India entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Hong Kong passport holders need a visa to enter India in 2026. The simplest way is an e-Visa, which you apply for online before you travel — it covers tourism, business, and medical visits.
Apply for India eVisae-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical Visa. Apply 4+ days before travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | India requires all Hong Kong passport holders to obtain an eVisa before arrival. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure — processing takes up to 72 hours. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical).Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Hong Kong passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Indian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in India. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have access to at least $200–$300 USD equivalent in cash or a credit card. Immigration rarely checks this for short tourist visits, but it helps if questioned about your stay. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in India, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, your e-Visa will be rejected.
e-Visa is the easiest option
The Indian e-Visa is quick, cheap, and covers tourism, business, and medical visits. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in. No need to visit an embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and your passport data page. Pay the fee (around $25–$80 depending on duration). You'll get a confirmation email within 72 hours.
2
Print your e-Visa and pack documents
Print a copy of the approved e-Visa. Also print or save your return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them together in a folder.
3
Arrive at Indian immigration
At the airport, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Hand over your passport, printed e-Visa, and boarding pass. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp — that's your entry.
4
Collect baggage and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. If carrying cash over $5,000 or dutiable goods, use the red channel.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostINR 3,000 (~$36 USD)
Non-extendable; must leave and re-enter for longer stays.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostINR 5,000 (~$60 USD)
Allows multiple entries; max 180 days total per year.
eVisa (Tourist)
Max stay30 days (single entry) or 90 days per visit (1-year/5-year)
Validity30 days, 1 year, or 5 years
CostINR 2,500 (~$30 USD) for 30-day; INR 5,000 (~$60 USD) for 1-year; INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) for 5-year
Online application; must arrive at designated airports/seaports.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year (multiple entry)
CostINR 6,000 (~$72 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Indian company.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
INR 6,000 (~$72 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Up to 5 years, based on course duration
INR 6,000 (~$72 USD) plus processing fees
For enrollment in recognized Indian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work on campus.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) plus processing fees
For those investing in Indian businesses or startups. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Allows multiple entries and longer stays.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Valid for up to 6 months, max stay 90 days per visit. | INR 3,000 (~$36 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Valid for up to 1 year, max stay 90 days per visit. | INR 5,000 (~$60 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist)For 30-day single entry; also available for 1-year and 5-year options. | INR 2,500 (~$30 USD) |
| Stay Extension FeeApply at FRRO; max extension up to 6 months total. | INR 2,000 (~$24 USD) per month |
| Overstay FineApplies for overstays beyond visa validity. | INR 500 (~$6 USD) per day, max INR 20,000 (~$240 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through India
No transit visa needed
Hong Kong passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Indian airports, provided they do not clear immigration and stay within the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or clearing immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in many regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Traveler's DiarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and avoid street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high in most parts of India, especially rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for travellers to affected regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
New Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block-8, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi - 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For visa extension and registration; bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai - 400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; online appointment recommended.
Practical information for HK travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.39 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Usually 72 hours, but apply at least 4 days before your flight to be safe. Some applications are approved in 24 hours.
No, e-Visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or apply for a regular visa at an Indian embassy before travel.
Your e-Visa will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6 months are counted from your entry date into India.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, no visa is needed. But if you leave the transit area, you need a visa — even for a few hours.
Yes, e-Visas are valid at 30 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Also at 5 major seaports.
You'll get an email explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient passport validity, incorrect photo, or previous visa violations. You can reapply after fixing the issue, or visit the nearest Indian embassy for a regular visa.
No fixed amount is required for entry, but you should have enough to cover your stay. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities. If carrying more than $5,000 in cash, declare it on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.