Hong Kong, also known as Xianggang, is a special administrative region of China with its own currency, visas, and regulations. If 15 years ago a trip to Hong Kong was rare and seen as something exotic, today it is easy to organize a tour to Hong Kong independently without any difficulties.
Additionally, Hong Kong often serves as a transit point: tourists stay in the city for a few days on their way to the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries.
In this article, we will discuss the current entry rules and restrictions for Hong Kong in 2023-2024.
Do you need to apply for a visa when planning a trip to Hong Kong?
Russian travelers can stay in Hong Kong without a visa for up to 14 days or transit through the SAR. Only a passport with at least two blank pages is required for entry. It must be valid for at least 30 days after leaving the SAR.
Important: We strongly advise against visa runs (entering and exiting Hong Kong every 14 days with the intention of staying in the SAR without a permanent visa). This warning is also published on the website of the Russian Consulate General in Hong Kong with a note that such behavior will be strictly prohibited.
If your trip is planned for a longer period, you need to apply for a visa in advance. The application is submitted to the Consular Department of the Chinese Embassy in Moscow or one of the Consulates General in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Vladivostok, or Khabarovsk. You can also apply to the Chinese representations abroad and the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong SAR. Applications to this department are submitted electronically.
Important: If you are traveling to Hong Kong from China, entering the SAR is considered leaving China. If you have obtained a single-entry visa for China, you will not be able to return to mainland China without obtaining a new visa.
What documents are required for entry into Hong Kong?
Medical insurance is not officially required for entry into Hong Kong. However, it will be useful if someone falls ill during the trip. Treatment is expensive, so it is better to purchase an insurance policy in advance. For 14 days, it will cost around 1000-1200 rubles.
Good news: COVID-19 restrictions in Hong Kong were completely lifted on April 1, so you will not need to obtain any additional certificates, permits, or undergo vaccination. Travelers are also no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test result upon entry into the SAR or undergo quarantine.
The only requirement is that passengers are still subjected to temperature checks upon arrival. If the temperature is elevated, they may be sent for treatment (the list of clinics is not specified). Wearing masks in public places is not required; they are only mandatory in medical establishments and nursing homes.
Other documents: Hong Kong border officials may ask to see return tickets and hotel reservations. If these are not available, entry into the SAR may be denied. Passengers may also be subject to selective interviews about the purpose of their trip and the nature of their activities.
Which bank cards work in Hong Kong?
Since March 2022, due to sanctions, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB cards issued by Russian banks are no longer accepted abroad. However, cards issued in other countries, such as Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan, can still be used. The Russian payment system "Mir" also does not work in Hong Kong.
UnionPay cards should be accepted by almost all ATMs and payment terminals in Hong Kong. It is also noted that "Pochta-Bank" cards are accepted for payment in the SAR territory.
How to get from Russia to Hong Kong?
Russia resumed air communication with Hong Kong in April 2022, but there are still no direct flights. It is possible to fly from Moscow to Hong Kong with layovers, for example, in Doha, as well as in Beijing or Shanghai.
The cost of economy class tickets per person (departure from Moscow with 1 layover) starts from 34,000 rubles. Business class on the same flight will cost approximately 110,000-140,000 rubles per ticket.
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