Hong Kong Transit Visa for Nepalese Travelers — Do You Need It?

For Nepali travelers flying through Hong Kong, the need for a transit visa depends entirely on your travel plan and whether you will pass through Hong Kong Immigration. The Hong Kong Immigration Department has specific rules for travelers from countries that are not visa-exempt, and Nepal is not included among the 170 visa-free nations eligible to enter Hong Kong without a visa. Therefore, Nepali passport holders must pay close attention to their transit type — whether they are staying airside (inside the airport transit area) or landside (entering Hong Kong).

If a Nepali traveler is transiting airside, meaning they remain inside the Hong Kong International Airport’s restricted transit zone and do not pass immigration, then no transit visa is required. In this case, you can stay at the airport for a few hours while waiting for your connecting flight, provided both flights are on the same booking or airline alliance that handles luggage transfer automatically. This is called direct airside transit, and it applies when you have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the airport.

However, if your flight requires you to exit the airport, switch terminals that require immigration clearance, or stay overnight in Hong Kong, then you will need a Visit/Transit Visa or Entry Permit in advance. This is also necessary if your luggage must be rechecked at the counter or if your transit involves two different airlines not connected through the same itinerary.

The application process for a Hong Kong transit visa is similar to that for a Visit Visa. You must fill out Form ID 1003A (for the traveler) and Form ID 1003B (if you have a local sponsor in Hong Kong). These forms can be downloaded from the official Hong Kong Immigration Department website. You must also prepare the following supporting documents: a valid passport (at least six months validity), confirmed onward flight ticket, visa for the final destination (if applicable), and a passport-sized photograph. If you plan to stay overnight, a hotel booking confirmation is also recommended.

The processing time for a transit visa generally ranges from two to four weeks, depending on the accuracy of your documents and processing volume. Applications can be submitted online or by post, but original signed forms must be sent by air mail to the Immigration Department, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories, Hong Kong. Applications submitted by email are not accepted.

The visa fee for transit or short-term visit visas usually ranges between HKD 250 to HKD 400, depending on the type and duration. Once approved, the Hong Kong Immigration Department issues an eVisa (electronic visa), which you can download and print before traveling.

For smooth transit through Hong Kong, it’s important to always confirm your flight details with the airline. Some carriers do not allow boarding for Nepali passport holders without a valid Hong Kong visa, even for short layovers, if the connecting flight requires re-entry.

If you want professional support in preparing your documents and avoiding visa issues, Yatra For Fun Pvt. Ltd.provides full assistance for Hong Kong transit, visit, and business visas. It is one of Nepal’s most reliable visa and travel companies, handling visa services for over 70 countries, including Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, China, and Schengen Europe.

For expert Hong Kong visa guidance and application help, contact:
9802348957 or 9708072951
Website: https://www.yatraforfun.com