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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Immigration Clearance made Simpler

	Hong Kong Residents
	Visitors

Hong Kong Residents

Q1: What are the facilitations provided to Hong Kong residents using Hong Kong identity cards for immigration clearance?

A1: Most of the smart identity card holders may perform self-service immigration clearance at e-Channels. Please see e-Channels.

Travellers holding Hong Kong Permanent Identity Cards (PICs) or Hong Kong Identity Cards (HKICs), are not required to furnish any arrival or departure card when they present for immigration clearance at the traditional counters.

Q2: Do I also need to produce travel document when using Hong Kong identity card for immigration clearance at traditional counters?

A2: Holders of HKPICs issued in Hong Kong or HKICs bearing the asterisk, or 'R' code, who are aged 11 or over, can use their identity cards to travel in and out of Hong Kong without the need to present their travel documents.

However, invalidated or defaced identity cards, or the acknowledgement form of application for an identity card (form no. ROP140 and ROP140A) are not acceptable for travel. Their holders are required to produce valid travel documents at Hong Kong immigration control points.

Children under 11 years old with HKPICs should produce also their valid travel documents bearing photographs of the holders. Children included in their parents' travel documents may use those travel documents only when they travel with the principal holder.

Q3: What are the facilitations provided to Hong Kong residents using travel documents for immigration clearance in Hong Kong?

A3: Hong Kong residents who present the following travel documents for immigration clearance are not required to complete and furnish any arrival or departure card:

1. Hong Kong SAR Passport;
2. Hong Kong SAR Re-entry Permit;
3. Hong Kong SAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes;
4. Hong Kong Seaman's Identity Book;
5. Multiple Entry Permit for Chinese residents of Taiwan who have been permitted to take up employment or residence in the Hong Kong SAR;
6. British National (Overseas) Passport; or
7. Travel document bearing an endorsement indicating that the holder has a permission to stay in Hong Kong for residence, employment or study.

Q4: What special points should travellers pay attention to before going abroad?

A4: Before setting off their journey, travellers should observe the documentation requirements for their destinations and validity of their documents.

Travellers should bring their valid Hong Kong Identity Cards or Hong Kong Re-entry Permits and valid travel documents required for travel to the Mainland or Macau. Hong Kong residents should check the validity of their Home Visit Permits, in particular those under the age of 18 whose Home Visit Permits are valid for three years from the date of issue. Non-permanent residents must bring along with them their valid smart identity cards and Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel documents.

Hong Kong SAR passport is for international travel while it is acceptable for travelling to Macau only if the holder is in transit to other countries.

Visitors

Q1: Are visitors required to furnish an arrival or departure card for immigration examination in Hong Kong?

A1: The following categories of visitors are not required to furnish any arrival or departure card for immigration examination at all Hong Kong control points:

1. Holders of an Exit/Entry Permit to Hong Kong and Macau or a Chinese Travel Permit issued by the Mainland authorities other than cross-boundary drivers; or
2. Macao permanent residents holding "Macao Smart Permanent Identity Card".