CHAPTERS

Chapter Two: Travel Essentials

Now that you have learned several things about Hong Kong and already have general knowledge of the city, the next thing for you to learn about and accomplish before actually going there is the travelling requirements or traveller’s info.

The travel requirements and some basic reminders in planning your trip to this city are essential in order for you to have a wonderful experience and not get into trouble especially in immigration and customs.

In this chapter, you will learn what you need to do for you to be able to travel to Hong Kong, things you need to bring and be aware of, the different transportations and ports of entry in and out of the city as well as essential information for first time travellers such as money, communication.

Immigration and Visas   

Just like other countries, a valid and updated passport is required for all visitors to the city. Your passport should be valid for at least one month after your period of intended tour or stay in Hong Kong; on the other hand, people who have been regarded as a stateless person must have at least two months of passport validity after the period of intended stay.

For tourists in general, you do not need a visa to enter the city of Hong Kong. Depending on nationality, visitors can stay for one up to 180 days without a visa.

You can check the nearest Chinese embassy in your area if you are unsure of your status. For further info regarding visa and passport requirements, please check the Immigration Department website at <http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/>

As of now, only Indian nationals can visit the city for not more than 14 days without a visa as long as they have a valid travel document. Visa will be required for Indians who wants to stay in the Hong Kong for more than 14 days. Visit the Chinese Embassy for more details.

Travel Pass for Business Travellers

If you are a businessman who frequently visits

Hong Kong, you may apply for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Travel Pass. This pass is intended to provide business travelers with a simplified and quick immigration procedure as long as they have valid passports and has an entry permit to do business in Hong Kong. Here are the eligibility criteria set by Hong Kong’s immigration office if you want to avail a travel pass:

• Must have a primary purpose or need to visit

Hong Kong on a frequent basis

• Must have previously visited Hong Kong at least three

times in a year before application. Visits to mainland

China or Macau is not included

• Another option if in case the first two doesn’t apply is

that the Director of Immigration must be fully convinced

and satisfied that your visits to the city may bring

significant benefits economically.

• Business Traveller Pass holders may use Hong Kong

residents’ counters for simplified immigration clearance

procedures.

The downloadable application form and further information on how to acquire the pass can be found on the Immigration Department website at <http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/>.

Frequent Visitor e-Channel

If you would like to always travel to Hong Kong as a tourist, you can also apply for a Frequent Visitor Pass using computerized self-service e-Channels. Acquiring this kind of pass can provide a quick and easy clearance for you or your family at the immigration. Here are the eligibility criteria set by Hong Kong’s immigration office if you want to avail a Frequent Visitor Pass:

• Must be 18 and above
• Must hold a valid travel document or a valid multiple

visit visa

• Must hold one of the following documents: HKSAR

Travel Pass or APEC Business Travel Card with ‘HKG’

printed on the reverse side. (You may inquire with your

airline regarding the Hong Kong International Airport

Frequent Visitor Card Frequent Flyer Program

membership card)

• Another option you can take if in case you don’t have the

documents mentioned about is first, there should be no

adverse record of you in the Hong Kong SAR; and

second you should at least have visited Hong Kong SAR

by air through the Hong Kong International Airport for

more than 3 times in a year prior to the frequent visitor e-

channel enrollment.

Once you successfully acquire this pass, you now use the Frequent Visitor e-Channels at the following airports:

• Hong Kong International Airport
• Macau Ferry Terminal
• Hung Hom
• Shenzhen Bay
• Sha Tau Kok
• Man Kam To
• China Ferry Terminal
• Lo Wu
• Lok Ma Chau Spur Line
• Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
• Lok Ma Chau
• Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal

Traveller’s Info

In this section, you will be provided with essential traveler’s information on what to do and what not to do in

Hong Kong. Be sure to keep all these essentials in mind while you are traveling.

Money Exchange, ATMs, Checks and Credit Cards

You may want to exchange your national money to a

Hong Kong dollar at any authorized money changer. You should look for a Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme to make sure that the money changer is accredited and safe.

You also have the option of exchanging your money at currency exchange counters located inside the Hong Kong International Airport. It is open from morning until night.

ATMs are found almost everywhere and are available 24/7. You can use international cards and also withdraw to various HSBC ‘Electronic Money’ machine, especially for MasterCard and Visa holders.

Credit cards such as Visa, American Express, MasterCard, and Diners Club are accepted in various hotels, restaurants, and shops. You can easily tell what credit cards are accepted in a particular place by checking out their displayed sticker.

Traveler’s checks encashment can be done through leading banks and also hotels. Be sure to inquire first to know the necessary requirements such as IDs or travel documents.

Electricity and Voltage

Hong Kong’s standard electrical voltage is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz and majority of the outlets is a three-pronged style plug like in the UK. You may need a transformer to aid your electrical equipment or appliances. There are a lot of inexpensive adaptors that are sold at convenience and electrical/gadget stores.

Public Holidays

The only time that major shops and dining places or tourist attractions are close is usually during the first few days of the Chinese New Year. Most of them reopen for business on the third day; however, some convenience stores or local restaurants may stay closed for more than two days. If you want to know the public holidays of Hong Kong, you get updates online; it’s also recommended that you call the shop or restaurant if you’re not sure about their schedule of reopening during public holidays.

Health and Safety

Automatic sensors will measure your body temperature as soon as you arrived at the Hong Kong International Airport. If authorities think it’s higher than average, you may be required to have a quick health check. You don’t necessarily need vaccination certificates or other medical certificates, although it’s better to check if your airline requires it.

• Potable Water

The tap water in Hong Kong is approved by the World Health Organization and therefore safe to drink. Mineral waters, including imported brands, can be found in stores and supermarkets.

• Hospitals

Hospitals in Hong Kong are readily available in case of any emergencies or accidents. The standard fee for medical attendance is $990; patients will always be treated even if they cannot pay immediately. Most medical professionals in public and private sectors can speak fluently in English.

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