Hong Kong entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
German passport holders can visit Hong Kong visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy has been in place for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket, and you're good to go.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your German passport only needs to be valid for the length of your stay in Hong Kong. Airlines sometimes ask for 6 months validity — 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 or return ticket. A flight booking out of Hong Kong within 90 days satisfies this requirement. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it printed saves time if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry enough cash or a credit card to cover your expenses. Immigration may ask for proof of funds, though this is uncommon for German passport holders. | Recommended |
6-month passport rule is strict
Immigration officers at Hong Kong International Airport will check your passport validity from the date you enter, not your departure. If you have less than 6 months left, you'll be refused entry. No exceptions.
No arrival card needed
Since 2023, Hong Kong no longer requires visitors to fill out arrival cards. Just walk up to the immigration counter with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport
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.
2
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying, and your return flight. Answer briefly and honestly. They'll stamp your passport and you're through.
3
Collect baggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel. Then walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no restricted items. That's it — you're in Hong Kong.
Download Hong Kong Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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 stay90 days, extendable up to 180 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostHKD 230 (~USD 30)
Requires application at Hong Kong Immigration Department; proof of funds and itinerary needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostHKD 460 (~USD 60)
Suitable for frequent travellers; must show strong ties to home country.
Employment visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
ValidityBased on employment contract
CostHKD 230 (~USD 30) application fee
Requires a job offer from a Hong Kong employer; work permit needed.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study program
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostHKD 230 (~USD 30) application fee
Must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Hong Kong.
employment visa
Employment Visa (Work Permit)
Up to 2 years, renewable
HKD 230 (~USD 30) application fee
For those with a job offer in Hong Kong. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
HKD 230 (~USD 30) application fee
For enrollment in a full-time course at a Hong Kong educational institution. Allows part-time work with permission.
Apply investment visa
Investment Visa (Capital Investment Entrant Scheme)
2 years, renewable
HKD 230 (~USD 30) application fee + investment of HKD 10 million (~USD 1.28 million)
For individuals investing a substantial amount in Hong Kong. Requires proof of funds and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Dependant Visa for Retirees)
1 year, renewable
HKD 230 (~USD 30) application fee
For retirees who have a close family member (spouse, child) who is a Hong Kong resident. Requires proof of relationship and financial support.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter or apply for a visa. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required. | HKD 230 (~USD 30) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a specified period. | HKD 460 (~USD 60) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; overstay can lead to deportation and ban. | HKD 500 (~USD 64) per day |
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
German passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Hong Kong International Airport. They can stay in the transit area without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or entering Hong Kong, visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.
Transit hubsHong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Health & vaccines for Hong Kong
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is low but present in urban areas during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid street food and drink bottled water to minimize risk.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Air quality can be poor, especially in winter; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
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 applications and extensions; bring all required documents.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Airport Immigration Office
Arrivals Hall, Terminal 1, Chek Lap Kok
24 hours
For entry/exit issues and re-entry permits; limited services.
Practical information for DE 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 = 7.83 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 visa-free entry 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 and a ban.
No. Hong Kong abolished arrival cards for most visitors in 2023. You just present your passport at immigration.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. Any work or study requires a proper visa or permit arranged in advance.
Overstaying is a criminal offense. You may be fined up to HKD 50,000 (about EUR 5,900) and banned from re-entering Hong Kong for up to 5 years. Don't risk it.
No. German passport holders can transit through Hong Kong without a visa for up to 7 days, provided you have a confirmed onward ticket. You must stay airside (not leave the airport transit area) unless you want to enter Hong Kong, in which case the 90-day visa-free rule applies.
Yes. Hong Kong charges a departure tax of HKD 120 (about EUR 14) per person. This is usually included in your airline ticket price. Check your ticket — if not, you'll pay at the airport before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.