Can a Chinese Visa be Used to Go to Hong Kong? Detailed Guide

Hong Kong, with its blend of Eastern and Western cultures, skyscrapers, and bustling shopping areas, is a must-visit destination when traveling in Asia. However, many Vietnamese tourists wonder: “Can a Chinese visa be used to enter Hong Kong??” This article will provide detailed answers, offering information about visa policies, the visa application process, and tips for effectively combining a trip to China and Hong Kong. Let's explore with NVK Travel to plan your journey!

Do Hong Kong and China share the same visa policy?

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, but it has its own entry and visa system, independent of mainland China. Therefore, a Chinese (mainland) visa cannot be used to enter Hong Kong, and vice versa, a Hong Kong visa does not apply to mainland China.

>>> See more: Do You Need to Prove Financial Means for a Chinese Visa? No?

Reason:

• Hong Kong has autonomy over its entry policies under the principle of "One country, two systems."
• Vietnamese citizens need to apply for a separate visa for Hong Kong if they do not fall under the visa exemption category or need to enter multiple times.

Conclusion: If you have a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) or other types of visas (M for business, Q for visiting relatives), you still need to apply for a separate visa to enter Hong Kong, unless you are exempt from the visa requirement (see section 2).

Are Vietnamese citizens exempt from the Hong Kong visa?

Hong Kong applies a visa exemption policy for citizens of 170 countries and territories, but Vietnam is not on this list. Vietnamese citizens holding regular passports need to apply for a visa to enter Hong Kong, except for some special cases:

• 30-day visa exemption:
  • Holders of diplomatic/service passports.
  • Holders of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with the code "HKG" (for business purposes, can combine with travel).
• Transit visa exemption:
  • Vietnamese citizens transiting at Hong Kong airport within 24 hours, not leaving the transit area, and holding a connecting flight ticket to a third country.

If you want to enter Hong Kong for tourism, shopping, or business, you need to apply for a separate Hong Kong visa, even if you already have a Chinese visa.

Types of Hong Kong visas for Vietnamese citizens

Hong Kong visas are divided into several types, the most common being:

• Tourist visa: Allows a stay of up to 7 days, single entry.
• Business visa: For those attending conferences, exhibitions, with a maximum stay of 14 days.
• Transit visa: For those transiting through Hong Kong (if staying over 24 hours).

Visa validity: Usually valid for 3 months from the date of issue, with a stay duration of 7-14 days depending on the type.

Documents required for a Hong Kong visa

>>> See more: Which Countries Are Exempt from Chinese Visa?? Updated List

To apply for a Hong Kong visa, Vietnamese citizens need to prepare:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months, with at least 2 blank pages.
• Visa application form: Download form ID 1003A from the Hong Kong Immigration Department website (www.immd.gov.hk), filled out in English.
• Passport photo: 4x6 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
• Proof of financial means:
  • Savings account: Minimum 50,000,000 VND.
  • Bank statements: Transactions for 3-6 months, showing stable income (salary from 10,000,000 VND/month is an advantage).
• Proof of employment:
  • Employee: Employment contract, leave application, pay slips.
  • Business owner: Business license, tax reports.
  • Student: Student ID, confirmation from the school.
• Travel itinerary: Detailed dates of departure and return, sightseeing locations (e.g., Disneyland Hong Kong, Victoria Peak), hotel.
• Confirmation of round-trip flight tickets and hotel reservations (recommended).
• Travel insurance (recommended): Increases the reliability of the application.

Note:

• Documents need to be notarized on A4 paper.
• If you have an invitation letter from a partner/relative in Hong Kong, please include it to increase the visa approval rate.

Hong Kong visa application process

1. Prepare the documents: Gather all necessary paperwork according to the list above.
2. Submit the application:
   • In person: At the Chinese Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City (175 Hai Ba Trung, District 3), as Hong Kong does not have its own consulate in Vietnam.
   • By mail: Send the application to the Immigration Department, Hong Kong SAR.
   • Through a travel agency: Use NVK Travel's services to simplify the process.
3. Pay the visa fee: About 30 USD (~720,000 VND) for a tourist visa, paid in USD at the designated bank.
4. Wait for approval: 4-6 weeks (as the application is processed in Hong Kong).
5. Receive the results: By mail or through the travel agency.

Tip: Submit the application early (at least 2 months before the trip) as processing takes longer than for a Chinese visa.

Cost of applying for a Hong Kong and China visa

Hong Kong Visa

• Consular fee: 30 USD (~720,000 VND) for a 7-day tourist visa.
• Service fee (if using a travel agency): 500,000 - 1,500,000 VND.
• Additional fees:
  • Certified translation: 100,000 - 200,000 VND/page.
  • Photo/printing: 50,000 - 100,000 VND.
  • International postal service: 200,000 - 300,000 VND.

Estimated total cost: 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 VND.

Chinese Visa (comparison)

• Consular fee (25% discount until 31/12/2025):
  • 3-month single entry visa: 45 USD (~1,080,000 VND).
  • 3-month double entry visa: 67.5 USD (~1,620,000 VND).
• CVASC service fee:
  • Regular processing (5-7 days): 690,000 VND.
  • VIP processing (2-3 days): 1,380,000 VND.
• Additional fees: Translation, photocopying, travel insurance (~650,000 - 1,500,000 VND).

Estimated total cost: 1,300,000 - 5,000,000 VND.

Note: If combining China and Hong Kong, you need to apply for both visas separately, except for visa exemptions (diplomatic passport/ABTC).

Tips for combining travel to China and Hong Kong

To optimize your trip, you can combine visits to mainland China and Hong Kong in one itinerary:

• Suggested itinerary (7 days):
  • Day 1-2: Beijing – Visit the Forbidden City, Great Wall.
  • Day 3-4: Shanghai – Stroll along the Bund, Shanghai Tower.
  • Day 5-6: Hong Kong – Explore Disneyland, Victoria Peak, Temple Street Night Market.
  • Day 7: Shopping in Tsim Sha Tsui, return to Vietnam.
• Transportation:
  • From China to Hong Kong: Take the high-speed train (e.g., Guangzhou - Hong Kong, price ~700,000 VND) or by plane (prices from 2,000,000 VND).
  • Within Hong Kong: Use an Octopus card to travel on the MTR (subway) cost-effectively.
• Entry note: Ensure you have a valid visa for both China and Hong Kong. When traveling from mainland China to Hong Kong, you will go through border control like international entry.

Money-saving tips:

• Book flights and hotels early through airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific, or AirAsia.
• Stay at a 3-star hotel or hostel in Hong Kong (prices from 800,000 VND/night).
• Eat at local restaurants in China (70,000-170,000 VND/meal) and food courts in Hong Kong (100,000-200,000 VND/meal).

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a visa to China and Hong Kong

• Visa confusion: Using a Chinese visa to enter Hong Kong or vice versa.
• Weak financial documentation: Newly opened savings accounts or unclear bank statements.
• Unreasonable itinerary: Not providing a detailed itinerary or conflicting information.
• Late submission: Hong Kong visa takes 4-6 weeks to process, so apply early.

NVK Travel – Assistance with visa applications and tours to China, Hong Kong

NVK Travel, part of Eagle Asia Co., Ltd., with over 10 years of experience in international travel, is a reliable partner to assist you in obtaining a visa and organizing trips to China and Hong Kong. Benefits of choosing us:

• Professional visa support: Document consultation, thorough checks, visa approval rate of up to 98%.
• Combined tour of China - Hong Kong: Itinerary of 7-9 days, prices starting from 35,900,000 VND, including airfare, hotel, and visa.
• Comprehensive services: Flight booking, hotel reservations, car rentals, travel insurance.
• 24/7 support: Our team of consultants is ready to answer your questions.

A China visa cannot be used to enter Hong Kong, and Vietnamese citizens need to apply for a separate visa for Hong Kong, except for those holding diplomatic/service passports or ABTC cards. Preparing your documents thoroughly and submitting them early will help you easily obtain both visas to explore China and Hong Kong in one trip.

Let NVK Travel accompany you on your journey to explore China and Hong Kong! Visit nvktravel.com now for free consultation, to book all-inclusive tours, or to quickly assist with visa applications. With dedicated and professional service, we are committed to providing you with the best travel experience!