For many tourists, Hong Kong is a starting point for visiting China and the rest of Asia. As one of Asia's most popular tourist destinations and a major international finance hub, it's no surprise that over 65 million visitors travel to Hong Kong each year. Trip.com is here to guide you through your travel to Hong Kong. Why Travel to Hong Kong in 2026? (Source: Simon Zhu/unsplash) Hong Kong remains a top travel destination, welcoming over 65 million visitors each year. It suits all types of travelers, from budget backpackers to luxury seekers. Land area is about 1,106 km² (427 square miles) . It's one of the most densely populated places on earth. Most residents are ethnic Chinese. Why Hong Kong should be on your 2026 travel list: Visa convenience: Over 170 nationalities enjoy visa‑free access World-class infrastructure : One of the most efficient public transport systems in the world Culinary capital: More Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than any other city Travel to Hong Kong: Entry Requirements Not sure if you need a visa for Hong Kong? The answer depends on your nationality, travel purpose, and how long you plan to stay. Here’s what you need to know before your trip. (Source: Katie Manning/unsplash) General Entry Requirements for All Travelers Before you travel to Hong Kong, make sure you meet these basic entry rules: Original passport: Must be carried with you at all times during your trip. Passport validity: It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date (the official minimum requirement is 1 month). Blank page: At least one blank page is required for entry stamps. Sufficient funds : You may be asked to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support your stay without working. Onward ticket: Required if you are transiting through Hong Kong. As of October 2024, Hong Kong no longer requires an arrival card. This means no paper forms or online declarations are needed before arrival. Just bring your passport, and you’re good to go. Who Can Visit Hong Kong Without a Visa? Hong Kong maintains a fairly liberal visa policy. Nationals from approximately 170 countries and territories can enter without a visa for short visits, with stays ranging from 7 to 180 days , depending on the traveler's nationality. Visa‑free stay periods for selected nationalities: Visa‑Free Stay Period European Union members 14 days (via Pre‑arrival Registration) * For the most up‑to‑date list, always refer to the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s official website. Who Needs a Visa to Enter Hong Kong? You must apply for a visa or entry permit before traveling if any of these apply: Your nationality is not on the visa‑free list. You plan to work (paid or unpaid), study, establish or join a business, or take up residence. You want to stay longer than your visa‑free allowance. You are a national of a country that requires a visa for any visit (e.g., many African, South Asian, and Middle Eastern countries). Important: Even visa‑free travelers cannot work, start a business, or enroll in school. Changing immigration status after arrival is generally not allowed. How to Apply for a Hong Kong Visa If you need a visa, here‘s the step‑by‑step process: Determine your visa type: Visitor visa, employment visa, student visa, or residence visa Complete the application form: Available on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website or at your local Chinese embassy Submit your application : Generally through the nearest Chinese diplomatic and consular mission Provide required documents: Typically includes: Valid passport Completed application form Recent passport‑sized photo Proof of travel arrangements (flight itinerary, hotel booking) Proof of sufficient funds Completed application form Recent passport‑sized photo Proof of travel arrangements (flight itinerary, hotel booking) Proof of sufficient funds Receive your visa: Since December 28, 2021, Hong Kong operates an e‑Visa system. Approved visas are issued as PDFs – print a physical copy to carry with you Special Visa Rules for Different Travelers Mainland Chinese Residents Must hold an Exit‑Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (“Two‑Way Permit”) plus a valid endorsement (tourism, business, family visit, or study). A mainland passport alone is not sufficient for entry unless in transit. Must hold an Exit‑Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (“Two‑Way Permit”) plus a valid endorsement (tourism, business, family visit, or study). A mainland passport alone is not sufficient for entry unless in transit. Taiwan Residents Pre‑arrival Registration (PAR) – Free online registration, valid for 2 months, allows 2 entries of up to 30 days each. Requires a passport valid for at least 6 months. Print the registration notice and sign it before arrival Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (“Taiwan Compatriot Permit”) – Can be used instead of PAR Pre‑arrival Registration (PAR) – Free online registration, valid for 2 months, allows 2 entries of up to 30 days each. Requires a passport valid for at least 6 months. Print the registration notice and sign it before arrival Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (“Taiwan Compatriot Permit”) – Can be used instead of PAR Indian Nationals Indian passport holders do not need a traditional visa for short tourism or transit. Instead, they must complete Pre‑arrival Registration (PAR) online before traveling. Free, valid for 2 months, allows multiple entries, each stay capped at 14 days. Indian passport holders do not need a traditional visa for short tourism or transit. Instead, they must complete Pre‑arrival Registration (PAR) online before traveling. Free, valid for 2 months, allows multiple entries, each stay capped at 14 days. 🔍 Pro Tip: Visa policies can change without notice. Always double‑check your visa status on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website before booking flights. Travel to Hong Kong: Top Attractions 1. Victoria Peak (The Peak) You can’t visit Hong Kong without going up the highest point on Hong Kong Island. The Peak, also known as Victoria Peak, offers sweeping views over the city and the South China Sea. At 552 meters above sea level, it’s home to scenic lookout points, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions. The Peak Tram departs near Hong Kong Park, close to the Murray Building. For a more relaxed experience, it’s best to go early in the morning, ideally before 10:00. Address: Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong Price: Free for the Peak. Peak tram costs HKD37 one-way. 2. Central Mid-levels Escalators This 800-meter outdoor escalator climbs over 135 meters from Des Voeux Road Central near Central MTR Station to Conduit Road in Mid-Levels. One of the world’s longest of its kind, it makes navigating the steep area easy while passing cafés, restaurants, and bars along the way. Address : Jubilee Street, Central, Hong Kong 3. Avenue of Stars HK If you travel to Hong Kong, be sure to stroll along the promenade on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. It is the location of the Avenue of Stars, which honors the greats in the Hong Kong movie industry. 100 celebrities have their stars here, including Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Zhang Ziyi. This 440-meter-long promenade was created in 2004. It overlooks Victoria Harbor and is a great place to view the Symphony of Lights show. Address: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade 4. Symphony of Lights This permanent light and sound show lights up the Hong Kong skyline each night at 20:00. It has been one of Hong Kong’s most prominent attractions since it first started in 2004. Using colored lights, laser beams, and searchlights, the Symphony of Lights uses 5 main themes to highlight the vibrancy and beauty of Victoria Harbor at night. Address: Victoria Harbor, 18 Harcourt Rd, Admiralty, Hong Kong Time : Every night at 20:00 and lasts around 15 mins. 5. Temple Street Night Market If you only have time for one market in Hong Kong, let it be the Temple Street Night Market. As one of the largest and most lively shopping places in town, it is packed with everything under the sun, from watches to apparel, from fake-label clothing to everyday footwear. Temple Street Market is only about 300 meters (approx. 984 feet) northwest of the Jordan MTR Station (Exit A). Address : Temple Street, Jordan, Hong Kong Time : Daily from 17:00 to 23:00 6. Wong Tai Sin Temple As one of the most notable Chinese shrines in Hong Kong, Wong Tai Sin Temple dates back to 1921, and it pays homage to Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Spend some time admiring the Three-Saint Hall, the Nine Dragons Wall, and the Taoist temple, which are all beautifully decorated in typical Chinese architectural designs. The temple is the busiest on the 1st and 15th day of every lunar month. Address: 2 Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, Hong Kong Repulse Bay is one of the most popular public beaches in Hong Kong. Only 20 mins away by car from the city center, this peaceful beach is in the southern district of Hong Kong Island. Things to do include dining, sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The properties surrounding the bay are some of the most expensive residential areas in the world. Address : Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong Island 8. Hong Kong Disneyland Did you know that many people travel to Hong Kong, especially for the Hong Kong Disneyland? Located on Lantau Island, this Disneyland resort is a wonderland of rides, shows, themed lands, and characters from beloved Disney movies. To reach HK Disneyland, hop on the MTR Disneyland Line to Disneyland Station. Address : 2 Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, Hong Kong Price : HKD639 (approx. USD82) for a 1-day ticket 9. Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha Statue) The magnificent 34-meter-high Big Buddha costs nearly HKD68 million (USD8.84 million) to build. It is surrounded by green forest and sits above Po Lin monastery on Lantau Island. As one of the world's giant Buddha statues of its kind, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue can be seen from miles away. Address: Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong 10. Tai O Fishing Village Your travel to Hong Kong will not be all about skyscrapers and busy markets. Tai O village is a great destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. Visitors can catch a glimpse of authentic local ways of life, take a boat ride, or sample fresh good eats. Situated on Lantau Island, the homes in the village are built on stilts over tidal flats. Address : Tai O Fishing Village, Lantau, Hong Kong Travel to Hong Kong: Transportation Options By Air – Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) The most common way to reach Hong Kong is by air. Hong Kong International Airport is a major aviation hub with connecting flights to all major domestic and international cities. From the airport, visitors can easily find transfer options: Airport Express: Fastest way to Central (24 minutes) Taxis : Available 24/7, with different color codes for different zones Airport buses : More economical, with routes covering most of the city By Train – High‑Speed Rail from Mainland China The Hong Kong West Kowloon Station connects Hong Kong to Mainland China‘s high‑speed rail network. Direct trains run to and from cities including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing. By Ferry – From Macau and Mainland China Ferry services operate from Macau and various ports in Guangdong Province (Shenzhen Shekou, Nansha, etc.), arriving at Hong Kong‘s China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui or the Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan. By Land – Border Crossings If you‘re entering Hong Kong by land from Mainland China, the process is smooth. There‘s no arrival card required, and you‘ll go through standard immigration checks at border crossing points. How to Get Around Hong Kong？ Hong Kong MTR is one of the world’s most efficient and affordable transit systems. Visitors can easily reach major attractions using the extensive MTR network, along with buses and trams, making travel across the city smooth and convenient. For added flexibility, taxis are widely available and reasonably priced compared to many global cities. The iconic double-decker buses and historic trams on Hong Kong Island also offer a scenic way to explore urban areas. Most travelers use the Octopus Card, a rechargeable smart card that works across nearly all public transport and can even be used in convenience stores, restaurants, and vending machines—making it a must-have for hassle-free travel around the city. Travel Tips for Visiting Hong Kong The official language of China is Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin. But in Hong Kong, English and Cantonese are their 2 official languages. Locals also speak several regional dialects, such as Hakka and Minnan Chinese. The Hong Kong Standard Time (HKT) is used all year and is always 8 hrs ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). There is no Daylight-saving Time clock change. The time zone in Hong Kong is the same as in China.

✅Currency and Monetary Exchange Rate The official currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), which is not the same as the currency used in China’s mainland (CNY). The most popular Hong Kong Dollar exchange rate is the HKD to USD rate, which stands at HKD1 to USD0.128. Other major currency conversions include HKD1 to CNY0.906, HKD1 to EUR0.130, HKD1 to GBP0.114, and HKD1 to JPY18.438. Foreign currencies are accepted in some shops and restaurants that are popular with tourists, e.g., CNY, USD, EUR, and JPY. ✅Safety in Hong Kong Hong Kong is considered relatively safe for tourists. While petty crimes like theft, vandalism, and burglaries occur, serious crimes are less common. For emergency services, like police, fire, and ambulance, dial 999. For stolen or lost passports, wallets, or valuables, notify your hotel immediately and report the theft to the police. [10% Off] Hong Kong Hotel Recommendations Hong Kong Hotels Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel The Royal Garden Tsim Sha Tsui Cordis, Hong Kong (Langham Hospitality Group) Royal Plaza Hotel Regal Hongkong Hotel Ramada Grand Tsim Sha Tsui Best Western Plus Tsim Sha Tsui The Kimberley Hotel (Tsim Sha Tsui Metropark Hotel) Empire Hotel Kowloon－Tsim Sha Tsui Ramada Hong Kong Harbour View Holiday Inn GOLDEN MILE HONG KONG by IHG Alva Hotel by Royal Empire Hotel Hong Kong - Causeway Bay Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong The Mira Hong Kong Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong The Kowloon Hotel B P International Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West Ramada Hong Kong Grand View Metropark Hotel Mongkok Regal Airport Hotel Harbour Plaza Resort City The Harbourview-Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong iclub Fortress Hill Hotel Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong Rosewood Hong Kong Regal Riverside Hotel The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong Best Western Hotel Causeway Bay The Langham, Hong Kong Empire Hotel Hong Kong－Wan Chai Regala Skycity Hotel by Regal Hotels FAQs about Travel to Hong Kong Will I need to quarantine when I travel to Hong Kong? No. As of Sep 23, 2022, mandatory hotel quarantine is no longer required. All inbound travelers can go straight home or to a hotel. Will I need to quarantine when I travel to Hong Kong? Do I need a visa to travel to Hong Kong? Nationals from 170 countries and territories may travel to Hong Kong visa-free. For those who are required to obtain a visa before arrival, an e-Visa service is available. Do I need a visa to travel to Hong Kong? How many districts and territories are there in Hong Kong? There are 18 districts located in 3 major territories in Hong Kong. How many districts and territories are there in Hong Kong? What currency can I use in Hong Kong? The official currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). What currency can I use in Hong Kong? How to travel to Hong Kong city center from the airport? Hong Kong airport to downtown transfer options include taxis, buses, trains, and limo services. Trip.com also offers private transfers between the airport and the city center. How to travel to Hong Kong city center from the airport? Related products Travel to Hong Kong Guide 1. Why Travel to Hong Kong in 2026? 2. Travel to Hong Kong: Entry Requirements 3. Travel to Hong Kong: Top Attractions 4. Travel to Hong Kong: Transportation Options 5. How to Get Around Hong Kong？ 6. Travel Tips for Visiting Hong Kong 7. [10% Off] Hong Kong Hotel Recommendations 8. FAQs about Travel to Hong Kong Trip.com Blogger Hi, I’m Jeffery. I love visiting new cities, trying local food and finding fun, off-the-beaten-path spots. I share my real travel stories, easy itineraries and honest tips from my own trips. I hope my posts can help you plan better. Trending Searches Popular Flight & Hotel Packages Popular Attractions Medellin Vacation Packages Hong Kong Vacation Packages Tokyo Flight and Hotel Koh Samui Flight and Hotel Hong Kong Flight and Hotel Sanya Flight and Hotel Antalya Flight and Hotel Paris Flight and Hotel Zhuhai Vacation Packages Zacatecas Vacation Packages Sanya Vacation Packages Mauritius Vacation Packages Yerevan Vacation Packages Rotterdam Vacation Packages Santo Domingo Vacation Packages Ho Chi Minh Airport Shanghai Metro Map Car Rental Insurance Narita Airport to Tokyo Guangzhou Metro Map Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfer Qingdao Airport Harbin Metro Map Guangzhou Airport Hong Kong Airport to Guangzhou Narita Airport to Shinjuku Macau to Hong Kong Beijing Airports Forbidden City Tickets Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Shanghai Tower Tickets Shanghai Wild Animal Park Shanghai Disneyland Tickets Canton Tower Tickets shanghai to wangxian valley Shanghai Disneyland Fast Pass Book China Attraction Tickets with Passport Universal Studios Beijing Tickets Great Wall of China Tickets Yu Garden Tickets Summer Palace Tickets Shanghai Disneyland Crowd Forecast Pocket WiFi China South Korea SIM Card Hong Kong SIM Card Shanghai SIM Card WeChat Pay for Foreigners How to Activate eSIM on iPhone