The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport is ranked 11th on the Passport Index and 17th on the Henley Passport Index. It allows residents to travel abroad with visa-free access to several countries. Here’s a guide to understanding the application process for a Hong Kong passport and how you can take advantage of its benefits.
Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, but it issues its own passports that are distinct from Chinese passports. It is important not to confuse the HKSAR passport with a Chinese passport. Furthermore, individuals can only hold either a Chinese passport or an HKSAR passport, but not both.
Peruse this guide to visa-free countries for Hong Kong passports.
Requirements for HKSAR passport
The HKSAR passport is issued by the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Government, authorised by the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China. It is printed in both Chinese and English, reflecting the city’s official languages. This current version is the fourth iteration of the passport.
To be eligible for an HKSAR passport, individuals need to be the following:
- Chinese citizen
- Permanent resident of Hong Kong
- Holders of a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card
Important note: Individuals of Chinese descent who are born in Hong Kong or meet the criteria for Chinese nationality as defined by the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China are considered de facto Chinese nationals. Those who have declared a change of nationality and are no longer recognised as Chinese nationals are not eligible for a HKSAR passport.
Decode visa-free entry to China by air, land or sea.
Hong Kong (HKSAR) passport application process
Types of application forms
- Form ID 841 is for persons aged 16 and above applying in Hong Kong.
- Form ID 842 is for children under 16 applying in Hong Kong.
- Form ID 843 is for persons aged 16 and above who are applying outside of Hong Kong.
- Form ID 844 is for children below the age of 16 applying outside of Hong Kong.
Documents required for HKSAR passport
All applicants must possess a Hong Kong permanent identity card and a recent passport photo. The photo should be a coloured image with a white background, clearly displaying all facial features. It must be 40 mm x 50 mm, with the chin-to-crown measurement between 32 mm and 36 mm.
Additional documents are required for applicants aged 16 or 17: a legal guardian’s Hong Kong permanent identity card and a document that establishes the relationship with the legal guardian, such as a marriage certificate if the applicant is married.
For children under 16, the following documents are needed: the consenting legal guardian’s identity card, the child’s birth certificate, and school documents.
First-time applicants born outside of Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, or Taiwan must also submit additional documents along with their application:
- Hong Kong identity card
- Birth certificate
- Current travel document
- Natural’s parents’ travel document
- Official document to confirm the residential status of the applicant and parents.
- Proof of Chinese citizenship
How do you submit your Hong Kong passport application?
If you are reapplying for a passport, you must submit your application in person if your previous HKSAR passport has been damaged, defaced, lost, or requires any amendments.
You can submit your HKSAR passport application in one of the following ways:
- In person: Use the Travel Document Submission Kiosk or the Personal Documentation Submission Kiosk.
- By post: Send your application to the following address:
Travel Documents and Nationality (Application) Section
2nd Floor, Administration Tower
Immigration Headquarters
61 Po Yap Road
Tseung Kwan O, New Territories - You may also place your application in the drop-in boxes at any Immigration Office that processes travel document applications.
- Some candidates may have the option to submit their applications online.
What are the fees for obtaining an HKSAR passport?
| Type | Price |
| For persons aged 16 or above (valid for 10 years) |
32 pages – HKD370 48 pages – HKD460 |
| For children aged under 16 (valid for 5 years) |
32 pages – HKD185 48 pages – HKD230 |
| Amendment of HKSAR Passport (including amendment of personal particulars or photograph) |
HKD84 (expired on the same date on which the passport being substituted would have expired) |
What is the processing time for the HKSAR passport?
The application process for the HKSAR passport typically takes five working days to complete. For children under 11 who do not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card, it may take up to 10 days. Once processing is finished, applicants can collect their passport the following working day. If applications are not submitted in person, they may take an additional two to three working days to process.
For overseas passport applications, the processing time is approximately four to six weeks, starting from the time all necessary documents, fees, and photographs are received.
Applicants can collect the HKSAR passport in person at their selected Immigration Office, at a Chinese Diplomatic or Consular Mission, or at the Immigration Divisions of Mainland Offices.
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(Feature image credit: Swapnil1101, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
Related | Dual Citizenship In Asia And Middle East: Countries That Offer Multiple Nationalities
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Permanent residents of Hong Kong who hold a Chinese citizenship are eligible for a Hong Kong passport.
The Hong Kong passport application process can take five working days for people with Hong Kong permanent identity card.
The photo has to be a recent, coloured photograph with a white background showcasing all facial features. The size must be 40 mm x 50 mm, where the chin and crown of the person is 32 to 36 mm.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read More
