As an Indian citizen with a Japanese residency permit traveling from Japan to Delhi with a 24-hour stopover in Hong Kong, you have options for exploring the city during your layover. Here's what you need to know:
Transit Requirements for Indian Citizens in Hong Kong
For Indian nationals like yourself, the requirements depend on whether you plan to leave the airport transit area:
If Staying Within the Airport Transit Area
If you're in direct transit by air and do not plan to leave the airport transit area, you do not need any pre-arrival registration or visa[1][3]. You can simply remain in the transit area until your connecting flight.
If Planning to Exit the Airport and Explore Hong Kong
Since your layover is 24 hours (less than 48 hours), you have two options:
For layovers less than 48 hours: Indian nationals can enjoy visa-free transit[2]. However, this only applies if you remain within the airport.
If you want to exit the airport and explore the city: You must complete a Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) online before your trip[1][3]. This is mandatory for Indian nationals who wish to visit or transit through Hong Kong and leave the airport transit area.
Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) Process
If you decide to explore Hong Kong during your stopover, you need to:
- Complete the PAR through the official Hong Kong Immigration Department website
- The registration is free of charge
- Processing typically takes about 1 working day[2]
- Once approved, you'll receive a notification slip that you must print out
- Present this slip along with your valid Indian passport at immigration
With a successful PAR, you can stay in Hong Kong for up to 14 days[3]. The registration remains valid for six months, allowing for multiple entries during that period.
Can You Take This Route?
Yes, you can take this route with a stopover in Hong Kong. You have two choices:
- Stay in the airport transit area: No visa or PAR required
- Explore the city: Complete the PAR before your journey
Since your stopover is only 24 hours and the PAR processing typically takes just 1 working day, you should apply for the PAR well in advance of your travel date to ensure it's approved before your arrival in Hong Kong.
Remember that the PAR slip must be printed out and presented together with your passport at immigration. Without a valid PAR, you would not be permitted to leave the airport transit area.