Hong Kong’s immigration authorities have implemented fee increases for a range of visas, entry permits and travel documents, with some charges rising by up to 51% in the latest adjustment aimed at updating costs that have remained unchanged for years.
The revisions, which took effect Sept. 8, affect services including ordinary visas, transit visas, passports and despatch fees for documents sent overseas. Under the changes, the fee for an ordinary visa increased from 230 Hong Kong dollars ($29.50) to 330 Hong Kong dollars ($42.30), a 43% hike. Transit visas rose from 120 Hong Kong dollars ($15.40) to 170 Hong Kong dollars ($21.80). Standard 32-page adult passports now cost 430 Hong Kong dollars ($55.10), up from 370 Hong Kong dollars ($47.40).
Other adjustments include a jump in the cost of seamen’s identity books from 310 Hong Kong dollars ($39.70) to 430 Hong Kong dollars ($55.10), and multiple-entry permits valid for one year rising from 470 Hong Kong dollars ($60.20) to 670 Hong Kong dollars ($85.90). Despatch fees for express delivery to North America and Europe increased from 220 Hong Kong dollars ($28.20) to 310 Hong Kong dollars ($39.70). The Immigration Department announced the changes in June, following their tabling at the Legislative Council on July 2, with increases ranging from 3% to 51% across 24 categories.
This follows an earlier fee restructuring in February for applications under specified talent and investment schemes. Effective Feb. 26, a new non-refundable application fee of 600 Hong Kong dollars ($76.90) was introduced for each submission, including those for principal applicants and dependents. Visa issuance fees under these schemes rose to 1,300 Hong Kong dollars ($166.70) for permits exceeding 180 days, or 600 Hong Kong dollars for shorter durations, compared to the previous flat rate of 230 Hong Kong dollars.
Impacted programs include the Top Talent Pass Scheme, General Employment Policy, Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates and the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, among others. The department stated the February changes apply to applications submitted at or after 11 a.m. on the effective date.
Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, relies on foreign talent to bolster its economy as a financial hub, but officials have not provided specific reasons for the hikes beyond the need to revise long-static fees. The adjustments come amid broader efforts to attract skilled workers post-COVID, though the increases could add financial pressure on applicants.
