Visa Information For Tourists
Most visitors to Hong Kong still don’t need a visa. The exception is for blacklisted countries, many of which (ironically) have or had communist regimes: Hong Kong has always made it difficult for nationals from such countries to enter its borders, and despite the return of Hong Kong to the communist motherland of China, this tradition paradoxically continues. Nationals that always require visas to travel to Hong Kong include those from China, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Romania, Vietnam and Cuba.
The only real changes affect British travellers. Currently, British citizens who hold UK passports can stay for up to six months without a visa. This can be extended. Citizens of Commonwealth countries (including British Dependent Territories citizens, British Overseas citizens, British subjects and British protected persons) do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months. There is a British Citizens Unit on the 6th floor of Immigration Tower in Wan Chai, if you have any queries. Citizens of most western European countries are also permitted to stay for three months without a visa. Americans, Japanese, South Africans and Germans (and the majority of Latin American countries) do not require visas for a visit of one month or less.
Officially, visitors have to show that they have adequate funds for their stay and that they have an onward ticket or a return ticket to their own country. In practice, this rule is seldom enforced, except in the case when a visa is required. Visitors from the following countries must have a visa: Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China , Russia, Costa Rican provisional passport holders, Cuba, Czech Republic, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Mongolia, Myanniu (Burma), North Korea, Panamanian special passport holders, Vatican service passports, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia and all state- less persons. If you do need a visa, apply to the nearest Chinese consulate.
Visitors are not permitted to take up employment, establish any business or enroll as students. If you want to engage in employment, education or residence you must have a work visa beforehand. It is very hard to change your visa status after arrival in Hong Kong. Anyone wishing to stay longer than the visa free period must apply for a visa before travelling to Hong Kong. Also be aware that the above is just a guide and that (although it is very unlikely) immigration authorities have the right to refuse permission to enter Hong Kong.