Staying in HK past the Visa Free Period

Question

Hello everyone, it’s Chia again. I’m asking for help once more but now its regarding on how I (a 24F Filipina student) can stay in Hong Kong for more than the Visa Free period (which is 14 days for Filipinos). We wanted for me to stay for two months since I have almost 3months of summer vacation before going back to school in August and we’re tired of me going back and forth plus we dont want to risk it with immigration by exiting to macau then going back then repeating it.

Anyways, my boyfriend (23M Filipino but HK permanent resident) will be sponsoring all of the expenses. He has a stable job and has his own place and i was told having strong ties (me studying) will also raise the chance of getting approved.

Mainly I just want to ask/clarify if we should we apply for a visitors visa? And if yes, do you think we’ll have a chance to be approved? Or is it better to apply for an extension visa? I don’t really know much about this.

Thank you again to those who will reply/help!!

Answer

As a Filipino citizen, your initial visa-free stay in Hong Kong is limited to 14 days. Since you plan to stay for around two months, you will need to apply for permission to remain beyond the visa-free period. There are two main options:

Apply for a Hong Kong Visitor Visa (Entry Visa) before entering Hong Kong. This allows you to stay longer than the standard visa-free period, typically up to 90 days for tourism purposes. You will need to submit the application at a Hong Kong Immigration Office or via the Hong Kong Immigration Department website from outside Hong Kong.
Apply for a Visa Extension after entering Hong Kong. You can submit an extension request to the Immigration Department before your 14-day visa-free period expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the immigration officer and usually allow an additional stay of 30–90 days depending on circumstances.

Key points to consider for a successful application:

Your boyfriend acting as sponsor is helpful. You should provide proof of his Hong Kong permanent resident status, employment, and accommodation details.
Strong personal ties, such as being a student, strengthen your case. Provide documents showing you are returning to school after your visit.
Financial proof is essential, even with a sponsor. Show that your expenses will be covered during your stay.
Applications are subject to the discretion of Hong Kong Immigration, so approval is not guaranteed, but having complete supporting documents significantly improves your chances.

Practical advice:

If possible, apply for a visitor visa before arrival. This is safer and avoids any risk of overstaying.
If you enter Hong Kong visa-free and later request an extension, ensure you apply before the 14-day period ends.
Keep copies of all documents and be prepared to answer questions at immigration.

In conclusion, applying for a visitor visa in advance is generally the recommended route, especially for a planned two-month stay. With a strong sponsor, proof of ties, and financial support, your chances of approval are reasonably good, but there is no absolute guarantee.

Staying in HK past the Visa Free Period

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