How to Get Hong Kong Tourist Visit Visa from London
The island-state of Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. It has a culture sprouting from Chinese customs mixed with British influences coming from British rule over Hong Kong. That’s why, it is also known as a place where “east meets west”. Hong Kong’s splendid Victoria Harbor, delightful night time cruises, beautiful beaches and plenty of special-interest museums are sufficient to attract many tourists not only from the United Kingdom but also from other countries. From sky-scrappers that give Hong Kong a modern city look to the several declared monumental sites, British tourists will have enough to continue enjoying themselves in this marvelous island. Visitors from London may be used to heavy traffic and crowds but even they will be struck by the massive crowds and people living in the city. If Hong Kong tickles your fancy, try our guide to get a tourist visa from London below.
Visit: Embassy of Hong Kong
Instructions
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British Nationals
British citizens don’t require a visa to stay for a period of up to 6 months. However, anybody traveling to Hong Kong must have at least 6 months of validity on their passport. Before traveling ensure that there are blank visa pages in your passport for stamps and immigration purposes.
British Overseas Territories citizens, British Overseas citizens, British subjects and British Protected persons.
British overseas territories citizens, British Overseas citizens, British subjects and British Protected persons can enter for a period of 90 days without any Visa.
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Other nationals
All other nationals may check to see if they are eligible for visa free entry at the immigration department website of the Government of Hong Kong by clicking here. If you are not on the list, then you will need to apply for travel approval before departing for the island.
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Visa Requirements
Below is a list of documents required to get a visa for Hong Kong.
a) A completely filled in Application Form. The application form can be downloaded by clicking here.
b) A valid passport with blank visa pages along with a photocopy of the bio data page.
c) A valid UK visa if you are not a British national along with a photocopy of it.
d) One recent passport-size photograph.
e) The bank statement for the last 3 months with a balance of over £500 per month.
f) A letter from your employer or school or a photocopy of your own company license.
g) Information of your return flight tickets and accommodation booked under your name. If you are planning to stay with a friend or acquaintance in Hong Kong, he/she should fill in a Sponsorship Form. The sponsorship form can be downloaded here. You are also required to provide an invitation letter from his/her side as well as a photocopy of residence/staying document in Hong Kong.
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Applying for visa
You have to personally visit the Chinese Embassy to apply for a Hong Kong Visa. Before leaving it is recommended that you may call them up at the above phone number and make an appointment.
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Processing time and fees
The embassy can take between 4 to 20 days to process your application. The express service, which is provided conditionally, takes 3 working days.
Normal service will cost £5 and express service will cost £20. However, in the rest of cases the fees various from case to case.
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Collection of visa
Once you have applied, you will be required to pick up your passport from Embassy after visa processing is done from the consular office.
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Things not to take with you when you travel
Do not take firearms, toxic materials and anything considered illegal or prohibited. You will need separate approval for bringing in pets.
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Things Recommended to Tourists to take along with them
Bring warm clothes if you are visiting Hong Kong near the year end. Between May to September the weather is hot and humid thus you have to prepare yourself accordingly. Don’t forget to bring an electric adapter or converter as the voltage as the voltage standard is 220 volts or 50 Hz.
