Do Hong Kong SAR passport holders need a visa to visit the United States?

Yes, Hong Kong SAR passport holders require a visa to enter the United States. The US does not offer visa-free access, visa-on-arrival, or eTA options for Hong Kong passport holders. Travelers must apply for an appropriate US visa (such as B1/B2 tourist visa) at a US Consulate before travel.

Can I travel to mainland China with a Hong Kong SAR passport?

Hong Kong SAR passport holders require a visa or permit to enter mainland China. You need to apply for a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Home Return Permit/回乡证) for easier travel, or obtain a Chinese visa if you don't hold this permit. The two regions operate under separate immigration systems under the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle.

Which major countries offer visa-free access to Hong Kong passport holders?

Hong Kong SAR passport holders enjoy visa-free access to major destinations including Japan (90 days), South Korea (90 days), Singapore (30 days), the UK (6 months with eTA from 2025), most EU Schengen countries (90 days within 180 days), Brazil (90 days), and Turkey (90 days). Canada, Australia, and New Zealand require electronic travel authorization.

Is military service mandatory for Hong Kong SAR passport holders?

No, there is no mandatory military service requirement for Hong Kong residents. Hong Kong does not have conscription or compulsory military service. The Hong Kong garrison is staffed by the People's Liberation Army, but local residents are not required to serve.

Do I need an eTA or eVisa to visit the UK, Canada, or Australia with a Hong Kong passport?

Yes, electronic authorization is required for all three countries. For the UK, you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-free stays up to 6 months. Canada requires an eTA for air travel (visa-free up to 6 months). Australia requires an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) or eVisitor for tourism/business visits up to 90 days. All must be obtained online before departure.

Can Hong Kong SAR passport holders work in the UK or EU countries without a visa?

No, visa-free access does not include the right to work. While Hong Kong passport holders can visit the UK (with eTA) and EU Schengen countries visa-free for tourism/business, employment requires a proper work visa or permit. You must apply for country-specific work authorization (such as UK Skilled Worker visa or EU work permits) through official immigration channels before starting employment.

What documents do I need to renew my Hong Kong SAR passport?

To renew a Hong Kong SAR passport, you need: (1) completed application form ID842, (2) your current/expired HKSAR passport, (3) Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, (4) one recent passport-sized color photo (40mm x 50mm), and (5) payment of HK$370 for 32-page passport or HK$460 for 48-page passport. Applications can be submitted online, by post, or in person at Immigration Department. Processing takes approximately 10 working days.

Which countries do NOT accept Hong Kong SAR passports or require difficult visa processes?

Countries requiring visas with more complex processes include: the United States (full visa interview required), mainland China (need Home Return Permit or visa), North Korea (visa required, limited tourism), Afghanistan, Syria, and Turkmenistan (visa required with sponsorship). Additionally, some countries like Bhutan require pre-arranged tours with visa approval, while Cuba and several African nations require e-visas before arrival.

Has the Hong Kong SAR passport ranking changed significantly in recent years?

The Hong Kong SAR passport has remained relatively stable, ranking between 17th-22nd globally since 2006. It peaked at 13th in 2006 and currently ranks 18th in 2025 with 170 visa-free destinations. While the ranking fluctuated slightly (22nd in 2008-2009, 2017), visa-free access has generally increased from 110 countries in 2006 to 170 in 2025, maintaining Hong Kong's position as one of the world's strongest passports for travel freedom.

Hong Kong (SAR China) Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 170 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

The Hong Kong SAR China passport ranks 18th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 170 destinations worldwide. This travel document provides Hong Kong residents with exceptional global mobility, making it one of Asia's most powerful passports for international travel. The passport's strong ranking reflects Hong Kong's robust international relations and economic standing, enabling seamless travel across multiple continents for business, tourism, and personal purposes. Hong Kong passport holders benefit from convenient access to major destinations in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania without prior visa requirements.

Global Rank

#18

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

170

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Hong Kong (SAR China) passport

134

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Hongkonger Citizens

Popular destinations where Hong Kong (SAR China) passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Japan	Up to 90 days	JP
South Korea	Up to 90 days	KR
Thailand	Up to 30 days	TH
Singapore	Up to 30 days	SG
United Kingdom	Up to 180 days	GB

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Hong Kong (SAR China) passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

134 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

26 countries

🔐 ETA Required

10 countries

💻 E-Visa

22 countries

❌ Visa Required

34 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Hong Kong (SAR China)'s passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 5 positions from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Obtain residency in Hong Kong (SAR China) through qualified investments, with potential pathways to citizenship.

RBI Program Available

Official Hong Kong (SAR China) Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Hong Kong Immigration Department - Passport

🔗

Hong Kong Immigration Department - HKSAR Passports

🔗

China Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Hong Kong Passports

🔗

Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in HKSAR

🔗

Hong Kong SAR Government - Travel Advice

Compare Hong Kong (SAR China) Passport with Other Passports

See how Hong Kong (SAR China)'s passport compares with other ASIA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Hong Kong (SAR China) (You are here)	#18	170	85/100	82/100
Malaysia	#12	180	73/100	92/100
Brunei	#21	164	78/100	79/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Hong Kong SAR passport holders can access 170 destinations without a prior visa. This includes 144 visa-free destinations, 26 visa-on-arrival countries, and 10 electronic travel authorization (eTA) destinations. Hong Kong ranks 18th globally on the Henley Passport Index, maintaining one of the strongest passports in Asia.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Hong Kong (SAR China)'s passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Hong Kong (SAR China) Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 170 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 30 days

Up to 30 days

Up to 180 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Hong Kong (SAR China)'s passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 5 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Hong Kong (SAR China) Passport with Other Passports

See how Hong Kong (SAR China)'s passport compares with other ASIA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Hong Kong (SAR China) (You are here)	#18	170	85/100	82/100
Malaysia	#12	180	73/100	92/100
Brunei	#21	164	78/100	79/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Hong Kong (SAR China) passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Hongkonger Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Hong Kong (SAR China)'s passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official Hong Kong (SAR China) Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Hong Kong (SAR China) Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Hong Kong SAR passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do Hong Kong SAR passport holders need a visa to visit the United States?

Can I travel to mainland China with a Hong Kong SAR passport?

Which major countries offer visa-free access to Hong Kong passport holders?

Is military service mandatory for Hong Kong SAR passport holders?

Do I need an eTA or eVisa to visit the UK, Canada, or Australia with a Hong Kong passport?

Can Hong Kong SAR passport holders work in the UK or EU countries without a visa?

What documents do I need to renew my Hong Kong SAR passport?

Which countries do NOT accept Hong Kong SAR passports or require difficult visa processes?

Has the Hong Kong SAR passport ranking changed significantly in recent years?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Hong Kong (SAR China) passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Hongkonger Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Hong Kong (SAR China)'s passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official Hong Kong (SAR China) Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Hong Kong (SAR China) Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Hong Kong SAR passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do Hong Kong SAR passport holders need a visa to visit the United States?

Can I travel to mainland China with a Hong Kong SAR passport?

Which major countries offer visa-free access to Hong Kong passport holders?

Is military service mandatory for Hong Kong SAR passport holders?

Do I need an eTA or eVisa to visit the UK, Canada, or Australia with a Hong Kong passport?

Can Hong Kong SAR passport holders work in the UK or EU countries without a visa?

What documents do I need to renew my Hong Kong SAR passport?

Which countries do NOT accept Hong Kong SAR passports or require difficult visa processes?

Has the Hong Kong SAR passport ranking changed significantly in recent years?

Explore More Passport Rankings