thank you.

Travelling to Hong Kong? Here's what you need to know

A guide to help you prepare for your entry into the city

International travellers are free to come to Hong Kong, and there are no more restrictions upon arrival. If you have some enquiries about travelling to the city, we've compiled a guide to help you with everything you need to know when entering Hong Kong, from things to prepare before arriving at Hong Kong International Airport to all the steps you must take as soon as you land.

RECOMMENDED: Keep updated with the latest Covid-19 measures in the city .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Who can visit Hong Kong now?

Hong Kong has already dropped the vaccination requirement for Hongkongers and international arrivals. Unvaccinated residents and non-residents will be able to enter the city without restriction .

What are the requirements to enter Hong Kong?

With Covid-19 measures now eased in Hong Kong, including arrival restrictions, international travellers looking to explore the city are now free to enter. Of course, if your country requires a visa to visit Hong Kong, please obtain one before your trip .

Negative RAT or RT-PCR test results before boarding are no longer required .

Will they allow entry if my visa is expiring?

If you're not a permanent Hong Kong resident and travelling under a work or tourist visa, ensure your visa has a sufficient validity period, or you will be denied entry.

The Immigration Department (ImmD) provides electronic services for visa application and 'e-Visa' arrangements , allowing applicants to complete the entire process without going to the immigration office in person. Suppose your visa is under renewal and is getting delayed. It is best to send an authorised representative to the ImmD office to fix your reentry as emails and phone calls will take a long time.

Visit this link to see ImmD online services for acquiring Hong Kong visas.

Can arrivals move freely around the city?

Yes, Covid-19 regulations have already eased in Hong Kong. You can freely explore all the incredible things to do in the city . Mask-wearing mandate, the last major rule to fight against Covid-19, has been lifted since March 1.

For more clarity, here's our guide on everything you need to know about Hong Kong's current Covid-19 restrictions.

Do I still need to take Covid-19 tests?

You don't need to present negative Covid-19 results when you arrive at the Hong Kong airport, but the government recommends taking daily RAT until the fifth day of arrival (arrival date count as Day 0). Those who take the test may voluntarily declare the result via the Department of Health's Electronic Covid-19 Monitoring & Surveillance System (eCMSS) .

Ok, so you finally booked your flight, what to do next?

To ensure a smooth and efficient arrival, prepare all your travel documents, including visa for non-Hong Kong residents.

What time should I go to the airport for departure?

Delays, cancellations, and a whole lot of waiting may happen before departure, so make sure to be at the airport at least three hours before your flight. Account for extra time if you encounter any problems with airline check-in.

Arrival at Hong Kong International Airport

Yes, you're finally in Hong Kong, but not just yet. You still have a few more steps to finish before entering. Though the new system significantly cuts the waiting time in the airport, the influx of inbound travellers may affect processing time.

After landing, all inbound persons will pass through temperature checks upon arrival. Those with symptoms will be referred to the Department of Health for further handling. If you're cleared, you can proceed with immigration procedures, baggage collection, and continue taking public transportation to your hotel or home.

What are the options for airport transfers?

Travellers arriving in the city can take public transport to their destination. Those who want a limousine service can contact their hotels for arrangements. One of the fastest ways to travel from the Airport to the city is through Airport Express.

Find more information here .

What if I tested positive for Covid-19?

Hong Kong government no longer issue isolation orders to infected Covid-19 cases since January 30. The government advises symptomatic persons to stay at home to rest and avoid going out. Those who are asymptomatic can go out at will or go to work.

If you belong to high-risk groups and suffer from fever, cough, shortness of breath, vomiting, and diarrhoea, the government recommends that you seek medical attention.

For more information, visit this link .

Got more questions?

The government has set up a page for all your questions about inbound travel to Hong Kong . Due to the changing nature of Covid-19 measures, please visit this link to keep updated with the latest travel regulations.

Feel free to roam Hong Kong! These itineraries will give you a dose of inspiration . Looking for hotel accommodations during your trip? Here's a guide to some of our favourite Hong Kong hotels – all tried and tested by our editors. You can also check out the most romantic hotels in the city or schedule a weekend getaway from the best beachside hotels , boutique hotels , or luxury camping spots in town .

You've been gone a while, here's what's new in HK

50 most incredible things to do in hong kong.

Things to do

Whatever you're looking for, there are plenty of places to visit and activities to keep you entertained in the 852.

50 Best bars in Hong Kong

A definitive list of the 50 best Hong Kong bars to visit right now.

50 Best restaurants to try in Hong Kong

The best places to eat in the city, from traditional Japanese and fine French to hipster hangouts, hidden gems, and everything else in between.

New restaurants to try in Hong Kong

The latest and greatest restaurants to get stuck into this month

New bars to try in Hong Kong now

A list of new drinking dens to add to your bar-hopping itinerary.

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Visiting Hong Kong soon? Here's what you need to know about the revised entry rules

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While arrivals no longer face restrictions on moving around - provided they test negative for COVID-19 - there are still several regulations in force.

Passengers arriving at Hong Kong International Airport on Dec 8, 2022. (Photo: AFP/Isaac Lawrence)