NEWS
Indian nationals must pre-register to travel visa-free to Hong Kong
15 Dec 16
HONG KONG, INDIA
IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? New rules are set to take effect for Indian nationals traveling to Hong Kong as visa-waived nationals.
What does the change mean? For travel on and after Jan. 23, Indian nationals must register online before visiting Hong Kong on 14-day visa-free visits or as transit passengers. (Transit passengers by air who are not leaving the airport transit area are exempt.)
- Implementation time frame: Jan. 23.
- Visas/permits affected: Fourteen-day visa waiver.
- Who is affected: Indian nationals holding regular passports and traveling to Hong Kong as visa-waived nationals.
- Business impact: Business travelers must make sure they have completed online registration procedures before traveling.
- Next steps: The online registration portal will be available Dec. 19. Travelers will obtain an immediate result and then must print out a notification slip for boarding a plane as well as for immigration clearance upon arrival. The registration is valid for six months and may be used for multiple entries.
BAL Analysis: Indian nationals planning travel to Hong Kong on or after Jan. 23 as visa-free visitors should register beginning Monday. Indian nationals who are enrolled as frequent visitors using the e-Channel service are exempt as long as their e-Channel permission is valid.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in India. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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