Hong Kong Withdraws Visa-on-Arrival Facility for Indian Travelers

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | January 23, 2017 | News

Hong Kong Tourism Board Hong Kong

In what can be considered as a huge set-back to Indian travelers, the Hong Kong government has cancelled Visa-on-arrival facility for Indians and they will now have to complete a pre-arrival registration starting from January 23, 2017.

The new decision in place was announced by the Hong Kong government in December last year. However, with outbound travel from the country growing tremendoulsy in the last few years, It was believed that the decision will be revoked.  

The announcement for withdrawal of this facility was made official on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website that read, "The Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals will be implemented on January 23, 2017. The online service for 'Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals' is now opened.”

"Indian nationals must apply for and successfully complete pre-arrival registration online before they can visit or transit the HKSAR visa-free (if seeking to enter the HKSAR during transit). Pre-arrival registration is not required for Indian nationals in direct transit by air and not leaving the airport transit area," the statement added.

It is to be noted that till now Hong Kong has permitted Indians to enter with valid passport for a period up to 14 days without a visa.