Visa Requirements For Afghan Citizens Visiting Hong Kong

As of 2023, Afghan citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Hong Kong. They can apply for a tourist visa online, with a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and other supporting documents. The visa is valid for a period of 180 days, and the maximum length of stay in Hong Kong is 90 days. An insurance policy is also required for entry into Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Visa Requirements for Afghan Citizens

Afghan citizens are required to obtain a visa when travelling to Hong Kong. Here is a comprehensive guide on the visa requirements and application process.

Visa Requirements:

• Afghan citizens must apply for a visa before travelling to Hong Kong.
• A valid passport from Afghanistan is required, with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of arrival in Hong Kong.
• The passport must also have at least two blank visa pages for entry stamps.
• Additional documents may be required, such as proof of travel (round-trip flight reservations), proof of accommodation, and a recent passport-sized photograph.
• An e-visa or online application is available for Afghan citizens, making the process more convenient.

Visa Application Process:

• Gather all the necessary documents, including a valid Afghan passport, completed visa application form, and supporting documents.
• Visit the Hong Kong tourist visa website and complete the online application form, providing personal information and passport details.
• Upload scanned copies of all the required documents.
• Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card online.
• After submitting the application, the documents will be reviewed by an immigration officer.
• If the visa application is approved, the e-visa will be sent to the applicant via email. Be sure to print a copy of the email and other relevant documents.

Additional Considerations:

• It is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance of the intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing.
• The Hong Kong government may reject applications for various reasons, including providing inaccurate information, not meeting the requirements, or having a criminal record.
• Ensure that you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical expenses, accidents, and trip cancellations or interruptions.
• Check the latest entry and exit requirements for Hong Kong, including any COVID-19 related guidelines or restrictions.
• Research and be mindful of local laws, customs, and cultural sensitivities in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Visa Application Process

To apply for a Hong Kong tourist visa, Afghan citizens must follow a few simple steps. Here is a detailed guide on the application process:

Step 1: Gather Documents

Firstly, applicants should gather all the required documents. The necessary documents for a tourist visa include:

• A valid passport: The Afghan passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Hong Kong and have at least two blank visa pages.
• Visa application form: Applicants need to accurately fill out the tourist visa application form with their personal and travel details.
• Photo: A recent photo taken within the last six months should be attached to the first page of the application form.
• Financial documents: Documents such as bank statements, tax receipts, or pay slips must show the applicant's financial standing.
• Transportation and travel itinerary: Applicants should provide proof of their round-trip flight reservations and their travel plans in Hong Kong.
• Other documents: Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. For example, if visiting family or friends, an invitation letter is needed.

Step 2: Submit the Visa Application

The visa application form and supporting documents can be submitted online through the official immigration portal, by post, or in person at a Hong Kong embassy or consulate. It is advisable to apply well in advance of the intended travel date to allow for processing time and avoid any unexpected issues.

Step 3: Make the Payment

If the visa application is approved, applicants will receive a link to complete the visa payment. The visa fee for a Hong Kong tourist visa is $230, and it can be paid online using a credit or debit card, or in person at a Hong Kong embassy or consulate. The payment method depends on where the application is submitted.

Step 4: Receive the eVisa

Once the application is approved and the payment is completed, the eVisa will be sent to the applicant via email. The eVisa can be downloaded and printed. In some cases, if the payment is made in person at a Hong Kong foreign mission, the eVisa will be provided as a PDF.

It is important to note that the processing time for a Hong Kong tourist visa is approximately four weeks, so applicants should plan their travel accordingly. Additionally, the Hong Kong government may reject applications for various reasons, including providing inaccurate information or not meeting the requirements. In such cases, reapplication and an additional visa fee payment may be necessary.

Hong Kong Visa Exemptions

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China and has its own entry regulations. Generally, tourists do not require a visa to visit Hong Kong. However, there are specific visa exemptions for certain nationalities and circumstances. Here is an overview of the visa exemptions for Hong Kong:

Visa-Free Entry for Tourists:

• Nationals of over 145 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries, can enter Hong Kong without a visa for tourism or business-related purposes.
• The duration of visa-free stay ranges from 7 to 180 days, depending on nationality. For example, British nationals can stay for up to 180 days, while US citizens, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, and most European nationals can enter for 90 days.
• It is important to note that visa-free entry is granted for tourism or specific business activities and does not allow for employment, study, or establishing a business in Hong Kong.
• All visitors must hold a passport valid for more than one month beyond their intended stay in Hong Kong.

Visa-Free Transit:

• Hong Kong offers visa-free transit for different durations, such as 24 hours, 72 hours, and 144 hours.
• During this time, travellers can explore Hong Kong without obtaining a visa, but they are not permitted to work or engage in business activities.
• It is important to note that the visa-free transit is only applicable if travellers do not leave the airport transit area.

Macau Permanent Residents:

• Macau permanent residents, regardless of their nationality, can enter Hong Kong without a visa and stay for up to 180 days.
• Non-permanent residents of Macau can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.

Pre-Arrival Registration:

• Nationals of certain countries, such as India, may require pre-arrival registration before visiting or transiting through Hong Kong without a visa.
• This registration allows for visa-free entry and multiple visits to Hong Kong during the validity of the registration, which is typically six months.

It is important to note that the information provided is for standard passport holders. Special passports, such as diplomatic or service passports, may have different requirements and exemptions. Additionally, visa requirements and exemptions may change, so it is always advisable to check the latest updates from official sources before planning your travel to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Visa Validity

The validity of a Hong Kong visa depends on the type of visa and the traveller's nationality. Here are the key points regarding Hong Kong visa validity:

• Tourist Visa: Visitors from over 145 countries, including the United Kingdom, European Union countries, and Macau, can enter Hong Kong without a visa for tourism or certain business-related activities. The length of visa-free stay ranges from 7 to 180 days, depending on nationality.
• Visa-Required Nationals: Nationals of certain countries, including Afghanistan, require a visa to enter Hong Kong for any purpose, including tourism. The Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Afghan citizens allows for a short stay of up to 90 days, and the visa is valid for 180 days.
• Study and Work Visas: Hong Kong offers various types of visas for study and employment purposes, such as the General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Working Holiday Scheme (WHS). The validity of these visas depends on the specific scheme and the traveller's nationality.
• E-Visa: Hong Kong introduced an electronic visa system in December 2021, allowing applicants to complete the entire visa application process online. The single-entry e-Visa is typically valid for 90 days.
• Passport Validity: All visitors to Hong Kong must hold a passport valid for more than one month beyond their intended stay. Some countries, like Afghanistan, require passports to be valid for at least six months after the date of departure.
• Visa Extensions: For stays longer than 90 days, visa extensions or new visas may be required. The Hong Kong Immigration Department handles such requests.

Hong Kong Visa Extensions

Afghan citizens are required to have a visa to enter Hong Kong. They can apply for a visa online, and the visa is usually valid for a short period of 90 days, expiring in 180 days.

The extension of stay can be applied for when the current visa is due to expire. The applicant should apply for an extension of stay at least one month before the expiry date of the current visa. The normal extension pattern is 2-3-3. If the applicant is working for the same employer who is sponsoring the work visa, the extension of stay application is a straightforward process. Usually, a three-year visa will be granted with the first extension.

If the sponsoring company is newly established in Hong Kong, applying for an extension of stay is more complicated, and extra documentation will be required by the Immigration Department. The application will be subject to a business review, with business development and turnover as the primary area of concern. A one-year visa is granted upon approval of the application.

For an investment-based employment visa, if the company is recently established in Hong Kong, the extension of stay will likely be subject to a business review. In such cases, business development and economic contribution to Hong Kong, i.e. local hiring and renting office premises, are key factors in securing an extension of stay. A one-year or three-year visa will be granted upon approval of the application, depending on the satisfaction of the business review.

For a dependent visa extension, if the applicant's family status remains unchanged, applying for an extension of stay is relatively straightforward. Upon approval, if the sponsor is a permanent resident, a three-year dependent visa will be granted. Otherwise, the new visa will expire on the same date as the sponsor.

If the applicant holds a visitor visa, proof of reasons for extension and proof of financial status will be required by the Immigration Department.

The following conditions will make the applicant ineligible for the extension of their Hong Kong visa:

• The applicant is not physically present in Hong Kong at the time of their visa extension submission.
• The applicant will not be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of the collection of their extension of stay label.
• The applicant intends to collect the approved extension of stay label at the Immigration Branch Offices.
• The applicant is on a visitor visa status.
• The applicant's remaining limit of stay is more than four weeks.
• The applicant's limit of stay has already expired.
• The applicant's travel document, i.e. their passport, will expire in three months at the time they apply for the extension of stay in Hong Kong.
• The applicant needs to depart from Hong Kong and will not return before the expiry of their limit of stay.
• The applicant's status has changed since their entry or their last extension of stay. An example is that they have changed employers (i.e. sponsors), schools, or study programmes.
• The applicant has been notified that their next extension of stay will be subject to review.
• The applicant was admitted under IANG and has not secured employment in Hong Kong.

Frequently asked questions