Hong Kong Immigration Department Start e-Visa Arrangement (Online Application Process) From Today
Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Special Programmes, VG Front Page / 2 responses
Hong Kong Immigration Department Start e-Visa Arrangement (implemented with effect from 28 December 2021)
PREPARATIONS FOR NEW E-VISA SYSTEM
- ImmD are NOT widely replacing offline case management protocols with Online e-Visa protocols for the foreseeable future
- This system applies for the next few months only to ASSG, Foreign Domestic Helpers and IANG (entry visas) and routine Extensions of Stay
E-VISA SYSTEM PROCESS SYNOPSIS
- Complete the application form online – you can keep the online application form open/saved for 14 days prior to formal submission to ImmD
- Upload supporting documents and submit to formally commence the application once ready to get started officially
- Once submitted the online application system can be used to communicate with ImmD, upload additional documents, enquire case status and manage approval formalities and pay.
- Upon approval, a payment notification slip will be issued which allows for payment online and offline (as usual)
- Upon payment, the e-Visa is downloaded in PDF format with a QR code (see samples enclosed)
- e-Visa is a collective term for the official visa PDF with QR code
- The QR code can be scanned via the ImmD mobile app to reveal the status of the e-Visa holder and/or the reference can be inputted into ImmD website for the same purpose
E-VISA ONLINE PAYMENT
- Visit GOV.HK website payment page
- Input application reference number
- Input applicant personal particulars
- Pay online
- Get acknowledgement receipt
RELEVANT FAQs ex-IMMD
Q1: What is an “e-Visa”?
A1: With effect from 28 December 2021, the Immigration Department (“ImmD”) has implemented the “e-Visa” arrangement. An applicant for an entry visa/permit, extension of stay or change of status, etc. will be issued with an “e-Visa”, such as a “Notification Slip for Entry Visa/Permit” or “Notification Slip for Conditions of Stay”, upon approval of the application and payment of the relevant fee (where applicable). “e-Visa” is a collective term for the relevant notification slips in a PDF file format. With the implementation of the “e-Visa” arrangement, the ImmD has ceased issuing sticker-type physical labels for entry visa/permit and extension of stay, etc.
Q2: What are the benefits of the “e-Visa” arrangement?
A2: With the implementation of the “e-Visa” arrangement, upon approval of the application, an applicant may pay online (where applicable), and instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by himself/herself without having to attend an Immigration Office in person for payment and collection of the “e-Visa”.
Q3: Is my current sticker-type physical label for an entry visa/permit or extension of stay, etc. still valid?
A3: The sticker-type physical labels for entry visa/permit and extension of stay, etc. issued before 28 December 2021 shall remain valid within the validity period or limit of stay as stated on the labels.
Q4: I currently hold a sticker-type physical label for an entry visa/permit or extension of stay, etc. issued before 28 December 2021, do I need to replace them with an “e-Visa”?
A4: No. The sticker-type physical labels for entry visa/permit and extension of stay, etc. issued before 28 December 2021 shall remain valid within the validity period or limit of stay as stated on the labels.
Q5: Do I need to carry an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper with me or save its soft copy on a personal mobile device for inspection by authorised persons?
A5: An “e-Visa” holder should save his/her “e-Visa” in soft copy on a personal mobile device or print it on a sheet of A4 white paper for inspection when necessary.
Q6: Will I be issued with an “e-Visa” upon approval of my application submitted through Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions, or the Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Beijing (Beijing Office) or the Immigration Division of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai (SHETO)?
A6: The “e-Visa” arrangement is not applicable to entry visa/permit issued by Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions, or the Immigration Divisions of the Beijing Office and the SHETO.
Q20: How do I go through immigration clearance after obtaining an “e-Visa”?
A20: Upon arrival clearance, an “e-Visa” holder should present his/her valid travel document, an exit endorsement issued by the relevant Mainland authorities (where applicable), and the “e-Visa” saved on a personal mobile device or printed on a sheet of A4 white paper, and scan the encrypted QR code on the “e-Visa” with the optical reader at an immigration counter.
Q21: With the ImmD’s implementation of the “e-Visa” arrangement, visitors and persons who have been granted permission to stay in Hong Kong no longer hold sticker-type physical labels for entry visa/permit or extension of stay, etc. How can the immigration authorities of other countries/regions know the “e-Visa” holders’ status in Hong Kong?
A21: Where necessary, travellers can print out the “e-Visa” or present its soft copy to the immigration authorities of their destinations to comply with the local immigration requirements.
Q25: How can I seek assistance if I encounter technical problems when paying online, or making enquiries about or downloading my “e-Visa”?
A25: Please call the technical support hotline operated by the contractor at (852) 3128 8668 from 7 am to 11 pm (Hong Kong time) daily.
Q26: Who should I contact if I have any other questions about the “e-Visa”?
A26: Please contact the Information and Liaison Section of the ImmD by phone at (852) 2824 6111, by fax at (852) 2877 7711 or by email at enquiry@immd.gov.hk.
SAMPLE NEW PDF/QR CODE VISA SLIPS
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The Hong Kong Visa Geeza (a.k.a Stephen Barnes) is a co-founder of the Hong Kong Visa Centre and author of the Hong Kong Visa Handbook. A law graduate of the London School of Economics, Stephen has been practicing Hong Kong immigration since 1993 and is widely acknowledged as the leading authority on business immigration matters here for the last 24 years.
Kate
Hi – my husband and daughter have just had their dependents visas approved for HK and we are currently in the UK. Under the new e-visa scheme, once they enter HK with their e-visa will they need to leave HK again to activate it or does their entry into HK with their e-visa make the old process of having to leave HK to activate redundant? Also, will my husband still need to get a HKID card or does he just use his e-visa instead now? Thanks!
The Visa Geeza
Arrving in HK activates their e-via (which is just a replecement for a visa label in the passport). He will still need to apply for an ID card as usual.