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2025 Travel to Hong Kong – Latest Entry Restrictions and Visa Info

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by Haimo

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Hong Kong is a tourism and commerce hub in Asia
(Source: Simon Zhu/unsplash)

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.

Hong Kong is officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (HKSAR). Positioned on the south coast of China, adjacent to China's Guangdong Province, Hong Kong is made up of 3 territories, and they are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories. As the 8th most densely populated city worldwide, the size of Hong Kong only covers 427 square miles (1,110 square kilometers), and Hong Kong's population is mainly ethnic Chinese.

Visa Information

Anyone who travels to Hong Kong must carry their original passport during the trip.

Before traveling, make sure your passport is valid for at least the next 6 months and has a blank page.

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Faded shop signages on the Hong Kong street
(Source: Katie Manning/unsplash)

-Tourist Visa Application: Nationals from 170 countries and territories may travel to Hong Kong visa-free (from 7 days to 180 days). To check whether you need a visa or entry permit to enter Hong Kong for a visit or transit, visit the official HKSAR Immigration Department's page on "Visit Visa / Entry Permit Requirements for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region".

On Dec 28, 2021, the HKSAR Immigration Department launched the "e-Visa" and electronic services for visa application arrangements.

-Countries That Enjoy Visa-free Travel to Hong Kong: While the visa-free period may differ between countries, below is a selection of countries that enjoy visa-free travel to Hong Kong: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Russian Federation, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE, U.S.A, and Vietnam.

Travel Tips & General Information

✅Language

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.

✅Time Zone

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.

✅The Best Time to Visit

Hong Kong tends to be warm and humid year-round, and being on the coast means changeable weather, e.g., sudden thunderstorms from late May to mid-Sep. The coldest months are Dec to Feb, but the temperature stays at a comfortable 10℃ (50 F). Summer months are generally hot and rainy, with temperatures ranging between 26–32℃ (79–90 F). So, weather-wise, the most recommended time to travel to Hong Kong is from Oct to early Dec. Economically, Hong Kong is one of the world's most expensive cities. People who travel to Hong Kong can save some money on flights and hotels by avoiding the peak tourist seasons, e.g., Oct–Dec, and the Chinese New Year. Lower flight and hotel costs can be found in the off-peak months of May and Jun due to high humidity and lack of major festivals.

Flight Status

The most popular way to travel to Hong Kong is by air. The Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) handles flights to all major domestic and international cities. Visitors have various transfer options into different parts of HK, such as taxis, Airport Express trains, and buses.

-Airlines Operating Flights to Hong Kong: A wide range of airlines from around the world offer direct or indirect flights to Hong Kong. If you prefer to travel to Hong Kong by direct flights, consider using Air China, Air France, American Airlines, ANA, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, EVA, KLM, LATAM Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and United. Travel to Hong Kong by direct flights from the United States, passengers can opt for American Airlines, Delta, United, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines. If you are planning your travel to Hong Kong, check out Trip.com's flight options to Hong Kong and other vacation packages.

-Airport Information: Visitors who travel to Hong Kong by air will land at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), which is on the island of Chek Lap Kok. Located about 22 miles (35 kilometers) from central Hong Kong, this airport welcomes passengers from all over the world and is a base for Cathay Pacific, Cathay Dragon, Hong Kong Airlines, and Hong Kong Express. The HKG provides premium services and facilities, including airline lounges, ATMs and banking services, courtesy showers, children's play areas, information kiosks, numerous restaurants, and shopping options.

The sign for the MTR is a red circle

The sign for the MTR is a red circle with a Chinese symbol.
(Source: Cheung Yin/unsplash)

-How to travel between the airport and downtown: Upon arrival at the HKG, passengers can travel by various means of transportation from the airport to the city center, like taxis, buses, trains, and limo services. There are 3 types of airport taxis, because they travel to different regions, e.g., Urban taxis (red), New Territories taxis (green), and Lantau taxis (blue). The Airport Express Train is the quickest transport method. The journey takes roughly 24 mins and stops at Kowloon station and Hong Kong station. Tickets can be purchased at any Airport Express Customer Service Centre or online. The cheapest transfer option is by local bus. It will take about 45 mins to Central and around 30 mins to Kowloon.

For a private transfer between the airport and downtown Hong Kong, check out Trip.com’s offers: Private Transfer: Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong City in Business Car, and Departure Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport in Business Car.

Click here to check out Trip.com’s Private Transfer:

Territories in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is made up of 18 districts in 3 territories, and they are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories (which include more than 250 outlying islands).
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The iconic skyline of Victoria Harbor on Hong Kong Island
(Source: Airam Dato-on/unsplash)

-Hong Kong Island: Locally referred to as the "Hong Kong side", Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of Hong Kong, with 4 districts. The Central and Western District consists of areas such as Central, which is the business core of Hong Kong and where government headquarters are located. Other parts of Central and Western District include Admiralty and Mid-levels.

The Eastern District of Hong Kong Island covers the northeastern portion of the island. Well-known areas in this district include Fortress Hill and Quarry Bay. The Southern District is surrounded by hills, reservoirs, and country parks. Located in the north-central part of Hong Kong Island is Wan Chai District. Notable locations in this district include Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Central Plaza.

The Peak, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Repulse Bay, Central Plaza Hong Kong, Dragon's Back Trail, Central Mid-level Escalators, and Cat Street Antique Market are top attractions on Hong Kong Island.

Planning to travel to Hong Kong but haven't decided on accommodation? Check out these Trip.com suggestions on Hong Kong hotels: 

Hotels in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay
Hong Kong Central and Western District Hotels
The Clock Tower is on the southern shore of Tsim Sha Tsui

The Clock Tower is on the southern shore of Tsim Sha Tsui

-Kowloon: Situated north of Hong Kong Island across Victoria Harbor, Kowloon is comprised of 5 districts: Kowloon City, Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin, and Yau Tsim Mong. Meaning "9 dragons" in Chinese, the name Kowloon also refers to eight mountains and a Chinese emperor.

Top attractions in Kowloon include The Avenue of Stars, Symphony of Lights, Jade Street, Wong Tai Sin Temple, Hong Kong Coliseum, and Kowloon Park. For museum-goers, don't miss out on the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Center, Hong Kong Cultural Center, and Hong Kong Museum of History. For anyone who loves street markets and bargain hunting, Temple Street Night Market is one of Hong Kong's largest shopping areas.

For hotels in Kowloon, check out Trip.com’s suggestions:

 Hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West
Hotels near MTR Jordan Station.
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The New Territories makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's territory

(Source: Big Dodzy/unsplash)

-New Territories: The New Territories contains over half of Hong Kong's population and makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's total area. It also includes over 200 outlying islands and New Kowloon. There are 9 districts that are divided into New Territories East and West, e.g., North District, Tai Po, Islands, Kwai Tsing, Yuen Long, and Sha Tin.

Top attractions in the New Territories include Che Kung Temple, Hong Kong Railway Museum, Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees, Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, Man Mo Temple, Sam Tung Uk Museum, and Tai Fu Tai Mansion. For nature lovers, there are numerous parks and scenic areas to explore, e.g., Hong Kong Wetland Park, Lion Rock Country Park, and Ma On Shan Country Park.

For hotels in the New Territories, check out Trip.com’s recommendation:

Hotels near New Territories Tuen Mun Town Plaza.

Most Famous Tourist Attractions in Hong Kong

Visitors can reach The Peak by taxi, bus, or the Peak Tram

Visitors can reach The Peak by taxi, bus, or the Peak Tram

1. Victoria Peak (The Peak)

Address: Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

Price: Free for the Peak. Peak tram costs HKD37 one-way.

You simply can't travel to Hong Kong and not head up the highest hill on Hong Kong Island. The Peak, or Victoria Peak, offers panoramic views of Hong Kong and the South China Sea. It has spectacular vantage points, great restaurants, and many family-friendly attractions at 552 meters (approx. 1,811 feet) above sea level. Visitors can catch the Peak Tram at the tram station near the entrance to Hong Kong Park by the Murray building. Try to come during off-peak hours, such as in the morning before 10:00.
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Central Mid-levels Escalators is one of the world's longest outdoor escalators

2. Central Mid-levels Escalators

Address: Jubilee Street, Central, Hong Kong

Price: Free

This energy-saving escalator runs a distance of 800 meters (approx. 2,625 feet), and is elevated over 135 meters (approx. 443 feet) from Des Voeux Road Central, south of Central MTR Station, to Conduit Road in the Mid-levels area. Officially one of the world's longest outdoor escalator systems, tourists can enjoy the area's restaurants and bars without walking the steep hills.
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The Avenue of Stars has stars for 100 celebrities

3. The Avenue of Stars

Address: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Price: Free

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.

Symphony of Lights starts every night at 20:00

Symphony of Lights starts every night at 20:00

4. Symphony of Lights

Address: Victoria Harbor, 18 Harcourt Rd, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Price: Free

Time: Every night at 20:00 and lasts around 15 mins.

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.
Temple Street Night Market is close to Jordan MTR Station (Exit A)

Temple Street Night Market is close to Jordan MTR Station (Exit A)

5. Temple Street Night Market

Address: Temple Street, Jordan, Hong Kong

Price: Free

Time: Daily from 17:00 to 23:00

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).
Wong Tai Sin Temple is located in Wong Tai Sin in Kowloon

Wong Tai Sin Temple is located in Wong Tai Sin in Kowloon

6. Wong Tai Sin Temple

Address: 2 Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Price: Free

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.
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Repulse Bay is located in the southern district of Hong Kong Island
(Source: Joshua J Cotton/unsplash)

7. Repulse Bay

Address: Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong Island

Price: Free

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.
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Hong Kong Disneyland has its own MTR station, Disneyland Station
(Source: Tommao Wang/unsplash)

8. Hong Kong Disneyland

Address: 2 Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Price: HKD639 (approx. USD82) for a 1-day ticket

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.
Check out this link for Trip.com's Disneyland ticket offers.
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Tian Tan Buddha Statue is also located on Lantau Island
(Source: Fruit Pat/unsplash)

9. Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha Statue)

Address: Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Price: Free

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. For more sightseeing in Lantau, check out Trip.com’s offer: Lantau Island Private Customized Walking Tour with English speaking guide.

Click here to check out Trip.com’s Lantau Island Private Customized Walking Tour with English speaking guide.
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Tai O Fishing Village can be reached by ferry, MTR, and bus
(Source: Joshua J Cotton/unsplash)

10. Tai O Fishing Village

Address: Tai O Fishing Village, Lantau, Hong Kong

Price: Free

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.
Click here to check out Trip.com’s private tour to Tai O village.

FAQ

  • 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.


  • 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.


  • How many districts and territories are there in Hong Kong?

    There are 18 districts located in 3 major territories in Hong Kong.


  • What currency can I use in Hong Kong?

    The official currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD).


  • 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.


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Travel to Hong Kong – Latest Entry Restrictions and Visa Info
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