e-visa for Indians whose Hong Kong PAR was unsuccessful

I would like to share my experience with getting HK e-visa as my PAR was unsuccessful as I got to read and hear about a lot of such cases and it disheartened me.

I had already booked my air tickets as I was getting at a very good price. That was my first mistake, I should have checked PAR as it was just a 10 minute process. So I had no choice but to see for alternates to get entry for HK.

But most of the blogs and even travel agents whom I consulted told it is not possible to get visa at such short time. Some agents were not even aware of e-visa. But I decided to take a chance and got it well within the prescribed window of 4 weeks. I was also scared as my travel date was almost exactly after 4 weeks of the day when I applied for visa and during that period, Chinese new year holidays were there in HK.

Also applying for e-visa is very easy and direct process. I can be self done.

Thanks to some good insights on e-visa I got from such similar forums here. Now I am looking forward for my HK trip.

For Indian passport holders whose Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) for Hong Kong was unsuccessful, applying for an e-visa is a reliable alternative. The process can be completed entirely online, and it allows travelers to obtain entry clearance without physically visiting a visa office.

Key points about the Hong Kong e-visa process:

  • The e-visa application can usually be submitted up to 4 weeks before the intended travel date. It is important to adhere to this timeline, especially around peak holidays like Chinese New Year.
  • The application is straightforward and can be completed independently without the need for a travel agent, although some agents may not be familiar with the e-visa option.
  • Applicants need to provide personal information, passport details, travel itinerary, and sometimes additional supporting documents depending on individual circumstances.

Practical advice for travelers:

  • Do not book non-refundable tickets before confirming your visa approval to avoid complications in case of delays.
  • Monitor your email closely after submission, as the visa approval can come within the prescribed 4-week window if all documents are in order.
  • Be mindful of public holidays in Hong Kong, as these can affect processing times.

In conclusion, even if PAR is unsuccessful, the e-visa provides a feasible, self-managed route for Indian travelers to visit Hong Kong. Many travelers have successfully used this method and received approval within the expected timeframe, making it a practical solution for last-minute travel planning.


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