1 Entry Permits to Hong Kong and Visas
1.1 Visa Applications for Hong Kong
If delegations plan to travel to Shenzhen via the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China, please check the website of the Immigration Department of the HKSAR (www.immd.gov.hk) to determine whether you need a visa for the HKSAR. If you do need to obtain a visa or an entry permit to visit or transit the HKSAR, please apply for a double-entry transit/entry visa for the Hong Kong SAR at the same Chinese embassy, consulate or office abroad (or at any other institution outside of China authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or the Immigration Department of the HKSAR) where you will apply for the visa for the People's Republic of China.
According to present policies regarding entry into Hong Kong, citizens from 170 countries/regions/territories can enter Hong Kong without a visa for the purpose of business visits, visiting relations, or sightseeing. Such persons can stay in Hong Kong for 7 to 180 days.
However, citizens of 49 countries must apply for a visa to visit Hong Kong. Moreover, they must apply for a tourist visa or transit visa to travel to the Chinese mainland via Hong Kong. Shenzhen is located in the Chinese mainland. (For the details, please see Table 1).
People who have stateless travel documents or the travel documents listed in Table 2 must apply for a visa to visit Hong Kong, unless they take direct transit flights or stay only in the transit terminal.
1.2 Notes
At present, the Immigration Department of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China currently does not issue visas upon arrival. Moreover, airlines generally require an entry visa/permit of the destination country/region before departure. Consequently, the Organizing Committee recommends that Universiade participants apply as early as possible for any necessary visas for Hong Kong.
Please refer to the website of the Immigration Department of Hong Kong SAR at www.immd.gov.hk for details.
Table 1 Nationals of the Following Countries Require a Visa for Hong Kong
*The nationals of these countries (except holders of Diplomatic and Official passports) are required to hold a valid visa for the Hong Kong SAR for whatever purpose, including those who are in transit and remain on the airside.
* All nationals of there countries are required to hold a valid visa for the HKSAR for whatever purpose (including those who are in transit and remain on the airside).
Table 2 People with the following travel documents also need entry visas for Hong Kong
1. Temporary passport of Costa Rica
2. Document of Identity issued by the Costa Rica government
3. Special Passport of Peru
4. National Passport of Tonga
5. Tonga Protected Person Passport
6. Tuvalu Passport (national status is marked 'I-TUVALU')
7. Uruguay Passport issued under Decree No. 289/90
8. Official passport of Vatican
2 Health and Quarantine
The Hong Kong Department of Health now checks the body temperature of all entry passengers. Passengers with a fever are subject to a screening test. If necessary, they will be taken to hospitals for further treatment. Passengers and delegation members should immediately ask medical staff at the airport for help in case they feel sick or have a fever.
3 Customs
Regulations on Tobacco and Alcoholic Products
Drinkable liquor: Passengers 18 and older may bring-in 1 liter of duty-free liquor (with an alcoholic strength of more than 30 percent at 20℃) for their own use.
Passengers with a Hong Kong ID certificate enjoy the above-mentioned exemption only if they have been away from Hong Kong for no less than 24 hours.
Tobacco: passengers 18 or older may bring-in the following duty-free tobacco products for their own use: Cigarettes; 19 sticks, or; cigar: 1 stick or 25g if more than 1 stick, or; 25g other tobacco products.
Non-trade, Business or Commercial Use
Dutiable commodities for trade, business or commercial uses do not enjoy any tax exemption. Passengers with such commodities have to use the Red Channel, declare usage to customs, and submit Customs Declaration to the customs director.
Passengers failing to abide by Chapter 109 Dutiable Commodities Ordinance of the Laws of Hong Kong will be subject to prosecutions or financial penalties.
Please visit the website of Hong Kong Customs at www.customs.gov.hk for a list of prohibited or controlled items and information about the regulations.
4 Aviation Security
Regulations on Carry-on Luggage
In compliance with regulations of the Airlines Operator's Committee, carry-on luggage must not exceed 56cmx36cmx23cm (22 inch x14 inch x 9 inch) in size.
Airport Security
Passengers leaving Hong Kong must present their boarding cards and travel permits for inspection at the entry/exit inspection hall. They must make sure that their carry-on luggage contains no dangerous items. Dangerous items are prohibited in both carry-on luggage and checked luggage. Liquids, gels and spray items are restricted according to the existing security policies of Hong Kong International Airport.
The allowed liquid, gel and spray items are also subject to regulations of your destination and/or airlines. Please consult your airlines or travel agency in advance.
