Overview (What PAR Is & Who Needs It)
- PAR = mandatory pre-registration for Indian passport holders who want to visit Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR) visa-free for short stays. After a successful PAR, you can enter Hong Kong visa-free for up to 14 days per visit. (Immigration Department)
- PAR is free, online, and the decision is provided instantly on screen (you download/print a Notification Slip). (Immigration Department)
- If you want to stay longer than 14 days, you’ll need a Visit Visa / Entry Permit (apply in advance), or try an in-Hong-Kong visitor extension (case-by-case; not guaranteed). (Immigration Department)
What You Get After Successful PAR
- A “Notification Slip for Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals” linked to your passport.
- It allows multiple entries during its validity (typically 6 months), with maximum 14 days per visit. (Immigration Department)
- Important: PAR does not guarantee entry; immigration can still refuse admission if normal requirements aren’t met. This is stated directly on the notification slip.
Example (from a real slip):
- Validity window, multiple entries within the window, and 14 days max per visit are printed on the slip.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for PAR (Free, Online)
- Check your passport: Indian passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the travel date is recommended.
- Apply online at the official Immigration Department (ImmD) PAR page:
https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/pre-arrival_registration_for_indian_nationals.html(Read the official Guidance Notes before you start:)https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/forms/forms/id-e-1023.html(Immigration Department) - Fill in details exactly as in your passport (name, passport no., DOB, etc.).
- Submit — result is provided instantly on screen. If successful, download & print the Notification Slip (A4, single sheet). (Immigration Department)
- Sign the slip in the box provided and keep it with your passport. (If details change or you get a new passport, re-apply PAR.)
Documents You Must Carry When You Travel
- Indian passport (the same passport linked to the PAR)
- Printed & signed PAR Notification Slip (A4) – MANDATORY PRINTED.
- Onward/return ticket and proof of funds (normal visitor requirements apply)
- Airlines/immigration will check your passport + PAR slip; failure to present both can mean denied boarding/entry.
Validity, Duration & Re-Entry
- PAR validity: typically 6 months (or until passport expiry, whichever is earlier).
- Stay per visit: up to 14 days.
- Multiple entries: allowed while PAR remains valid. (Immigration Department)
If PAR Is Rejected or You Need Longer Than 14 Days
- Apply for a Visit Visa / Entry Permit (tourism/visit) before travel:
https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html(General visit/visa info:)https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit_transit.html(Immigration Department)
Extending Your Stay in Hong Kong (Beyond 14 Days)
- Visitors may apply online for extension of stay within 14 days before their current limit expires.
- Approval is not guaranteed and is assessed on its merits; you must be physically present in Hong Kong to apply/collect the e-Visa if approved.
https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/online-services/applyextensionstay/visitor.html(e-Visa info:)https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/e-visa.html(Immigration Department)
Key Rules, Limits & Fine Print (Must-Know)
- PAR ≠ visa and doesn’t guarantee entry; normal visitor rules apply (purpose of visit, funds, return ticket, no work/study).
- No work, no study, no business operations under PAR; it’s for tourism/short visits/transit only. (Immigration Department)
- If your passport details change (new passport, name change), you must apply for a new PAR.
- If PAR fails, use the Visit Visa/Entry Permit route above. (Immigration Department)
Quick FAQs
Q1) Do I get an email after PAR?
- The official flow provides an on-screen result and a downloadable Notification Slip. Some third-party sites mention email, but you should rely on downloading/printing the slip immediately from the ImmD site. (Immigration Department)
Q2) Can I stay more than 14 days as a tourist?
- Not under PAR. Either apply for a Visit Visa/Entry Permit before travel or attempt a visitor extension online while in Hong Kong (case-by-case, not guaranteed). (Immigration Department)
Q3) How long is PAR valid? Can I re-enter multiple times?
- Valid for 6 months (or until passport expiry). Multiple entries permitted; each visit is up to 14 days. (Immigration Department)
Q4) I’m an Indian citizen living in Japan — does residence in Japan change anything?
- PAR eligibility is based on nationality (Indian). Residence abroad typically affects where you apply for a Visit Visa, not the PAR rules themselves. For longer stays or special cases, consult ImmD or your nearest Chinese mission/visa centre. (Immigration Department)
Official Links (Bookmark These)
PAR (official): https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/pre-arrival_registration_for_indian_nationals.html
Guidance Notes (PDF): https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/forms/forms/id-e-1023.html
Visit/Transit overview: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit_transit.html
Visit Visa / Entry Permit (apply if PAR rejected or >14 days): https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html
Visitor Extension of Stay (online): https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/online-services/applyextensionstay/visitor.html
e-Visa (collection/issuance info): https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/e-visa.html
Tourism Board quick note on PAR: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/in/plan/traveller-info/visa-information.html
Tips & Tricks (From Frequent Traveller Experience)
- Print 2 copies of your PAR slip; keep one in a different bag. If it’s lost/damaged, reprint (allowed) — but make sure it’s A4 white paper and signed.
- Carry proof of onward/return ticket and hotel booking; it speeds up airline check-in and immigration.
- Don’t overstay. If you need more time, submit an online extension request before your 14-day limit ends; results aren’t guaranteed, so apply early within the allowed window. (Immigration Department)
- Mismatch kills trips: If any detail on the slip doesn’t exactly match your passport, re-apply. Typos = boarding/entry issues.
- New passport? Re-apply PAR — the old one is tied to your previous passport number.