Hong Kong Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit)
A Hong Kong Visitor Visa for visiting family or friends falls under the Immigration Department’s Visit Visa/Entry Permit category — the same instrument used for tourism and short business visits, differentiated by the social purpose stated on the application (Forms ID 1003A and ID 1003B). Hong Kong does not issue a legally distinct “Family & Friends Visa”; instead, the visit is categorised and supported by documentation showing the relationship with the host and the social nature of the trip.
Travellers from around 170 visa-free countries and territories can generally visit family or friends without applying in advance, for periods ranging from 7 to 180 days depending on nationality. Those whose nationality requires a visa, or who wish to stay beyond their visa-free allowance, must apply for a Visit Visa/Entry Permit before travelling. As with other visit purposes, Indian nationals generally use the free online Pre-Arrival Registration for stays of up to 14 days, or apply directly to the Immigration Department for longer visits.
A local sponsor — typically the family member or friend being visited — often supports the application by completing Form ID 1003B and confirming the relationship and accommodation arrangements. Approval remains solely at the discretion of the Hong Kong Immigration Department, based on normal immigration requirements and the specific circumstances of the visit.
Eligibility
- Applicant must have a genuine social purpose — visiting a family member or friend residing in or visiting Hong Kong.
- Applicant must hold a valid travel document with adequate returnability to their country of residence or citizenship.
- Applicant must have adequate funds to cover the stay without working.
- Applicant must hold a return or onward ticket, unless in transit to the Chinese Mainland or Macao.
- Applicant must have a clear criminal record and raise no security concerns.
- A local sponsor in Hong Kong (family member or friend) is generally expected to support the application and may need to complete Form ID 1003B.
- Indian nationals travelling for 14 days or less generally use Pre-Arrival Registration instead of applying for a standard visa.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (HK$) |
| Ordinary Visa/Entry Permit Application Fee | HK$330 (revised from HK$230, effective 8 September 2025) |
| Pre-Arrival Registration (Indian nationals, ≤14-day stays) | Free of charge |
Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. Fee amounts can differ based on the submission channel — direct application to the Immigration Department, by post, or via a Chinese diplomatic or consular mission, which may add its own handling charges. Always confirm the current fee on immd.gov.hk, and note that exchange rates fluctuate daily.
Hong Kong Visitor Visa (Family & Friends) Processing Time
The Immigration Department states it normally takes four weeks to process a visit visa/entry permit application once all required documents have been received. As with other visit categories, processing does not begin until the complete set of documents and information is submitted, so incomplete applications will take longer overall.
Applications supported by a local sponsor may require the sponsor to complete and sign their portion of the form (ID 1003B) before the application can proceed, so coordinating this in advance can help avoid delays. Applicants should avoid making enquiries about the status of their application unless absolutely necessary. As with tourism visits, it’s advisable to apply well ahead of the intended travel date and hold off on finalising non-refundable bookings until the visa or registration is confirmed. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Required Documents Checklist
Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Hong Kong Visitor Visa (Family & Friends) Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Visiting family or friends in Hong Kong involves coordinating documentation between you and your local sponsor, and gaps on either side can slow things down. Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support and a clear Eligibility Assessment to help both applicant and sponsor understand exactly what’s needed.
We provide thorough Application Review, Personalized Guidance, and a Transparent Process throughout, with End-to-End Assistance from document preparation to submission. We do not guarantee visa approval, as this decision rests entirely with the Hong Kong Immigration Department.