Visa Rules for Nepali Exhibitors at Hong Kong Trade Fairs and Events

For Nepali exhibitors planning to participate in trade fairs, expos, or business events in Hong Kong, it is important to understand the visa and immigration rules that regulate foreign participation. Under the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s “Permissible Activities for Visitors”, exhibitors from Nepal are allowed to enter Hong Kong on a visitor visa for specific exhibition-related purposes such as promoting goods or services, displaying products, attending trade negotiations, supervising booth setup, or signing contracts. However, there are clear boundaries — visitors are not permitted to sell goods directly to the public, provide paid services, or construct exhibition booths themselves.

This means Nepali exhibitors can legally showcase their company’s products, hold meetings with clients, and discuss business deals during trade fairs or expos, but they cannot perform direct commercial transactions such as receiving payments or delivering goods on the spot. Such activities are considered employment or business operations, which require a separate employment visa or work permit.

Hong Kong strictly enforces these rules. If a Nepali exhibitor or their team member is found directly engaging in sales, service provision, or booth construction, it will be treated as unauthorized employment, a violation under the Hong Kong Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115). The penalty for violating visa conditions can reach HKD 50,000 in finesand up to two years’ imprisonment. Therefore, exhibitors should carefully plan their roles and ensure all activities fall under visitor permissions.

In most cases, participation as an exhibitor or delegate in a trade fair only requires a business visit visa. To support the visa application, the exhibitor must provide documents such as a formal invitation letter from the trade fair organizer, proof of company registration, financial statements, and a return flight booking. These documents help show that the purpose of the visit is temporary and legitimate. If booth setup or technical installation is involved, the exhibitor may hire lawfully employable local staff or contractors in Hong Kong to carry out the physical work.

For large exhibitions or government-endorsed trade events, the organizers often issue official circulars titled “Immigration Regulations to Be Observed and Followed by Exhibitors.” These clearly state the legal requirements for overseas participants, including Nepali exhibitors. If the exhibitor’s role involves hands-on work like booth construction, stage setup, or service operation, they must apply for a short-term employment visa (using Form ID 990A) well in advance—preferably two to three months before the event—to ensure smooth entry and compliance.

In practical terms, Nepali exhibitors can freely promote their business, meet clients, and represent their brand under a visitor visa, but must refrain from working on the ground or selling to attendees. Staying within these legal boundaries ensures that participants enjoy uninterrupted entry to future Hong Kong events without the risk of blacklisting or penalties.

For smooth documentation and visa guidance, Yatra For Fun Pvt. Ltd. offers expert support for Nepali business travelers, exhibitors, and delegates. The company assists with Hong Kong visitor visa applications, trade fair invitations, and business documentation for participation in international exhibitions. It also helps applicants who require employment permits for trade-related work.

For assistance:
Contact: 9802348957 or 9708072951
Website: https://www.yatraforfun.com