Key Takeaways
• Hong Kong visa and passport fees increase 13%-44% starting September 8, 2025.
• New fees affect visas, permits, passports, and overseas delivery services.
• Apply before September 8, 2025, to pay current lower immigration fees.
Hong Kong’s New Visa and Passport Fee Increases: What Applicants Need to Know for 2025
Hong Kong is set to introduce a major change in its immigration fee structure, affecting almost everyone who needs a visa, entry permit, or passport. Starting September 8, 2025, the cost of many immigration services will rise, marking the first big update in several years. This change will impact tourists, business travelers, students, families, and anyone else who needs to apply for or renew travel documents in Hong Kong. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to what’s changing, why it matters, and what you should do if you plan to travel to or from Hong Kong in the coming months.
Understanding the Fee Increases: What’s Changing and Why
The Hong Kong Immigration Department has announced that, from September 8, 2025, most visa, entry permit, and passport fees will go up. The main reason for this increase is to make sure that the money collected from these fees covers the actual cost of providing immigration services. Officials say that the current fees no longer pay for all the work involved, especially as costs have gone up over the years due to inflation and expanded services.
A spokesperson for the Immigration Department explained, “We are committed to providing efficient immigration services. To maintain service standards, fee adjustments are needed to meet rising operational costs.” This means the government wants to keep services running smoothly and at a high level, but needs to charge more to do so.
Which Fees Are Increasing? A Detailed Breakdown
The new fees will apply to almost every type of immigration document or service, including ordinary visas, multiple-entry permits, passports, and more. Here’s a look at some of the most important changes:
Ordinary Visa:
– Old fee: HKD 230
– New fee: HKD 330
– Increase: +43%
Three-year Multiple-Entry Permit:
– Old fee: HKD 935
– New fee: HKD 1,350
– Increase: +44%
Seaman’s Identity Book:
– Old fee: HKD 310
– New fee: HKD 430
– Increase: +39%
Transit Visa:
– Old fee: HKD 120
– New fee: HKD 170
– Increase: +42%
Change of Stay Conditions:
– Old fee: HKD 230
– New fee: HKD 330
– Increase: +43%
Multiple Re-entry Permit:
– Old fee: HKD 170
– New fee: HKD 210
– Increase: +24%
APEC Business Travel Card (5 years):
– Old fee: HKD 540
– New fee: HKD 700
– Increase: +30%
Adult Passport (32 pages):
– Old fee: HKD 370
– New fee: HKD 430
– Increase: +16%
Child Passport (48 pages):
– Old fee: HKD 230
– New fee: HKD 260
– Increase: +13%
Work Visa Application/Renewal:
– Increase: HKD 200–400 (varies by category)
Dependent/Student Visa:
– Slight increase (exact amount varies)
Overseas Express Delivery (North America/Europe):
– Old fee: HKD 220
– New fee: HKD 310
– Increase: +41%
Registered Airmail:
– Old fee: HKD 47
– New fee: HKD 60
– Increase: +28%
Important: The new fees will apply to both new applications and renewals. This means that even if you are simply renewing a document, you will pay the higher fee if you apply on or after September 8, 2025.
Why Are These Changes Happening Now?
The last time Hong Kong made a major change to its immigration fees was several years ago. Since then, the cost of running immigration services has gone up. This includes things like staff salaries, technology upgrades, and the cost of delivering documents, especially to people living overseas. The government says it needs to update the fees to match these higher costs.
Officials also say that the new fees are based on the “user pays” principle. This means that the people who use immigration services should pay enough to cover the cost of those services, rather than having the government cover the difference.
Who Will Be Affected by the Fee Increases?
The new fees will affect almost everyone who needs a visa, permit, or passport from Hong Kong. This includes:
- Tourists who need a visa to visit Hong Kong
- Business travelers applying for multiple-entry permits or APEC Business Travel Cards
- Students applying for or renewing student visas
- Expatriates and their families applying for dependent visas
- Seafarers needing identity books
- People renewing or applying for Hong Kong passports
- Anyone needing express or registered delivery of documents overseas
If you fall into any of these groups, you should be aware of the new costs and plan your applications accordingly.
How Much More Will You Pay? Real-World Examples
Let’s look at a few examples to show how these changes might affect different people:
Example 1: A Business Traveler
If you are a business traveler who needs a three-year multiple-entry permit, you will pay HKD 1,350 instead of the old fee of HKD 935. That’s an extra HKD 415.
Example 2: A Family Renewing Passports
A family with two adults and two children renewing their passports will pay HKD 430 for each adult and HKD 260 for each child. That’s a total of HKD 1,380, compared to the old total of HKD 1,200. The family will pay HKD 180 more.
Example 3: A Student Applying for a Visa
A student applying for a visa will see a slight increase in the fee. While the exact amount depends on the category, most student visa fees will go up by a small amount.
Example 4: Overseas Delivery
If you are living in North America or Europe and need your documents delivered by express service, you will now pay HKD 310 instead of HKD 220. That’s an extra HKD 90 for delivery alone.
What Should Applicants Do Now? Step-by-Step Guidance
If you plan to apply for or renew a visa, permit, or passport in Hong Kong, here’s what you should do:
- Check the Full List of New Fees:
Visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s official website to see the complete list of revised charges. This will help you understand exactly how much you will need to pay for your specific application. - Apply Before September 8, 2025, If Possible:
If you want to save money, try to submit your application before the new fees take effect. Applications received before September 8, 2025, will be charged at the current, lower rates. -
Budget for Higher Costs After September 8, 2025:
If you cannot apply before the deadline, make sure you have enough money set aside to cover the higher fees. This is especially important for families or people applying for multiple documents. -
Consider Delivery Fees:
If you need your documents delivered overseas, remember that delivery fees are also going up. Plan for these extra costs, especially if you need express or registered mail. -
Stay Informed:
For the latest updates, check the Immigration Department’s website or contact them directly. You can also email [email protected] for help with specific questions.
Eligibility and Requirements: Who Can Apply for Which Documents?
The eligibility rules for visas, permits, and passports in Hong Kong are not changing with the new fees. However, it’s important to know the basic requirements for each type of document:
Ordinary Visa:
– For people who want to visit, work, or study in Hong Kong.
– You must provide proof of your reason for travel, such as a job offer, school acceptance letter, or travel itinerary.
Multiple-Entry Permit:
– For people who need to travel in and out of Hong Kong frequently, such as business travelers.
– You must show a need for regular travel and meet other standard requirements.
APEC Business Travel Card:
– For business people from APEC member economies who travel often for work.
– You must be approved by your home economy and meet Hong Kong’s requirements.
Passport:
– For Hong Kong residents who need a travel document.
– You must provide proof of residency and identity.
Student and Dependent Visas:
– For students accepted to schools in Hong Kong and for family members of people working or studying in Hong Kong.
– You must provide supporting documents, such as school letters or proof of relationship.
For more details on eligibility and required documents, visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s official website.
How Do You Apply? Step-by-Step Process
The application process for most visas, permits, and passports in Hong Kong follows these basic steps:
- Gather Required Documents:
Collect all necessary papers, such as your passport, proof of residence, job offer, school acceptance, or other supporting documents. -
Complete the Application Form:
Download and fill out the correct form from the Immigration Department’s website. For example, the ID 990A form is used for visa applications. -
Pay the Fee:
Pay the required fee by the method specified (credit card, bank draft, etc.). Make sure you pay the correct amount based on the date you submit your application. -
Submit Your Application:
Send your completed form and documents to the Immigration Department, either online, by mail, or in person. -
Wait for Processing:
Processing times vary depending on the type of document and the time of year. Check the Immigration Department’s website for current estimates. -
Receive Your Document:
Once approved, you will receive your visa, permit, or passport. If you are overseas, you can choose express or registered delivery (for an extra fee).
Comparing Hong Kong’s Fees to Other Countries
While the new fees may seem high, it’s helpful to compare them to similar charges in other places. For example, the cost of a standard adult passport in the United States 🇺🇸 is about USD 165 (roughly HKD 1,290), which is much higher than Hong Kong’s new fee of HKD 430. In Canada 🇨🇦, an adult passport costs about CAD 160 (around HKD 920). This means that, even after the increase, Hong Kong’s passport fee is still lower than in some other countries.
For visas, the cost varies widely depending on the country and type of visa. Some countries charge much more for work or student visas, while others have lower fees. The important thing is to check the specific requirements and costs for your situation.
Practical Implications: How Will This Affect You?
The fee increases will have different effects depending on your situation:
- Frequent Travelers: People who travel often for work or family reasons will pay more for multiple-entry permits and business travel cards.
- Families: Families renewing several passports or applying for dependent visas will see higher total costs.
- Students: Students may need to budget a bit more for visa applications, but the increase is smaller compared to other categories.
- Overseas Applicants: If you live outside Hong Kong and need documents delivered, you will pay more for delivery, especially if you choose express service.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the advance notice and clear breakdown of the new fees should help most people plan ahead and avoid surprises. The government has not announced any exemptions or special waivers, so everyone will need to pay the new rates.
What’s Next? Future Changes and Ongoing Reviews
At this time, the government has not announced any further fee increases beyond September 8, 2025. However, officials say they will continue to review costs and may adjust fees again in the future to keep up with expenses. It’s a good idea to check the Immigration Department’s website regularly for updates.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- All visa, permit, and passport fees in Hong Kong will increase on September 8, 2025.
- Apply before this date to save money.
- Check the official website for the full list of new fees and required documents.
- Budget for higher costs, especially if you need multiple documents or overseas delivery.
- No exemptions or waivers have been announced.
For more information, visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s official website or email [email protected] for help.
By planning ahead and understanding the new rules, you can avoid extra costs and make sure your travel plans go smoothly. Whether you’re a tourist, student, business traveler, or family member, knowing about these changes will help you prepare for your next trip to or from Hong Kong.
Learn Today
Multiple-Entry Permit → A travel document allowing repeated entry into Hong Kong within a specified period.
APEC Business Travel Card → A card facilitating business travel among Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies.
Transit Visa → A visa permitting temporary passage through Hong Kong en route to another destination.
Seaman’s Identity Book → An official document identifying seafarers for travel and employment purposes.
User Pays Principle → A policy where service users cover the full cost rather than subsidies from the government.
This Article in a Nutshell
Hong Kong raises immigration fees from September 2025, impacting visas and passports with increases up to 44%. Applicants should apply early to avoid higher costs and review updated fees online, ensuring smooth travel planning and budgeting for new service charges including overseas document delivery.
— By VisaVerge.com
