Visa policy of Hong Kong

Last updated

A Sample of Regular Hong Kong Visa for Visitor issued by Hong Kong Immigration Department Hong Kong Visa Regular.png
A Sample of Regular Hong Kong Visa for Visitor issued by Hong Kong Immigration Department
A visa for Hong Kong SAR issued by the Chinese embassy in Tbilisi Hong Kong Visa.jpg
A visa for Hong Kong SAR issued by the Chinese embassy in Tbilisi
An entry endorsement issued to a Chinese national residing in mainland China on a Two-way Permit booklet Hong Kong Visit Permit (other, 14days, single) by PRC with stamps.jpg
An entry endorsement issued to a Chinese national residing in mainland China on a Two-way Permit booklet
An entry permit for Hong Kong SAR issued to a Chinese national residing overseas Hkentrypermittwoyears.jpg
An entry permit for Hong Kong SAR issued to a Chinese national residing overseas

The visa policy of Hong Kong deals with the requirements in which a foreign national wishing to enter Hong Kong through one of the 15 immigration control points must meet to obtain an entry permit (permit to enter) or Visa, which depending on the traveller's nationality, may be required to travel to, enter, and remain in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Visitors from over 145 countries are permitted without Visa entry for periods ranging from 7 to 180 days, to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for tourism or certain business-related activities. [1] [2] [3] All visitors must hold a passport valid for more than 1 month.

Contents

Unless having the right to land or right of abode in Hong Kong, nationals of all countries and territories require entry permits or visas from the Hong Kong Immigration Department directly or via one of the Chinese diplomatic missions overseas, to undertake other activities, such as study, employment, or operation of a business. Under the one country, two systems policy, Hong Kong maintains its immigration and visa policy independently from the rest of China. Consequently, entering Hong Kong from mainland China or Macau requires passing through immigration checkpoints of mainland China or Macau. Whilst Macau residents have visa-free access for short visits to Hong Kong, Mainland residents can only use a PRC passport if either transiting to a third country or having a sticker-styled HKSAR Entry Permit on the passport. Otherwise, they must obtain a Two-way Permit (EEP) with the appropriate exit endorsement from the Chinese Ministry of Public Security before visiting Hong Kong.

Due to the historical background of Hong Kong, immigration status in Hong Kong is determined by a combination of both nationality and residence status. Therefore, even a Chinese national with the right of abode in Hong Kong has a slightly different status to a foreign national with the right of abode in Hong Kong as well (since the former can never lose the right of abode status while the latter can lose it if they do not enter Hong Kong for a period of 36 months). [4] At the same time, a foreign national with the right of abode in Hong Kong has a preferential immigration status to a Chinese national without the right of abode in Hong Kong, as the former can remain in Hong Kong indefinitely, while the latter has to have his immigration status reassessed whenever his visa/permit expires.

Unconditional stay

Persons with the "right of abode" or the "right to land" may enter Hong Kong without holding any visa and without having any condition of stay imposed upon them, and may not be subject to a removal order. In addition, no deportation order may be imposed on a person with the right of abode. [5] [6] No visa or entry permit is required for holders of the following travel document: [7]

  1. Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card
  2. Hong Kong Identity Card with 'R' or 'U' code. [8]
  3. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport
  4. British National (Overseas) passport [note 1] (Note: No longer recognized by the HKSAR government for immigration clearance and identification purposes only from 31 January 2021, which has no effect on the immigration status of BN(O) in Hong Kong.) [9]
  5. Hong Kong Certificate of Identity (all of which have expired by 30 June 2007)
  6. Hong Kong Re-entry Permit (for entry from China and Macao only)
  7. Hong Kong Seaman's Identity Book
  8. Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes, provided that the document is valid or the holder's limit of stay in Hong Kong has not expired
  9. Any travel document bearing an endorsement stating either Holder's eligibility for Hong Kong permanent identity card verified or The holder of this travel document has the right to land in Hong Kong. (Section 2AAA, Immigration Ordinance (cap. 115, Laws of Hong Kong))

Visitor visa exemptions

Nationals of the following countries as well as Macau permanent residents can enter Hong Kong without a visa for tourism or business-related purposes. [3] [7] For business visits, they can undertake a limited range of business-related activities, namely "concluding contracts or submitting tenders, examining or supervising the installation/packaging of goods or equipment, participating in exhibitions or trade fairs (except selling goods or supplying services direct to the general public, or constructing exhibition booths), settling compensation or other civil proceedings, participating in product orientation, and attending short-term seminars or other business meetings". They are prohibited from taking up employment or study in the territory, or from "establishing or joining in any business". [2] The last provision means that non-residents may not commence operating a business while in Hong Kong, and thus will be refused permission for business registration by the Inland Revenue Department unless it can be proven that the business began operation while they were outside of Hong Kong. [10] However, the Companies Registry permits non-residents to incorporate limited liability companies and to be appointed as corporate directors (though not as corporate secretaries). [11]

Visa policy map

Visa policy of Hong Kong
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Hong Kong
Visa-free - 180 days
Visa-free - 90 days
Visa-free - 30 days
Visa-free - 14 days (India with online pre-registration)
Visa-free - 7 days
Visa required in advance Visa policy of Hong Kong.svg
Visa policy of Hong Kong
  Hong Kong
  Visa-free - 180 days
  Visa-free - 90 days
  Visa-free - 30 days
  Visa-free - 14 days (India with online pre-registration)
  Visa-free - 7 days
  Visa required in advance

Visa exempt

180 days (2)
  • Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom (British citizens only)
  • Flag of Macau.svg  Macau (Macau Permanent Residents only, regardless of nationality)
90 days (85)

1 - Not applicable to holders of Tongan National and Tongan Protected Person passports.
2 - Not applicable if holder's nationality is stated is I-Tuvalu.
3 - Except British citizens and British nationals (overseas).
4 - Not applicable to holders of American diplomatic passports.
5 - Not applicable to holders of passports issued under Decree 289/90.

30 days (26)

1 - Not applicable to holders of Costa Rican provisional passports and "Documento de Identidad y Viaje".
2 - Non-Permanent Residents holding Visit Permit for Residents of Macao to HKSAR.
3 - Not applicable to holders of Peruvian special passports.

14 days (34)

1 - Not applicable to holders of non-biometric passports.
2 - Pre-arrival Registration online (PAR) required for normal passport holders. Holders of diplomatic and official passports, UN laissez-passers, HKSAR Travel Passes, Hong Kong SAR visas as well as persons successfully registered for e-Channels and Indian nationals in transit who do not clear immigration are exempt. [12]
3 - Not applicable to holders of non-biometric passports and Serbian passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate in Belgrade.
4 - Not applicable to holders of Vatican service passports.

7 days (1)

Visitor visa exemptions for diplomatic or official passports only

Holders of diplomatic or official passports issued by the following countries can enter Hong Kong without a visa for 14 days: [7]

Visa required nationals

Visa required

Stateless travel document holders and nationals of the following countries are required to possess a visa for any type of entry into Hong Kong (including as tourists), but are not required to have a visa to transit airside if they remain within the airport transit area: [7]

1 - except for holders of diplomatic or official passports.2 - diplomatic passports only.

Transit visa required

Nationals of the following countries are required to possess a visa for any type of entry into Hong Kong (including as tourists) and for transit airside (even if they remain within the airport transit area): [7]

1 - except for holders of diplomatic or official passports.

Mainland China, Macau, and Taiwan

Special rules are in force for nationals of China and Taiwan who do not reside in Hong Kong.

Overview

NationalityResidencyTravel documentDuration of stay
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  People's Republic of China Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Mainland China Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau (Two-way Permit) [51]
Varies, normally 7 days
Chinese passport 7 days (for transit to a third country only)
Permit for Proceeding to Hong Kong and Macao 7 years
Overseas Chinese passport 7 days (for transit to a third country only)
14 or 30 days for HKSAR Entry Permit holders

Varies for holders of digital entry permit issued by the Immigration Department of Hong Kong

Flag of Macau.svg  Macau Macau Permanent Resident Identity Card 180 days
Visit Permit for Residents of Macao to HKSAR 180 days (for permanent residents)
30 days (for non-permanent residents)
Macao Special Administrative Region passport
Macao Special Administrative Region Travel Permit
7 days (for transit to a third country only)
Flag of the Republic of China.svg  Republic of China Flag of the Republic of China.svg  Taiwan Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (Taiwan Compatriot Permit)30 days
Taiwan passport 30 days (with pre-arrival registration)
None (Nationals without household registration) Chinese Travel Document Varies (HKSAR Entry Permit required)

Mainland China

Chinese nationals with hukou in Mainland China are required to obtain an entry permit from the Public Security Bureau for any type of visit to Hong Kong (Two-way Permit required for short visits and long visits), as well as an entry endorsement (similar to a visa) for the purpose of travel. [52]

Chinese nationals holding Permit for Proceeding to Hong Kong and Macao can only enter Hong Kong through Luohu Port. After entering, they can no longer return to the mainland. They can apply for Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes, which is valid for 7 years. After that, they are eligible for permanent residency in Hong Kong and a HKSAR Passport. [53]

Holders of Chinese passports are granted a stay of 7 days providing they are transiting to a third country (including Macau and Taiwan). [52]

Chinese nationals residing in a third country may apply for the HKSAR Entry Permit, affixed on their Chinese passports, from Chinese diplomatic missions. The duration of stay is usually 30 days for 1 or 2 entries valid for 3 months or 14 days for multiple entries valid for 2 years. [54]

Chinese nationals residing in Macao or in a third country or Chinese nationals having permanent residency in another country residing in the mainland or overseas may apply for the digital entry permit issued by the Immigration Department of Hong Kong. The duration of stay varies and is usually 7 to 90 days. [55]

Macau

Permanent residents of Macao can enter Hong Kong visa-free for a maximum period of 180 days solely with their Macao permanent identity card and Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR together with proof of Macao permanent resident status. Non-permanent residents of Macao can enter for up to 30 days if they hold a Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR. [56]

Holders of MSAR passports or MSAR Travel Permits are granted a stay of 7 days providing they are transiting to a third country. [56]

Republic of China (Taiwan)

Since 27 April 2009, ROC nationals with right of abode in Taiwan ("right of abode" is defined as the eligibility of obtaining a Taiwanese National ID Card) holding a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents may enter Hong Kong for up to 30 days without obtaining an entry permit in advance. [57]

Otherwise, a valid entry permit must be applied in advance. Previously only airlines and appointed travel agents are authorised to this application while a fee of HKD50 applies. Since 1 September 2012, ROC nationals with ROA in Taiwan may complete the application for Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) online, free of charge, if they fulfill the following criteria: [58]

After the applicant has successfully registered for PAR, he or she will have to print out the "Notification Slip for Pre-arrival Registration for Taiwan Residents" and carry it when boarding the flight to Hong Kong. The applicant's Taiwan passport is then inspected, along with the notification slip, by an immigration officer. Each PAR is valid for two months from the day of registration and good for two trips to Hong Kong. The duration of each stay is 30 days. [60]

ROC nationals without right of abode in Taiwan (commonly known as nationals without household registration) are not eligible for entry permits issued by the HKSAR government, nor are they allowed to enter with their ROC passport. Instead, they are required to obtain a passport-like Chinese Travel Document and a HKSAR Entry Permit issued by the Chinese diplomatic missions overseas. [61]

ROC nationals who are in transit to a third country are exempt from obtaining an entry permit provided that they do not leave the airport transit area, regardless of whether they have right of abode in Taiwan.

Admission refused

Entry except transit is refused to Kosovo passport holders, [62]

Since 31 January 2021, British National (Overseas) passport are no longer recognised as a legal travel document to enter or exit Hong Kong by the Hong Kong SAR government. Thus holders of BN(O) passport who have the Right of Adobe or Right to Land Status Holder will have to use other document such as Hong Kong identity card for Hong Kong immigration clearance. [63]

Admission refused due political conflicts

Since 2014, Hong Kong has refused some foreign politicians from entering the territory especially those from United States, Japan and Taiwan.

Since 2021, the Commissioner of the Immigration Department can request airlines to refuse specific passenger from entering to Hong Kong.

APEC Business Travel Card

Holders of passports issued by the following countries who possess an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) containing the code "HKG" on the back of the card can enter visa-free for business trips for up to 60 days. [3]

ABTCs are issued to nationals of: [64]

ABTCs are also issued to nationals of China and Taiwan, however Chinese nationals residing in Mainland China are subject to entry restrictions and cannot use the card to enter Hong Kong. Taiwanese nationals are also ineligible and are required to travel with a Mainland Travel Permit or a passport with pre-arrival registration. [65] [66]

Types of non-visitor visas

Persons without the right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong, regardless of their nationality, require visas if they wish to take up residence in the territory. Persons granted these visas become "non-permanent residents". Immigration Department policy places restrictions on the ability of nationals of Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cuba, Laos, Nepal, North Korea, and Vietnam to apply for most kinds of visas.

Employment, investment, and study visas

Hong Kong has a number of visas issued for the purpose of allowing the holder to take up employment or employment-related training:

The immigration department also grants student visas for persons wishing to study in registered private (non-public, non-aided) primary and secondary schools, and for various types of study at the degree level (short courses, exchange programmes, and certificate or degree courses). Taiwanese and Chinese residents of mainland China and Macau (only for those who moved from mainland China and settled later than 14 January 1979) are only granted visas to study in tertiary-level courses, short-term studies or exchange programmes. Since the 2008/09 academic year, student visa holders in degree courses of more than a year's duration at tertiary institutions may take up short-term internships; other student visa holders are prohibited from taking up any employment at all. [73]

Other types of visas include the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) visa (suspended since 15 January 2015), the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) visa, and the investment visa. [74]

Nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and North Korea are not eligible for any of the visas listed above; nationals of Cambodia, Laos, Nepal and Vietnam are only eligible for CIES. [67] [70] [73] [75] [76]

Top Talent Pass Scheme

In February 2023, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun, revealed that the Top Talent Pass Scheme had approximately two thirds of all applicants come from mainland China. [77] Most of the rest of the "overseas" applicants still hold a mainland Chinese passport; sources estimated that up to 95% of all applicants have a mainland Chinese passport. [78] The program was announced in October 2022, with a "global drive". [79] In April 2023, Director of Immigration Au Ka-wang confirmed that 95% of all applicants were mainland Chinese, with only 3% of applicants coming from Canada, Australia, the United States, and Singapore. [80] In April 2023, Sun also commented that the program was popular among "foreign talent." [81] SCMP reported that 95% of approvals were also given to mainland Chinese. [82] On 30 June 2023, local media also confirmed that 95% of approvals were given to mainland Chinese; when asked about if the program was unattractive to foreigners, Sun said mainland Chinese "knew better about Hong Kong." [83]

After He Jiankui, a formerly jailed mainland Chinese citizen, was approved for the Top Talent Pass Scheme, Sun acknowledged that applicants do not need to declare their criminal history. Being asked by reporters about the case, Sun said that he would not make comments on individual cases, as this would "not [be] appropriate" for him. He Jiankui also said that despite being approved for the visa, he had no plans to move to Hong Kong. [84] After the incident, the government said that future applicants must declare their past criminal records. [85]

After multiple posts on mainland Chinese online platforms discussed using the visa to give birth to children in Hong Kong, which would give benefits such as right of abode and permanent residency to the children, government authorities warned that mainland Chinese women should not misuse the visa to give birth in Hong Kong. [86]

In July 2023, Sun announced that the government would consider allowing graduates from mainland Chinese universities which were not ranked in the top 100 to apply for the program. [83]

In September 2023, SCMP reported that out of five visas schemes to work in Hong Kong, more than 90% of those approved were from mainland China. Some industry experts, including the CEO of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, warned that more talent from outside of China was needed to maintain Hong Kong's international status, diversity, and creativity. [87]

In October 2023, local media interviewed approved Top Talent Pass Scheme visa holders, with some saying they did not plan to move to Hong Kong, and instead would use the visa as a backup option. [88] Other applicants have said that they would use the visa to travel to Hong Kong to eat and shop, rather than to work there. [89]

Dependent visas

Persons on unconditional stay, as well as those granted visas for study, training, employment as professionals, investment, or under CIES or QMAS, may sponsor their spouse and dependent children under the age of 18 for entry into Hong Kong. Persons on unconditional stay may additionally sponsor elderly dependent parents who are over the age of 60. However, persons on unconditional stay cannot sponsor Chinese nationals with household registration in mainland China or Macau residents who immigrated to Macau through "channels other than the One-way Permit scheme" as dependents with few exceptions. Additionally, nationals of Afghanistan and North Korea are not eligible for dependent visas. [90] Dependent visa holders whose sponsor (parent or spouse, as the case may be) holds a study visa require prior permission from the Immigration Department to take up employment; other dependent visa holders may work or switch jobs without prior approval. [91]

Since 2018, Hong Kong Immigration Department grants dependent visas to same-sex couples registered abroad, as a result of a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of Hong Kong. [92] , [93]

Visitor statistics

Most visitors arriving to Hong Kong were from the following country or territory of residence: [94] [95] [96]

Country/TerritoryTotal
2019201820172016
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Mainland China 43,774,68551,038,23044,445,25942,778,145
Flag of the Republic of China.svg  Taiwan 1,538,9151,925,2342,010,7552,011,428
Flag of Macau.svg  Macau 1,238,7801,094,9241,001,057994,999
Flag of the United States.svg  United States 1,107,1651,304,2321,215,6291,211,539
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 1,078,8361,287,7731,230,0101,092,329
Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 1,042,5401,421,4111,487,6701,392,367
Flag of the Philippines.svg  Philippines 875,897894,821894,489791,171
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom 518,378572,739555,353551,930
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 505,523580,167567,881575,812
Flag of Thailand.svg  Thailand 467,048571,606560,207594,615
Flag of Singapore.svg  Singapore 453,182610,508627,612674,006
Flag of Indonesia.svg  Indonesia 375,781427,007482,022464,406
Flag of Malaysia.svg  Malaysia 392,562510,601516,701535,542
Flag of India.svg  India 337,997386,681392,853480,906
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 318,479377,992370,335369,363
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 217,779226,819225,183226,594
Flag of France.svg  France 177,768201,850204,130213,641
Flag of Russia.svg  Russia 138,679161,916148,098142,664
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 92,422109,655106,75796,819
Flag of Italy.svg  Italy 89,78392,671104,933105,317
Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 85,22793,86394,82695,762
Flag of Israel.svg  Israel 69,26977,01074,94364,403
Flag of Spain.svg  Spain 60,64666,51862,77563,964
Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 59,86560,27265,42266,456
Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland 52,41458,47560,21561,693
Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 48,50049,09750,04748,657
Flag of Vietnam.svg  Vietnam 44,40656,80755,65259,443
Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 43,50659,38763,74765,124
Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 34,91939,92939,54537,758
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium 29,55532,32230,80531,586
Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal 27,51026,15327,39128,171
Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark 22,80926,34826,40626,637
Flag of Austria.svg  Austria 22,13630,32431,21226,784
Flag of Finland.svg  Finland 21,47125,30827,57427,932
Flag of Turkey.svg  Turkey 19,38623,84527,38828,703
Flag of Norway.svg  Norway 18,30322,93521,77722,095
Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates 16,03118,38316,83820,050
Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 13,08115,98918,34916,615
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia 8,88111,25513,17918,491
Flag of Jordan.svg  Jordan 8,69310,42211,20810,703
Flag of Egypt.svg  Egypt 8,58010,94112,86517,380
Flag of Venezuela.svg  Venezuela 6,8828,35510,16611,237
Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait 2,8593,5483,4414,262
Flag of Honduras.svg  Honduras 1,2081,4041,3731,318
Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain 1,1321,3241,4331,918
Total55,912,60965,147,55558,472,15756,654,903

See also

Notes

  1. The United Kingdom, which issues BN(O) passports, no longer has authority to grant the right of abode in Hong Kong, which since 1997 is a territory of the People's Republic of China. However, in practice BN(O) is a status that was only ever granted to BDTCs "hav[ing] a connection" to British Hong Kong as defined in the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986, and as such all holders of BN(O) passports are persons who enjoyed the right of abode in Hong Kong before 1 July 1997, and under the Immigration Ordinance continue to enjoy the right of abode or right to land.

Related Research Articles

Right of abode in Hong Kong entitles a person to live and work in the territory without any restrictions or conditions of stay. Someone who has that right is a Hong Kong permanent resident. Foreign nationals may acquire the right of abode after meeting a seven-year residency requirement and are given most rights usually associated with citizenship, including the right to vote in regional elections. However, they are not entitled to hold territorial passports or stand for office in some Legislative Council constituencies, unless they also naturalise as Chinese citizens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents</span> Travel document

The Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, also colloquially referred to as a Home Return Permit or Home Visit Permit, is issued to Chinese nationals who are permanent residents of or settled in Hong Kong and Macau as the travel document to Mainland China. The permit is issued by the Exit and Entry Administration of the People's Republic of China through China Travel Service sub-branches in Hong Kong and Macau and allows holders to travel freely to mainland China.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hong Kong Certificate of Identity</span>

The Hong Kong Certificate of Identity (CI) was a formal travel document and passport, issued by the Hong Kong Government's Immigration Department until 30 June 1997. It is no longer possible to possess a valid CI as a travel document, as all CIs have expired by 30 June 2007, though most CI holders should be eligible to hold the HKSAR Passport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport</span> Passports issued to permanent residents of Hong Kong who are Chinese citizens

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport is a passport issued only to permanent residents of Hong Kong who also hold Chinese citizenship. In accordance with the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, since the handover in 1997, the passport has been issued by the Immigration Department of the Government of Hong Kong 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 and English. In addition, unlike Chinese passport which can be issued by Chinese diplomatic missions abroad, the Immigration Department of Hong Kong is the only issuing authority for HKSAR passports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes</span> Travel document

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 usually valid for seven years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hong Kong Re-entry Permit</span>

Hong Kong Re-entry Permit are issued to Hong Kong residents by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for travel to mainland China and Macau Special Administrative Region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taiwan passport</span> Passport of Republic of China (Taiwan) issued to ROC citizens

The Republic of China (Taiwan) passport is the passport issued to nationals of the Republic of China. The ROC passport is also generally referred to as a Taiwanese passport. In September 2020, approximately 60.87 percent of Taiwanese citizens possessed a valid passport. All passports published in Taiwan since 2008 have been biometric.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hong Kong identity card</span> Official identity document for Hong Kong residents

The Hong Kong identity card is an official identity document issued by the Immigration Department of Hong Kong. According to the Registration of Persons Ordinance, all residents of age 11 or above who are living in Hong Kong for longer than 180 days must, within 30 days of either reaching the age of 11 or arriving in Hong Kong, register for an HKID. HKIDs contain amongst others the name of the bearer in English, and if applicable in Chinese. The HKID does not expire for the duration of residency in Hong Kong.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macao Special Administrative Region passport</span> Passports issued to permanent residents of Macau SAR

The Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of Chinapassport is a passport issued to Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Macau.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Exit & Entry Permit for Taiwan</span>

The Exit & Entry Permit for Taiwan, Republic of China is the document for the bearer to enter into and/or depart from the Taiwan Area, namely Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu. Currently, there are several types of Exit & Entry Permit that reflect the bearer's residency status. The permit is issued by the National Immigration Agency of the Republic of China (Taiwan). For different purposes, the permit is also known as:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chinese passport</span> Passport issued to Chinese mainland nationals

The People's Republic of China Passport is a passport issued to citizens of the People's Republic of China for the purpose of international travel, and entitles its bearer to the protection of China's consular officials overseas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa policy of Taiwan</span> Policy on permits required to enter Taiwan (ROC)

Visitors to the Republic of China (Taiwan) must obtain a visa or authorization in advance, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or countries whose nationals are eligible for visa on arrival. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents</span> Travel document issued by China for visitors from Taiwan

The Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, also known as the Taiwan Compatriot Permit, is a type of travel document issued by the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to Republic of China nationals (ROC) who hold household registration in Taiwan. The document is issued by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). Since the identity documents issued by the government of the Republic of China are not recognized in the PRC, the permit serves as both the main travel document and identity document for Taiwanese people in the PRC territory and is used on all occasions in lieu of a Taiwan passport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa policy of Macau</span> Policy on permits required to enter Macau

The Government of the Macau Special Administrative Region allows citizens of specific countries/territories to travel to Macau for tourism or business purposes for periods ranging from 14 to 180 days without having to obtain a visa. For other entry purposes, such as establishing residence on a long-term basis, a different policy applies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa policy of mainland China</span> Policy on permits required to enter mainland China

Visitors to the mainland of the People's Republic of China must obtain a visa from one of the Chinese diplomatic missions unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt countries. The residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan with Chinese nationality may stay in Mainland indefinitely as long as their travel documents are valid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macau Resident Identity Card</span> Identity card of Macau

The Macau Resident Identity Card or BIR is an official identity card issued by the Identification Services Bureau of Macau. There are two types of Resident Identity Cards: one for permanent residents and one for non-permanent residents.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">British National (Overseas) passport</span> British passport for persons with BN(O) status

The British National (Overseas) passport, commonly referred to as the BN(O) passport, is a British passport for people with British National (Overseas) status. BN(O) status was created in 1987 after the enactment of Hong Kong Act 1985, whose holders are permanent residents of Hong Kong who were British Overseas Territories citizens until 30 June 1997 and had registered as BN(O)s.

e-Channel

e-Channel, also known as The Automated Passenger Clearance System, is an expedited border control system introduced by the Hong Kong Immigration Department in 2004, designed to speed up border immigration processes for residents of Hong Kong, Macau and frequent visitors to Hong Kong entering and exiting the territory whether it be by land, air or sea via the use of self-service kiosks employed at various border control points.

A national without household registration (NWOHR) is a person with Republic of China nationality who does not have household registration in Taiwan. Nationals with this status may be subject to immigration controls when entering the Taiwan Area, do not have automatic residence rights there, cannot vote in Taiwanese elections, and are exempt from conscription. Most individuals with this status are children born overseas to Taiwanese citizens. About 60,000 NWOHRs currently hold Taiwanese passports with this status.

The gallery of passport stamps by country or territory contains an accurate alphabetical list of sovereign states and dependent territories with images of their passport stamps including visas. All Schengen countries and Cyprus use the same format for their stamps and stamps are not issued while traveling from one Schengen country to another.

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Further reading