India entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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 must obtain a visa before traveling to India. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Hong Kong SAR passports, so you need to apply through the Indian Visa Application Centre in Hong Kong. The process requires careful planning—your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, and you'll need to submit your application in person. Start at least a month in advance to account for processing times.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| India visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival for India with a Hong Kong passport; you must get it before you fly. Apply at an Indian embassy or consulate | Hong Kong passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to India. The eVisa facility is not available for this nationality. Submit a completed application form, passport photo, and supporting documents at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months from arrival | Your Hong Kong passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in India. Check the expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a blank page to place the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the Indian visa stamp and entry stamp. Ensure you have a clean, unmarked page available. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need to show that you plan to leave India before your visa expires. Proof of departure from India | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from India within the validity of your visa. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration officers may ask how you will support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in India, such as recent bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should cover your accommodation and expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra health or customs form before arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Hong Kong passport holders entering India. You will complete the standard immigration form on arrival if needed. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThe eVisa is only for certain nationalities; Hong Kong is not one of them. Not eligible | Hong Kong passport holders are not eligible for India's eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply online; instead, use the embassy/consulate route. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Hong Kong passports
Even though India offers eVisa for many nationalities, Hong Kong SAR passport holders are not on the eligible list. Don't rely on eVisa portals—you must go through the embassy/consulate route.
Plan ahead—processing takes time
Visa processing can take up to 2-3 weeks. Apply at least a month before your trip to avoid last-minute stress. During peak travel seasons (like December), processing may be slower.
Overstaying is serious
Indian visas are not extendable for tourists. Overstaying even a few days can result in fines, detention, and a ban from future visits. Keep track of your visa expiry date.
What happens at the border
1
Determine your visa type
Decide whether you need a tourist, business, or other visa. For tourism, the standard tourist visa is usually appropriate. Check the Indian consulate's website for categories and requirements.
2
Complete the online application
Go to the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) website for Hong Kong, fill out the form, and upload your photo. Print the completed form and sign it.
3
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, photos, travel itinerary, bank statements, and any other required documents. Make photocopies of everything—the consulate may keep them.
4
Submit your application in person
Visit the Indian Visa Application Centre in Hong Kong (or the Indian Consulate if required) to submit your documents and pay the fee. You may need to book an appointment in advance.
5
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5-10 working days, but it can be longer during peak seasons. Track your application online if the centre offers that service.
6
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check the visa dates and details immediately—if anything is wrong, contact the centre right away.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business Visa
Max stayUp to 5 years (multiple entry)
ValidityUsually 1–5 years
CostUSD 100–150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Indian company and proof of business activities.
Employment Visa
Max stayDuration of employment contract
ValidityUsually 1–5 years
CostUSD 120–200 (approx.)
Requires employment contract and approval from Indian authorities.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostUSD 50–100 (approx.)
Requires admission letter from recognized Indian educational institution.
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 e-Visa (not available for Hong Kong SAR passport holders)Hong Kong SAR passport holders are not eligible for India's e-Visa scheme. | N/A |
| Regular Tourist Visa (sticker)Fees vary by duration and nationality; check with Indian mission. | USD 25 (for up to 1 year) or USD 50 (for up to 5 years) |
| Visa application service feeCharged by the visa application center (e.g., VFS Global). | Varies by location |
| Overstay penaltyPenalty for overstaying visa validity; may also lead to blacklisting. | USD 100–300 (approx.) |
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
Transit visa required
Hong Kong SAR passport holders transiting through India require a transit visa unless they are eligible for visa-free transit (which is not the case for HK SAR).
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and staying airside for less than 24 hours may be exempt if they hold a valid visa for the destination country (but this is not guaranteed; check with Indian authorities).
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
No. Hong Kong SAR passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival or the Indian eVisa. You must get a visa stamped in your passport before you fly.
Standard processing usually takes 5-10 working days, but it can stretch to 2-3 weeks during busy periods or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
Fees vary by visa type and duration. For a tourist visa, expect to pay around HKD 400-800, but check the Indian Visa Application Centre's fee schedule for the exact amount. The fee is non-refundable.
No. Tourist visas are generally not extendable, and overstaying can lead to fines and future visa bans. If you need more time, you must leave India and reapply.
Yes, you need to provide a confirmed round-trip flight itinerary. Indian immigration also expects to see a return ticket when you arrive—they may ask for proof of onward travel.
Your application will be rejected. You must renew your passport before applying for the Indian visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your arrival date in India.
In Hong Kong, you generally need to submit in person at the Indian Visa Application Centre because biometrics (fingerprints) are required. Some agents can help prepare documents, but you'll still need to appear for biometrics.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.