Planning a trip and wondering Is a visa required for Hong Kong? Hong Kong (HK) is short for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
Hong Kong weaves Western and Asian influence into a world-class center of business, culture, and trade.
With a population of over 8 million, Hong Kong serves as a gateway between the East and West, and it’s one of the best places to live in Asia.
To make sure your arrival in Hong Kong goes smoothly, here’s a guide to Hong Kong visa regulations and the latest updates.
Where is Hong Kong
Hong Kong is located in East Asia, on the east of the Pearl River (Zhu Jiang) estuary on the south coast of China. Hong Kong has 260 territorial islands and peninsulas.
Is Hong Kong a part of China?
Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, with executive, legislative, and judicial powers devolved from the national government.
Is Hong Kong a country or city?
Hong Kong is neither a country nor a city. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region. It’s equivalent to what the British would call their crown dependencies and overseas territories like Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, and Bermuda.
This is an arrangement that was set in 1997 and it’s guaranteed until 2047 (what happens at that point is debatable).
Things to know before visiting Hong Kong
- The name ‘Hong Kong’ is Cantonese for ‘fragrance harbor’.
- The official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese (Cantonese) and English, not Mandarin.
- Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HK$)
- Wettest months in Hong Kong: June and August
- Driest months in Hong Kong: January and December
- The Basic Law is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
- Hong Kong International Airpot is the same size as 20 soccer fields.
- Hong Kong has the highest number of skyscrapers in the world. More than 7000 buildings in the region have over 14 floors (New York City has almost half of these.)
Is a visa required for Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers visa-free access for passport holders from about 160 countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and most of the countries in Europe. The Hong Kong visa-free duration ranges from 7 to 180 days, depending on nationality.
Do South Africans need a visa for Hong Kong
South Africans don’t need a visa for Hong Kong. We need a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after the return date.
South Africans can stay in Hong Kong for 30 days visa-free. The flight distance from Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) to Hong Kong International Airport is 13h 4min.
South Africans who want to travel from Hong Kong to China mainland will need to apply for a China visa.
South African Embassy Hong Kong
Here are the contact details for the South African Embassy in Hong Kong
- The South African Embassy in Hong Kong address: Suite 1906-8,19/F Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wan Chai Hong Kong
- Contact number: +852 3926 4300
- General Enquiries: info@sacg.hk
- Consular Section: consular@sacg.hk
Why South Africans in Hong Kong must register with the SA Government
Whether you are a South African living in or visiting Hong Kong, it’s highly advised to register with ROSA – ‘Registration of South Africans Abroad’.
A large number of South African travel abroad on a daily basis and have no problems. However, there is a growing number of South Africans who have become victims of crime, accident/s, diseases, death, natural/man-made disasters, civil unrest, or whose relatives and/or neighbors wanted to contact them in an emergency.
You need to register your personal details and travel itineraries with the Department of International Relations and Co-operation before traveling abroad. The personal information of travelers who register will allow the Department to assist South African citizens in the event they experience an emergency while abroad.
The registration is free, and the assistance and services provided by the Government (through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation) are of an advisory and non-financial nature. Registration is applicable to South African citizens who are traveling, living, or working abroad.
By registering your trip you assist the Department to locate you during an emergency, verifying your status and liaising with your next-of-kin. Please note that your information will only be accessed during a declared consular emergency. Registration is voluntary and free of charge. I highly encourage you to consider registration as an integral part of your travel planning and security.
How to register with ROSA
South African Citizens, both individual and group travelers, should register at the nearest South African Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate-General abroad (South African Representation Abroad). You may also register before departure, in which case you may forward your request for registration to the following E-Mail Address: rosahelp@dirco.gov.za
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Hong Kong
- Azerbaijan
- Cambodia
- Cuba
- Georgia
- Sds
- Laos
- Lebanon
Asia Travel Guide
Travel Insurance for Hong Kong
Use travel insurance while visiting Hong Kong so you are covered for theft and medical expenses. There are a lot of fun things to do in HK, and it’s best to have peace of mind while driving, hiking, and trying some of the best food in the world.
Find out why I recommend World Nomads, check out my World Nomads Insurance Review.
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