HKSAR passport
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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport is a
passport A passport is an official travel document issued by a government that contains a person's identity. A person with a passport can travel to and from foreign countries more easily and access consular assistance. A passport certifies the personal ...
issued only to permanent residents of Hong Kong who also hold Chinese citizenship. Note that: The passport is referred to both as the HKSAR Passport and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport. In accordance with the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, since the transfer of sovereignty on 1 July 1997, the passport has been issued by the Immigration Department of the
Government of Hong Kong The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, commonly known as the Hong Kong Government or HKSAR Government, refers to the executive authorities of Hong Kong SAR. It was formed on 1 July 1997 in accordance with the Sino- ...
under the authorisation of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China. As the official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese and English, the passport is printed bilingually in both Chinese (
traditional characters Traditional Chinese characters are one type of standard Chinese character sets of the contemporary written Chinese. The traditional characters had taken shapes since the clerical change and mostly remained in the same structure they took a ...
) and English. In late 2019, the fourth version of the HKSAR passport was launched.


Name

In English, the passport is sometimes referred to by its long-form name which appears on the cover (i.e. the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region People's Republic of China passport – a literal translation of the Chinese title ). Note that: The "Hong Kong Special Administrative Region People's Republic of China Passport (HKSAR Passport)" is valid for a V1 exemption to Switzerland. Alternatively, the passport is commonly referred to as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport () (the Hong Kong legislative ordinance concerning the passport is titled the "Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passports Ordinance (Chapter 539)", the Hong Kong SAR passport, the HKSAR passport or the Hong Kong passport. The authorities of the
Republic of China Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia, at the junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the northeas ...
(commonly known as "Taiwan") refer to the Hong Kong SAR passport as the "Hong Kong passport" because the ROC government tries to avoid references to the political status of Hong Kong as a SAR of the People's Republic of China. Meanwhile, the Brazilian Consulate-General in Hong Kong uses the term "Hong Kong passport" in reference to both the Hong Kong SAR and
British National (Overseas) British National (Overseas), abbreviated BN(O), is a class of British nationality associated with the former colony of Hong Kong. The status was acquired through voluntary registration by individuals with a connection to the territory who ha ...
passports.


Historical background

Hong Kong official travel documents prior to 1997 included the Hong Kong Certificate of Identity (CI), British Dependent Territories Citizen (BDTC),
British National (Overseas) British National (Overseas), abbreviated BN(O), is a class of British nationality associated with the former colony of Hong Kong. The status was acquired through voluntary registration by individuals with a connection to the territory who ha ...
(BN(O)) and
British Citizen British nationality law prescribes the conditions under which a person is recognised as being a national of the United Kingdom. The six different classes of British nationality each have varying degrees of civil and political rights, due to the ...
(BC) passports. After 1997, BN(O) and BC passports are still valid but CIs and BDTC passports are no longer in use.


First version (1997–2003)

The issuing of Hong Kong SAR passports began on 1 July 1997, following the
transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong Sovereignty of Hong Kong was transferred from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China (PRC) at midnight on 1 July 1997. This event ended 156 years of British rule in the former colony. Hong Kong was established as a special admin ...
from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China. PRC citizens who have
right of abode The right of abode is an individual's freedom from immigration control in a particular country. A person who has the right of abode in a country does not need permission from the government to enter the country and can live and work there withou ...
in the HKSAR and who hold Hong Kong permanent resident identity cards, whether or not they are holders of
British National (Overseas) British National (Overseas), abbreviated BN(O), is a class of British nationality associated with the former colony of Hong Kong. The status was acquired through voluntary registration by individuals with a connection to the territory who ha ...
passport or Hong Kong Certificate of Identity or other travel documents, are eligible to apply for the Hong Kong SAR passport. Note that acquisition of
British citizen British nationality law prescribes the conditions under which a person is recognised as being a national of the United Kingdom. The six different classes of British nationality each have varying degrees of civil and political rights, due to the ...
ship in the
British Nationality Selection Scheme The British Nationality (Hong Kong) Selection Scheme, usually known in Hong Kong as simply the British Nationality Selection Scheme (BNSS), was a process whereby the Governor of Hong Kong invited certain classes of people, who were permanent r ...
itself does not affect the eligibility for a HKSAR passport. Nor does the holding of any foreign passport itself affect the eligibility for a HKSAR passport, provided that one remains a PRC citizen. Under
Hong Kong Basic Law The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is a national law of China that serves as the organic law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Comprising nine chapters, 160 a ...
, the
Government of Hong Kong The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, commonly known as the Hong Kong Government or HKSAR Government, refers to the executive authorities of Hong Kong SAR. It was formed on 1 July 1997 in accordance with the Sino- ...
is responsible for immigration control in the territory. The Hong Kong SAR passport is issued by the Immigration Department of Hong Kong under the authorisation of the Central People's Government (or the State Council). Its design is distinct from other types of
People's Republic of China passport The People's Republic of China Passport (), commonly referred to as the Chinese passport, is a passport issued to citizens of the People's Republic of China (PRC) for the purpose of international travel, and entitles its bearer to the protecti ...
s and the holders enjoy visa-free entry to more countries than other PRC passports.


Second version (2003–2007)

Starting from 1 January 2003, the second version of the passport was introduced with enhanced security features. The passport was machine readable, designed for immigration control points equipped with passport scanners. The passport size was . The second version of the Hong Kong SAR passport was available either as a 32-page ordinary-size passport or as a 48-page passport.


Front cover

The cover of the passport was dark blue with wording and the national emblem of the People's Republic of China in gold. The word ''Passport'' in Chinese and English is found below the crest. Above are the words ''Hong Kong Special Administrative Region People's Republic of China'', also in Chinese and English. It is worth noting that the characters 中華人民共和國 (People's Republic of China) are bigger than the characters 香港特別行政區 (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) on the passport cover. In English, however, "HONG KONG" is bigger than the phrase "SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA" for easy distinction by foreign immigration officials.


Inner front cover

The passport note appeared on the second page in Chinese and English:


Inner pages

The passport's observations page on page 3 had the following: * the holder's Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card number, and the Chinese Commercial Code of the holder's Chinese name * if the passport was issued through a Chinese foreign mission, the embassy/consulate would also make an endorsement in the observations stating so. * an official chop by the Immigration Department * a machine-readable barcode The passport's explanatory notes were on page 1 in Chinese, and on page 2 in English. They consisted of the following words:


Identification page

Personal data was recorded on the inner rear cover of the passport, which was covered with a security laminate. Details included were: * Travel document type: P * Code of Issuing State: CHN (People's Republic of China) * Passport number * Surname and Given Names: in traditional Chinese and English * Nationality: "CHINESE" (The nationality code is CHN as shown in the machine readable zone) * Sex: denoted as "M" (male) or "F" (female) * Place of birth: if born in China, name of province/autonomous region/municipality; if born in Hong Kong or Macao, 'Hong Kong' or 'Macao'; if born in other countries, name of country * Dates of birth, issue and expiry: displayed in the format DD-MMM-YY * Authority (of issue): "IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION" (in Chinese and English) There was also a machine readable zone at the bottom of the identification page. Changes from the first version included optically variable ink used to print the letters "HKSAR" along the left hand side of the photo and the words "IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION" in the "Issuing authority" section of the personal data page.


Third Version (2007–2018)

Since the issuing of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport commenced on 1 July 1997 following the
transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong Transfer may refer to: Arts and media * ''Transfer'' (2010 film), a German science-fiction movie directed by Damir Lukacevic and starring Zana Marjanović * ''Transfer'' (1966 film), a short film * ''Transfer'' (journal), in management studies ...
, the passport has undergone three different changes, each with security enhancements. In February 2007, the first
ePassport A biometric passport (also known as an e-passport or a digital passport) is a traditional passport that has an embedded electronic microprocessor chip which contains biometric information that can be used to authenticate the identity of the pas ...
was introduced. The design conforms with the document design recommendations of the
International Civil Aviation Organization The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO, ) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates the principles and techniques of international air navigation, and fosters the planning and development of international a ...
. The new ePassport featured in the 2008 Stockholm Challenge Event and was a finalist for the Stockholm Challenge Award in the Public Administration category. The Hong Kong SAR ePassport design was praised on account of the "multiple state-of-the-art technologies
hich Ij ( fa, ايج, also Romanized as Īj; also known as Hich and Īch) is a village in Golabar Rural District, in the Central District of Ijrud County, Zanjan Province, Iran Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, and also ...
are seamlessly integrated in the sophisticated Electronic Passport System (e-Passport System)". 0The cover of the new biometric passport remains essentially the same as that of previous versions, with the addition of the
biometric passport A biometric passport (also known as an e-passport or a digital passport) is a traditional passport that has an embedded electronic microprocessor chip which contains biometric information that can be used to authenticate the identity of the pa ...
logo at the bottom. 1


Physical appearance

In 2006, the Immigration Department announced that Unihub Limited (a PCCW subsidiary company heading a consortium of suppliers, including Keycorp) had won the tender to provide the technology to produce
biometric passports A biometric passport (also known as an e-passport or a digital passport) is a traditional passport that has an embedded electronic microprocessor chip which contains biometric information that can be used to authenticate the identity of the pas ...
. 2In February 2007, the first
ePassport A biometric passport (also known as an e-passport or a digital passport) is a traditional passport that has an embedded electronic microprocessor chip which contains biometric information that can be used to authenticate the identity of the pas ...
was introduced. The cover of the new
biometric passport A biometric passport (also known as an e-passport or a digital passport) is a traditional passport that has an embedded electronic microprocessor chip which contains biometric information that can be used to authenticate the identity of the pa ...
remains essentially the same as that of previous versions. The
biometric passport A biometric passport (also known as an e-passport or a digital passport) is a traditional passport that has an embedded electronic microprocessor chip which contains biometric information that can be used to authenticate the identity of the pa ...
symbol appears at the bottom under the word "PASSPORT". However, the design of the inner pages has changed substantially.


Inside front cover

On the inner front cover of the passport, below the crest of the People's Republic of China and above a picture of the
Great Wall of China The Great Wall of China (, literally "ten thousand ''li'' wall") is a series of fortifications that were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic grou ...
are the following words:
中華人民共和國外交部請各國軍政機關對持照人予以通行的便利和必要的協助 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China requests all civil and military authorities of foreign countries to allow the bearer of this passport to pass freely and afford assistance in case of need.
On the reverse of the polycarbonate identification page insert is a blue image with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region emblem in the centre. At the top is a pattern of the words "中華人民共和國香港特別行政區 HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA". At the bottom is a picture of
Victoria Harbour Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbor, harbour in Hong Kong separating Hong Kong Island in the south from the Kowloon Peninsula to the north. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on South China Sea were instrume ...
behind an outline of the
Great Wall of China The Great Wall of China (, literally "ten thousand ''li'' wall") is a series of fortifications that were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic grou ...
.


Identification page

The identification page appears on a
polycarbonate Polycarbonates (PC) are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong, tough materials, and some grades are optically transparent. They are easily work ...
insert between the front cover and the first page. Using laser engraving technology, the holder's photograph is printed in black and white, with the holder's Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card number printed vertically on the right-hand side of the portrait photograph. The passport is also machine readable, designed for immigration control points equipped with passport scanners. Details which are printed include: 1 * Travel document type: P * Code of Issuing State: CHN * Passport number * Surname and Given Names: in
traditional Chinese characters Traditional Chinese characters are one type of standard Chinese character sets of the contemporary written Chinese. The traditional characters had taken shapes since the clerical change and mostly remained in the same structure they took a ...
and English * Nationality: "CHINESE" (The nationality code is CHN as shown in the machine readable zone) * Sex: denoted as "M" (male) or "F" (female) * Place of birth: if born in China, the name of the
province A province is almost always an administrative division within a country or state. The term derives from the ancient Roman ''provincia'', which was the major territorial and administrative unit of the Roman Empire's territorial possessions out ...
/
autonomous region An autonomous administrative division (also referred to as an autonomous area, entity, unit, region, subdivision, or territory) is a subnational administrative division or internal territory of a sovereign state that has a degree of autonomy ...
/
municipality A municipality is usually a single administrative division having corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by national and regional laws to which it is subordinate. The term ''municipality'' may also mean the ...
in which the bearer was born; if born in Hong Kong or
Macao Macau or Macao (; ; ; ), officially the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (MSAR), is a city and special administrative region of China in the western Pearl River Delta by the South China Sea. With a po ...
, 'Hong Kong' or 'Macao'; if born in other countries, the name of the country of birth * Dates of birth, issuance and expiry: displayed in the format DD-MMM-YY * Authority (of issue): "IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION" (in Chinese and English) The code "CHN" (China) is used for both issuing state and nationality. This is the same as PRC passport and Macau SAR passport. (During the British colonial era, a Hong Kong British Dependent Territories Citizen passport used "HKG" as the code of the issuing state and "GBD" as the nationality code.) Instead of printing the holder's signature on the identification/observation pages, space is reserved on the last page of the passport below the emergency contact information for the holder to complete his/her signature.


= Security features

= Enveloping the top right hand corner of the portrait photograph, and the surname, given names and nationality data sections is a kinegram, consisting of an amalgamation of the Chinese and Hong Kong flags, and the letters "HK香港". In the middle of the identification page is a multiple laser image consisting of two circles: in the left hand circle is another image of the holder's portrait photograph, at the bottom of which is the passport number; in the right hand circle is the Hong Kong regional flag (the red and white reverse gradually as the viewing angle is changed). 1 The Hong Kong permanent identity card number is printed at the bottom right hand side of the portrait photograph as a trapezium shape which gradually widens towards the bottom. The three waves at the bottom of the portrait photograph, as well as the straight line separating the machine readable zone from the rest of the data page and the vertical straight line of the right hand column of
Tsing Ma Bridge Tsing Ma Bridge is a bridge in Hong Kong. It is the world's 16th-longest span suspension bridge, and was the second longest at time of completion. The bridge was named after the two islands it connects, namely Tsing Yi and Ma Wan. It has tw ...
, contains micro-lettering of the holder's English name, Hong Kong permanent identity card number and date of birth. 1 The background of the identification page changes under
ultraviolet light Ultraviolet (UV) is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelength from 10 nm (with a corresponding frequency around 30  PHz) to 400 nm (750  THz), shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays. UV radiatio ...
, when a scene of the
Tsing Ma Bridge Tsing Ma Bridge is a bridge in Hong Kong. It is the world's 16th-longest span suspension bridge, and was the second longest at time of completion. The bridge was named after the two islands it connects, namely Tsing Yi and Ma Wan. It has tw ...
with nighttime fireworks becomes visible. The identification page also contains an engraving of a bauhinia, but with certain lines replaced by microlettering consisting of "HKSAR". 1


Inner pages

All the inner pages have seasonal flowers at the side, and different "華" characters in the centre (in English this means "Chinese"). As well as being printed in red at the bottom of each page, the passport number is perforated through the top section of all the odd-numbered pages. At the bottom of each page is a gold outline of the
Great Wall of China The Great Wall of China (, literally "ten thousand ''li'' wall") is a series of fortifications that were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic grou ...
. The seasonal flower is printed across the middle of even-numbered and odd-numbered pages. When two pages are rolled up such that they meet each other, the seasonal flower on the right margin of odd-numbered page matches up with the flower on the left margin of the even-numbered page (e.g. pages 11 and 14), forming a complete bunch of flowers. The observations page, located on page 1, contains a photograph of the holder. If the passport is issued through a Chinese foreign mission, the embassy/consulate will make an endorsement in the observations stating so. The explanatory notes on the passport are placed on the second last page of the passport, and read as follows-
# The issuance, replacement, reissuance and endorsement of this passport shall be effected by the Immigration Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, diplomatic and consular missions of the People's Republic of China in foreign countries, or other Chinese authorities in foreign countries under the entrustment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. # The bearer of this passport is a Chinese citizen who holds a Hong Kong permanent identity card (HKPIC) and has the right of abode in and the right to return to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. # This passport is valid for ten years, unless otherwise stated. This passport is normally valid for five years if issued to a child under sixteen years of age. This passport shall be replaced by a new one when its validity period has expired or it has no further space for visas. # This passport is an important document of identity which shall be kept carefully and used properly. It shall not be mutilated, tampered with, or transferred to another person for unlawful use. Any case of loss or destruction should be immediately reported to the nearest issuing authority and the local police or public security authorities.
The last page of the passport has a section to be filled in by the holder with contact information in the event of an emergency, as well as a space for the holder to complete his/her signature.


Contactless biometric data chip

Data included in the contactless chip of the passport: 3 * Name in Chinese and English * Nationality (i.e. Chinese) * Sex * Date of birth * Place of birth * Permanent Hong Kong identity card number * Facial image * Passport number * Date of issue * Date of expiry * Issuing authority (i.e. Immigration Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Fingerprints and iris scans are not included. The explanation from back cover for the chip is as follows:
本護照含敏感的電子部件,為保持護照的最佳效能,請勿彎曲護照或在本頁打孔;切勿讓本護照接觸高低溫或受潮。 This passport contains sensitive electronics. For the best performance please do not bend, perforate this page or expose this passport to extreme temperatures or excess moisture. 請勿在此蓋印 Do not stamp here


Fourth version (2019–)


Identification page


= Security features

=


Eligibility and application

The eligibility criteria for application for a Hong Kong SAR passport are as follows: * Chinese citizenship; * Permanent residency in the Hong Kong SAR, ''and''; * A valid Hong Kong permanent identity card. In comparison with the British National (Overseas) passport, the Hong Kong SAR passport's application fees are lower. When applying in Hong Kong, a British National (Overseas) passport costs £83 (32 pages), and £53 (child) from April 2014. In comparison with other Chinese passports, when applying from Hong Kong, the
People's Republic of China passport The People's Republic of China Passport (), commonly referred to as the Chinese passport, is a passport issued to citizens of the People's Republic of China (PRC) for the purpose of international travel, and entitles its bearer to the protecti ...
costs HK$250, whilst the Macao SAR passport costs MOP$370/HK$359. Hong Kong permanent residents without Chinese citizenship cannot be issued HKSAR passports and must obtain passports from their country of origin, or they may obtain a
Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Document of Identity for Visa Purposes () is a biometric travel document issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department to residents of Hong Kong who are unable to obtain a national passport. It is ...
if they are stateless. Chinese citizens residing Hong Kong who are not yet Hong Kong permanent residents are not eligible for this passport but may also obtain
Hong Kong Document of Identity The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Document of Identity for Visa Purposes () is a biometric travel document issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department to residents of Hong Kong who are unable to obtain a national passport. It is ...
in lieu of HKSAR passports.


Use


Mainland China

The Ministry of Public Security does not allow Hong Kong permanent residents to travel to the mainland with SAR passports, since both mainland and Hong Kong authorities have agreed that using passport is 'unnecessary and inappropriate' for 'domestic' travel. Instead, those who are eligible for a Hong Kong SAR passport are also eligible to apply for a Home Return Permit via the Bureau of Exit and Entry Administration of the Ministry of Public Security (represented in Hong Kong by the China Travel Service). The possession of a Hong Kong SAR passport does not guarantee the issuing of a Home Return Permit; several pro-democracy advocates, for example, have been refused Home Return Permits or had their permits confiscated. Hong Kong residents who do not have a Home Return Permit or who want to travel to the mainland from a third country must obtain a Chinese Travel Document prior to travel.


Macau

Regardless of their citizenship status, Hong Kong permanent residents do not need passports to travel to
Macau Macau or Macao (; ; ; ), officially the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (MSAR), is a city and special administrative region of China in the western Pearl River Delta by the South China Sea. With a pop ...
. However, those residents must bring their Hong Kong permanent identity cards which grant a one-year visa-free entry. When Hong Kong residents travel abroad via Macau, such residents can use their HKSAR passports to enter Macau and stay 7 days visa-free.


Taiwan

Hong Kong SAR passport holders who have either visited Taiwan previously or who were born in Hong Kong or
Macau Macau or Macao (; ; ; ), officially the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (MSAR), is a city and special administrative region of China in the western Pearl River Delta by the South China Sea. With a pop ...
are able to obtain a 30-day entry permit online at the website of the
National Immigration Agency The National Immigration Agency of the Ministry of the Interior (NIA; ) is the statutory agency under the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of China (Taiwan) which is responsible for immigration, entry and exit security, border services and r ...
which can be used for a single entry to Taiwan within three months of the application date. Once the permit has been granted online, the applicant must print it out to be presented at the
border checkpoint A border checkpoint is a location on an international border where travelers or goods are inspected and allowed (or denied) passage through. Authorization often is required to enter a country through its borders. Access-controlled borders ofte ...
with a Hong Kong SAR passport with at least 6 months' validity and a return flight/ferry ticket. Hong Kong SAR passport holders can also obtain a 30-day entry permit upon arrival in Taiwan at the
border checkpoint A border checkpoint is a location on an international border where travelers or goods are inspected and allowed (or denied) passage through. Authorization often is required to enter a country through its borders. Access-controlled borders ofte ...
on presentation of their Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card as well as their Hong Kong SAR or British National (Overseas) passport, as long as they were born in Hong Kong. A fee of
NT$ The New Taiwan dollar (code: TWD; symbol: NT$, also abbreviated as NT) is the official currency of Taiwan. The New Taiwan dollar has been the currency of Taiwan since 1949, when it replaced the Old Taiwan dollar, at a rate of 40,000 old dollar ...
300 is incurred for each application. Alternatively, they can apply for an entry permit in advance through
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), also known as Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), Taipei Representative Office (TRO) or Taipei Mission, is an alternative diplomatic institution serving as a ''de facto'' e ...
in Hong Kong at a cost of HK$75, which is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance, permitting the holder to enter Taiwan twice, each time for a maximum stay of 30 days.


Overseas

According to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, as of 28 March 2018, 163 countries and territories grant Hong Kong SAR passport holders either visa-free or visa-on-arrival access (Note: this figure excludes countries and territories not officially recognised by the People's Republic of China, e.g. Kosovo and Taiwan), including all member states of the
European Union The European Union (EU) is a supranational union, supranational political union, political and economic union of Member state of the European Union, member states that are located primarily in Europe, Europe. The union has a total area of ...
,
Brazil Brazil ( pt, Brasil; ), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: ), is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At and with over 217 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area ...
,
Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by to ...
,
Chile Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in the western part of South America. It is the southernmost country in the world, and the closest to Antarctica, occupying a long and narrow strip of land between the Andes to the eas ...
,
Japan Japan ( ja, 日本, or , and formally , ''Nihonkoku'') is an island country in East Asia. It is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean, and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan, while extending from the Sea of Okhotsk in the n ...
,
Malaysia Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federal constitutional monarchy consists of thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two regions: Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo's East Mal ...
,
New Zealand New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island coun ...
,
Russia Russia (, , ), or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is the largest country in the world, with its internationally recognised territory covering , and encompassing one-ei ...
,
Singapore Singapore (), officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. It lies about one degree of latitude () north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, bor ...
,
South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the north by the neighbouring coun ...
and
South Korea South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and sharing a Korean Demilitarized Zone, land border with North Korea. Its western border is formed ...
. According to the
Henley Passport Index The Henley Passport Index ( abbreviation: HPI) is a global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom enjoyed by the holders of that country's ordinary passport for its citizens. It started in 2006 as Henley & Partners Visa Restricti ...
, in 2019 the Hong Kong SAR passport was ranked as the 19th most powerful passport worldwide, tied with
Bulgaria Bulgaria (; bg, България, Bǎlgariya), officially the Republic of Bulgaria,, ) is a country in Southeast Europe. It is situated on the eastern flank of the Balkans, and is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedo ...
; in contrast, the Macau SAR passport was ranked 36th, while the PRC passport was ranked 74th. With regards to Schengen Agreement signatory states, Hong Kong SAR passport holders are also permitted to take up a paid activity (e.g. work) visa-free for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period in Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden. In Switzerland, another Schengen signatory state, Hong Kong SAR passport holders are able to exercise a "gainful occupation" for a maximum of 8 days during their 90 days visa-exempt stay without the need to apply for a special work visa. However, this 8-day visa exemption excludes gainful occupation in the primary or secondary construction industry, civil engineering, catering and hotel services, industrial and private cleaning industry, surveillance and security services and sex industry. Alternatively, if in possession of a long term residence permit issued by any other Schengen member state, the Hong Kong SAR passport holder can exercise a gainful occupation for up to 3 months visa-free in Switzerland (without the industry-specific restrictions listed in the 8-day visa exemption). As Chinese citizens, those travelling on Hong Kong SAR passports are entitled to the consular protection offered by the People's Republic of China government while overseas. However, it is not uncommon for PRC authorities overseas to offer consular assistance to PRC citizens of Hong Kong origin travelling on their British National (Overseas) passports, as their British nationality is not recognised by the Chinese government. See also British consular protection enjoyed by BN(O) passport holders outside the PRC and the UK. Hong Kong SAR passport holders are also able to enjoy travel convenience under some bilateral agreements concluded between the PRC and other countries (on PRC passports in general). For example, holders of PRC passport and that of HKSAR passport are exempt from the fee for Nepalese tourist visas. On 10 April 2013, the Prime Minister of Australia,
Julia Gillard Julia Eileen Gillard (born 29 September 1961) is an Australian former politician who served as the 27th prime minister of Australia from 2010 to 2013, holding office as leader of the Australian Labor Party (ALP). She is the first and only ...
, announced that, starting from 2015, holders of Hong Kong SAR e-passports would be able to use SmartGates in Australia on a trial basis. The trial period started in September 2015. Since June 2016, Hong Kong e-passport holders are eligible to use smartgates in Australia.


Visa waiver reciprocity

In some cases, Hong Kong SAR passport holders are subject to visa requirements to countries whose nationals can enter Hong Kong visa-free. For example, American and Indian nationals can enter Hong Kong visa-free for a maximum period of 90 and 14 days respectively, though Hong Kong SAR passport holders are required to apply for a visa for any visit to the United States or India. Other countries such as Paraguay and Costa Rica also require visas for any visits, despite nationals from these countries entering Hong Kong visa free. Also, Hong Kong SAR passport holders may be given less favourable visa-free conditions by certain countries, compared to the conditions offered by Hong Kong to those countries' nationals Conversely, in some situations, Hong Kong SAR passport holders enjoy better visa waiver conditions to countries whose nationals are subject to stricter conditions entering Hong Kong. Hong Kong SAR passport holders enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 90 days to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Rwanda, although nationals of these countries are only granted a maximum visa-free stay of 14 days in Hong Kong. In some cases, Hong Kong SAR passport holders are offered visa-free access to countries whose nationals are unable to travel to Hong Kong visa-free for any length of time. An example is Nicaragua, to which Hong Kong SAR passport holders can travel visa-free for a maximum period of 90 days. However, Nicaraguans must apply for a visa to travel to Hong Kong.


Comparison of visa-free access

The Hong Kong Immigration Department cites the number of countries and territories offering visa-free access for Hong Kong SAR passport holders as 158 (this figure excludes countries and territories not officially recognised by the People's Republic of China, e.g. Kosovo and Taiwan). The British Consulate-General in Hong Kong states 119 as the number of countries and territories providing visa-free access to British National (Overseas) passport holders. Hong Kong residents staying in the United Kingdom for 6 months or more and entering on a British National (Overseas) passport are exempt from having to register with the police, whilst entry on a Hong Kong SAR passport does not exempt them from this administrative procedure, with a police registration fee of £34 payable. In this sense, Hong Kong SAR passports are treated in the same way as ordinary Chinese passports. For travel to Dominica, Grenada and Morocco, entry on a British National (Overseas) passport permits a longer visa-free stay than on a HKSAR passport – 6 months compared to 21 days, 6 months compared to 3 months, and 3 months compared to 30 days respectively. Whilst entry on a HKSAR passport to Nauru requires a visa to be obtained in advance, a BN(O) passport holder can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival free of charge. However, Hong Kong SAR passport holders enjoy better visa-free access to Australia than British National (Overseas) passports. Whilst both passports are eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority scheme, BN(O) passport holders can only apply for an ETA in person at an Australian visa office or through a travel agent/airline, whilst Hong Kong SAR passport holders can apply online at the ETA official website. Entry to Indonesia on a HKSAR passport permits a visa-free stay of 30 days whilst on a BN(O) passport a 30-day visa must be purchased on arrival at a cost of US$25. Similarly, HKSAR passport holders are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival in Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates, whilst BN(O) passport holders are ineligible. Due to the international status of
Hong Kong Hong Kong ( (US) or (UK); , ), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (abbr. Hong Kong SAR or HKSAR), is a List of cities in China, city and Special administrative regions of China, special ...
and
British National (Overseas) British National (Overseas), abbreviated BN(O), is a class of British nationality associated with the former colony of Hong Kong. The status was acquired through voluntary registration by individuals with a connection to the territory who ha ...
, both HKSAR passports and BN(O) passports are ineligible for Visa Waiver Program of the
United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country Continental United States, primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 U.S. state, states, a Washington, D.C., ...
, and required to obtain a visa prior to travelling to the United States. However, HKSAR passport holders may travel to
Guam Guam (; ch, Guåhan ) is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States in the Micronesia subregion of the western Pacific Ocean. It is the westernmost point and territory of the United States (reckoned from the geographic cent ...
and
Northern Mariana Islands The Northern Mariana Islands, officially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI; ch, Sankattan Siha Na Islas Mariånas; cal, Commonwealth Téél Falúw kka Efáng llól Marianas), is an unincorporated territory and commonw ...
visa-free for 45 days. In comparison with other Chinese passports, the Hong Kong SAR passport provides considerably more visa-free access than the ordinary People's Republic of China passport, the Macao Special Administrative Region passport, and the Republic of China (Taiwan) passport.


Working holiday visas

As a result of bilateral working holiday visa agreements made between the Government of Hong Kong and a number of other countries, Hong Kong SAR passport holders aged between 18 and 30 are eligible to apply for working holiday visas to Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. These visas allow their holders to spend a maximum of 12 months in the foreign country with the primary purpose of travelling, but also permitting supplementary short-term employment (and for some countries (e.g. South Korea), short-term study may in addition be allowed). On the basis of reciprocity, Australian, Canadian, French, German, Irish, Japanese, New Zealand and South Korean nationals are also able to apply for working holiday visas in Hong Kong under similar conditions. HKSAR passport holders have been eligible for UK working holiday visas, subject to Certificate of Sponsorship and annual maximum of 1000 placements since January 2014. However, holders of a British National (Overseas) passport are not subject to any quotas nor Certificate of Sponsorship under the same Scheme and are able to work or study in the UK for 5 years as holders are granted limited leave to remain.


Notable incidents


Lai Changxing incident

Lai Changxing, the suspect of a large smuggling and corruption scandal in Mainland China, used a HKSAR passport to enter Canada as a tourist in 1999. His HKSAR passport and Hong Kong permanent residency were revoked by the Hong Kong Government in 2002 on the grounds that he had obtained the residency by dishonest means.


"Place of birth" in HKSAR passports

On 16 April 2008, the Court of First Instance of the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region decided in open court to publicize the case of ''Aziz Akbar Butt v Director of Immigration'' (HCAL32-2007). Aziz Akbar Butt, born in
Pakistan Pakistan ( ur, ), officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan ( ur, , label=none), is a country in South Asia. It is the world's List of countries and dependencies by population, fifth-most populous country, with a population of almost 24 ...
and a Hong Kong permanent resident who became a naturalised Chinese citizen of Hong Kong on 8 January 2007, argued that for HKSAR passport holders such as himself born outside the Mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao, it was not necessary for the Director of Immigration to label their "place of birth" as stated in the HKSAR passport to be the country/state of birth specifically, with the city or province of birth sufficing. He further claimed to have problems travelling to several countries because his HKSAR passport stated "Pakistan" (i.e. his country of birth) instead of "Karachi" or "Sindh" (i.e. his specific place of birth within Pakistan) as his "place of birth". The Director of Immigration asserted that it was in accordance with HKSAR law and
ICAO The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO, ) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates the principles and techniques of international air navigation, and fosters the planning and development of international a ...
standards that one's "country of birth" should be specified for holders of the HKSAR passport born outside the Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. The Court of First Instance of the High Court decided that the Director of Immigration was wrong in using a policy to insert the country of birth as the "place of birth" in the applicant's passport in this instance, given a passport's nature as a document ensuring freedom of travel and the lack of a specific requirement within ICAO standards for machine-readable passports to state one's country of birth specifically. As a result of this court decision, the Director of Immigration cancelled the passport previously issued to Butt, and replaced it with a new passport at no cost, with his place of birth stated as "
Sindh Sindh (; ; ur, , ; historically romanized as Sind) is one of the four provinces of Pakistan. Located in the southeastern region of the country, Sindh is the third-largest province of Pakistan by land area and the second-largest province ...
".


See also

*
British nationality law and Hong Kong British nationality law as it pertains to Hong Kong has been unusual ever since Hong Kong became a British colony in 1842. From its beginning as a sparsely populated trading port to today's cosmopolitan international financial centre and wo ...
* British National (Overseas) passport *
British Overseas Territories citizen A British Overseas Territories citizen (BOTC), formerly called British Dependent Territories citizen (BDTC), is a member of a class of British nationality granted to people connected with one or more of the British Overseas Territories (previ ...
* Exit & Entry Permit *
Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Document of Identity for Visa Purposes () is a biometric travel document issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department to residents of Hong Kong who are unable to obtain a national passport. It is ...
* Hong Kong Re-entry Permit *
Chinese nationality law Chinese nationality law details the conditions by which a person holds nationality of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The primary law governing these requirements is the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China, which came in ...
*
Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents The Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, also known as Taiwan Compatriot Permit, is a type of travel document issued by Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the Republic of China nationals (ROC) who hold household reg ...
* Macao Special Administrative Region passport * Visa requirements for Chinese citizens of Hong Kong


References


Citations


Sources

; Book in Chinese * 《香港居民的國籍問題》''(The Question of Nationality of the Hong Kong Residents)'', by Yung Cheung (張勇) and Yuk-Tin Chan (陳玉田).


External links


GovHK: HKSAR passport



Taiwan's visa offer a step forward, Taipei Times


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport Chinese passports Hong Kong travel documents