Transfer ferry

Question

Hi! We’re flying from San Francisco to Hong Kong and have over 6 hours of waiting time before our ferry transfer to Guangzhou. Are we allowed to go into the city and come back for the ferry transfer?

Also, on our return trip to San Francisco , can we go into the city after taking the ferry and then come back later to check in for our flight?

Answer

Yes, it is generally possible to leave the Hong Kong airport and visit the city during a layover before your ferry transfer to Guangzhou, but there are several important points to consider.

For your arrival from San Francisco:

As a U.S. passport holder, you are eligible for visa-free entry into Hong Kong for up to 90 days.
With over 6 hours of layover, you have sufficient time to go into the city, explore briefly, and return to the airport in time for your ferry transfer.
Allow at least 2–3 hours for immigration, customs, travel to the city and back, and security checks. Travel from the airport to central Hong Kong takes approximately 30–40 minutes by Airport Express or taxi.
Make sure to check the ferry departure time and allow time to go through immigration again if you are taking a cross-border ferry to Guangzhou.

For your return trip to San Francisco:

After arriving in Hong Kong via ferry from Guangzhou, you can go into the city before your flight, as Hong Kong allows visa-free entry for U.S. citizens.
Keep in mind that you must allow sufficient time to return to the airport, clear security, and check in for your international flight. Airlines typically recommend arriving 3 hours before departure for international flights.
Travel from the city to the airport will take approximately 30–40 minutes by Airport Express or taxi, so plan accordingly.
Be aware of peak traffic hours in Hong Kong, which may add extra travel time if you choose to travel by road.

Additional tips:

Consider using the Airport Express train for a fast and reliable way to reach the city and return to the airport.
Keep your boarding passes, ferry tickets, and ID handy for smooth immigration and ferry check-in.
Do not overextend your city visit to avoid missing your ferry or flight.

In summary, with proper time management and attention to transport schedules, you can enjoy a short visit to Hong Kong city during your layover both on arrival and on return, without needing a visa beyond the standard visa-free entry for U.S. citizens.