Do I need a visa if traveling to Hong Kong or Macao?

Whether or not you need a visa to travel to Hong Kong or Macao depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. Both Hong Kong and Macao are Special Administrative Regions of China and maintain their own independent immigration policies separate from mainland China.

Hong Kong grants visa-free access to nationals of around 170 countries and territories, for stays ranging from 7 to 180 days. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, EU countries, Australia, and many others can typically stay visa-free for up to 90 days.

Macao also allows visa-free entry to many travelers, typically for stays up to 30 days. In some cases, travelers may be permitted to stay longer depending on bilateral agreements between Macao and their home country. Nationals of countries such as the U.S., EU member states, Australia, and Japan generally do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days.

Be advised: Even if you can enter Hong Kong or Macao without a visa, you will still need a valid China visa to enter mainland China. Entry into China from either SAR is considered a border crossing, and Chinese immigration rules apply.