
Hong Kong permanently scrapped arrival cards on Oct 16, 2024! Check latest HK official rules for e-Channel eligibility/usage, Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) & tourist entry. Fast immigration tips for tourists enter Hong Kong airport.
Do I Need to Fill in an Arrival Card in Hong Kong?

Arrival Card Is Not Needed Anymore When Entering Hong Kong – Turis
No – Hong Kong permanently eliminated all arrival/departure card requirements (paper/digital) on October 16, 2024 for all travelers (visitors, residents, all nationalities). This applies to all entry modes (air/land/sea) – there is no replacement form, QR code, or online submission needed. Immigration now uses airline Advance Passenger Information (API) to process entries instead.
Hong Kong e-Channel Services: Eligibility & How to Use

Source: Hong Kong Immigration Department
With no arrival cards, e-Channels (automated immigration gates) are the fastest way through HK immigration (saves 15–30 mins during peak hours). They use biometrics (facial recognition/fingerprints) for self-service clearance, available at all HK control points (airport/land/sea). Free to use – only 1 core H2 for all key info:
HK e-Channels Eligibility & Requirements
- Age: Minimum 7 years old (2026 update – down from 11; 7–10yo must be accompanied by a parent/guardian)
- Document: Valid e-passport (biometric chip) (mandatory for foreign visitors); valid PAR/visa (if applicable)
- Two Access Types (no extra fees for either):
- Smart Departure (Departure Only): No registration needed – for all eligible foreign visitors (7+yo with e-passport)
- Entry + Exit e-Channel: Requires in-person registration (free) at HK control points (airport/enrolment offices) – for frequent visitors (≥3 HK entries in 12 months) or specific document holders
How to Use HK e-Channels (2 Ways)
For Smart Departure (Departure Only – No Registration)
- Approach an e-Channel marked Smart Departure (blue "S" logo)
- Place your e-passport’s bio page flat on the document reader (photo side down)
- Stand on the foot markers, look directly at the camera for facial verification
- Proceed through the gate once it opens (no fingerprint scan needed)
For Registered Entry + Exit e-Channel
- Go to a registered visitor e-Channel (no "S" logo)
- Insert your e-passport into the reader (chip side up)
- Scan your registered thumb on the fingerprint scanner + facial verification
- Collect a landing slip (if issued) and proceed
![Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket [Official Direct Signing, QR Code Entry]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0353a12000h6580qbC92B_C_750_480.jpg)




![[Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Transfer Service] Cross-border private charter transfer with Hong Kong dual-plate vehicles for Shenzhen/Guangzhou/Hong Kong/Macau/Zhuhai and other locations](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352d12000rdc3z2e454E_C_750_480.jpg)
Who Needs Pre-Arrival Registration for Hong Kong?

More than 100 new automated immigration channels to make the ...
PAR is a separate visa-exemption requirement (not an arrival card) for only specific nationalities, it is free and valid for 6 months (multiple entries, 14 days per stay).
Mandatory PAR
- Indian nationals (for visa-free Hong Kong entry)
- A small number of other nationalities (check ImmD HK for real-time updates)
No PAR Needed (Most Visitors)
- SG/US/UK/AU passport holders (90-day visa-free entry, no PAR/visa required)
- Most Western/European nationalities (30–90 day visa-free)
- Mainland Chinese travelers with valid Exit-Entry Permit for HK/Macau
- Transit passengers staying in the international airport transit area
PAR Application: Only via official ImmD HK portal (apply 2–4 weeks before travel for processing).
Requirements for Tourists Entering Hong Kong

E-channel services extended to nonpermanent residents
While arrival cards are gone, these entry requirements remain strictly enforced by Hong Kong Immigration:
Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
Valid Passport | Minimum 6 months validity from arrival date (some nationalities like Canada only need 1 month beyond departure) |
Visa/Entry Eligibility | Visa-exempt for most Western/Singaporean travelers (check your nationality’s allowed stay: SG/US/UK/AU = 90 days) |
Return/Onward Ticket | Proof of departure from Hong Kong (digital or printed) – not required if transiting to Mainland China/Macau |
Sufficient Funds | Proof of ability to cover your stay (hotel booking, credit card, cash – generally HKD 10,000+ per person recommended) |
Health Requirements | No mandatory COVID tests or vaccinations (as of 2026) – answer health questions truthfully if asked |
Pre-Arrival Registration (if applicable) | For Indian nationals and others requiring PAR |
Key Note: Approval for visa exemption/PAR does not guarantee entry—Hong Kong Immigration officers may deny entry if they suspect invalid travel purposes or insufficient funds
How to Enter Hong Kong - Airport Arrival Procedure

HK's 'Smart Departure' scheme includes Macau | Macao News
Follow these steps for smooth entry at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA):
Step 1: Disembark and Proceed to Immigration Hall
After landing, follow signs to "Immigration"—no arrival card forms to collect or fill out.
Step 2: Choose Clearance Channel
- e-Channel (Self-Service): For eligible travelers with e-passports (chip-enabled) and biometrics (fingerprints/photo already on file)
- Age 11+ for most nationalities; age 7+ for some with "Departure Easy" e-channel access
- Place passport on reader, complete facial/fingerprint verification, collect landing slip (if issued)
- Manual Counter: For first-time visitors, those without e-passports, or travelers needing visa checks
- Present passport, return ticket, and hotel booking (if requested)
- Answer simple questions about your stay (e.g., "Where are you staying?" "How long will you be here?")
Step 3: Baggage Reclaim
Collect your checked luggage from the designated carousel after immigration clearance.
Step 4: Customs Inspection
- Green Channel: No dutiable goods to declare
- Red Channel: For goods exceeding duty-free allowances (alcohol, tobacco, electronics)
Hong Kong has strict rules on prohibited items (drugs, weapons, endangered species)—familiarize yourself before arrival.
Step 5: Exit to Hong Kong
After customs, you’re free to enter Hong Kong—proceed to taxis, public transport (MTR Airport Express, buses), or meet your driver.
Timeline Guidance That Actually Matters for Hong Kong Travel
Focus on these critical timelines to avoid delays:
Task | Best Time to Complete | Why |
|---|---|---|
PAR Application | 2–4 weeks before travel | Avoid processing delays, handle rejections |
Passport Check | 1 month before travel | Ensure 6-month validity, no damage |
Flight/Hotel Booking | 4–6 weeks before travel | Get best prices, secure preferred accommodations |
e-Channel Registration | Upon arrival or 3+ hours before cross-border travel | Faster clearance for future trips |
Document Organization | Day before departure | No last-minute panic at the airport |
1. Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) Timeline (For Indian Nationals & Others)
PAR is mandatory for visa-free entry for certain nationalities (Indians, etc.). Here’s when to apply:
- Earliest: Apply up to 6 months before your trip (PAR is valid for 6 months from approval)
- Latest: Apply at least 4–5 business days before departure to allow for processing and avoid last-minute issues
- Best practice: Submit 2–4 weeks before travel to handle any unexpected delays or rejections
- Same-day submissions: Possible but risky—technical issues or errors could ruin your trip plans
PAR validity: Once approved, use within 6 months for multiple entries (14 days per stay for Indians).
2. Travel Document Validity Timeline
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival date for most nationalities (some exceptions like Canada require only 1 month beyond departure)
- Visa/PAR: Must be valid for your entire stay—check expiry dates before leaving home
3. General Travel Planning Timeline
- Flights: Book 4–6 weeks in advance for best prices (peak seasons: Lunar New Year, Christmas, summer holidays)
- Accommodation: Reserve 3–4 weeks early for popular areas (Hong Kong Island, Tsim Sha Tsui)
- e-Channel Registration: If eligible, register 3+ hours before travel (for cross-border use) or upon arrival for faster future trips






[10% Off] Hong Kong Hotel Recommendations
🎁 Get Cheap flights to HK and the Best hotels in HK! 1 click for Fast data in HK! Then Use Trip.com 10% Off discount to save:
Hong Kong Hotels
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
FAQs About Hong Kong Arrival Card
Do we need to fill in an arrival card in Hong Kong?
No. Hong Kong permanently eliminated arrival card requirements for all travelers on October 16, 2024—no paper or digital forms needed.Do we need pre-arrival registration for Hong Kong?
Only for specific nationalities like Indian citizens (for visa-free stays up to 14 days). Singapore, US, UK, and Australian passport holders do not need pre-arrival registration and can stay visa-free for 90 days.What is the procedure for arrival at HK airport?
Deplane → Immigration (passport + return ticket check) → Baggage Reclaim → Customs → Exit to Hong Kong.When should I apply for Hong Kong pre-arrival registration?
Apply 2–4 weeks before travel for Indian nationals and others requiring PAR—this allows time for processing and handling any issues. PAR is valid for 6 months from approval, so you can apply up to 6 months in advance.Is there an age limit for e-Channels in Hong Kong?
Effective January 19, 2026, the minimum age is 7 years old (previously 11) for most eligible travelers.







463380 booked








