Hong Kong entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South Korean passport holders can visit Hong Kong visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026 and applies to tourism, business, and short-term visits. No visa application is needed — just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Hong Kong | Your South Korean passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay. Hong Kong does not require 6 months of remaining validity for South Korean passport holders, but airlines may enforce their own rules — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Hong Kong | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket at the counter. A return flight to Seoul or a ticket to a third country works. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but when they do, they expect a printed or digital copy with your name and dates. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to roughly HKD 3,000–5,000 per day. Immigration may ask if you look underfunded or have no return ticket. | Recommended |
No arrival card needed
Hong Kong stopped using arrival cards in 2023. You just need your passport. No forms to fill out on the plane.
6-month passport rule strictly enforced
Immigration officers check passport validity carefully. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you will be refused entry. Renew before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Book a return or onward ticket. Reserve your first night's accommodation. Save screenshots of your flight booking and hotel confirmation on your phone.
2
Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Immigration'. There are separate queues for Hong Kong residents and visitors. Join the 'Visitors' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
3
Present your passport at the counter
Hand your passport to the immigration officer. They may ask: 'How long are you staying?' and 'Where are you staying?' Answer clearly. If asked for a return ticket, show the screenshot on your phone.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay period (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before walking away. If the dates look wrong, ask the officer to correct it immediately.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no arrival forms to fill out for Hong Kong. Walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Hong Kong Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay14 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostHKD 230 (approx. USD 29.50)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Chinese embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay14 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue date
CostHKD 340 (approx. USD 43.60)
Allows multiple visits; suitable for frequent travellers.
Employment visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
ValidityBased on employment contract
CostHKD 230 (approx. USD 29.50) application fee
Requires a job offer and sponsorship from a Hong Kong employer.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study program
ValidityBased on course duration
CostHKD 230 (approx. USD 29.50) application fee
For those enrolled in a full-time course at a Hong Kong institution.
work visa
Employment Visa (Work Permit)
Up to 2 years, renewable
HKD 230 (approx. USD 29.50) application fee
For professionals with a job offer in Hong Kong. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence and potential for permanent residency.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program
HKD 230 (approx. USD 29.50) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a Hong Kong educational institution. Allows part-time work during study and may lead to post-graduation work opportunities.
investment visa
Investment Visa (Capital Investment Entrant Scheme)
2 years, renewable
HKD 230 (approx. USD 29.50) application fee
For individuals investing at least HKD 10 million in permissible assets. Requires proof of funds and a clean criminal record. Leads to permanent residency after 7 years.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Dependant Visa for Retirees)
1 year, renewable
HKD 230 (approx. USD 29.50) application fee
For retirees who can demonstrate sufficient funds and a close family tie in Hong Kong (e.g., adult child). Not a standalone retirement visa; requires a sponsor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter or apply for a visa. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties apply; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | HKD 50 per day (approx. USD 6.40), max HKD 15,000 (approx. USD 1,920) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 Hong Kong
No transit visa needed
South Korea passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Hong Kong International Airport. You may stay in the transit area without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsHong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Health & vaccines for Hong Kong
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is low but present in urban areas, especially during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid street food with poor sanitation.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Periods of high air pollution can affect those with respiratory conditions; check air quality index.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Hong Kong
Immigration Department Headquarters
8/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai
Mon–Fri 08:45–17:00, Sat 09:00–12:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring all relevant documents.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Airport Immigration Office
Arrivals Hall, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport
24 hours
For entry/exit issues and immediate assistance; not for extensions.
Practical information for KR travellers
Country basics
CapitalHong Kong
LanguageChinese, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyHong Kong dollar (HKD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 7.84 HKD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h
vs Los Angeles+16h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
GThree rectangular prongs (British type)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink, but many locals boil it.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The 90-day visa-free period is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Hong Kong before the 90 days are up and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
No. South Korean passport holders can transit through Hong Kong without a visa for up to 90 days, as long as you have a confirmed onward ticket. You can even leave the airport during transit.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling. If your passport has less than 6 months left, get a new one from the Korean passport office.
No. Hong Kong abolished arrival cards in 2023. You just present your passport at immigration. There is no customs declaration form for most travelers.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short-term visits only. You cannot take up employment or enroll in a course. For work or study, you need a separate visa or permit.
Contact the Korean Consulate General in Hong Kong immediately. They can issue an emergency travel document. You'll also need to file a police report. The consulate is at 5/F, Far East Finance Centre, 16 Harcourt Road, Admiralty. Phone: +852 2529 4141.
It's not required for entry, but it's a very good idea. Hong Kong's public healthcare is affordable, but private hospital costs can be high. A basic policy covering medical evacuation and trip cancellation costs around $20–50 for a week.
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.