What is the PAR Registry for Indians?
Indian nationals wishing to enter Hong-Kong for a stay of up to 14 days do not require entry Visas. Instead, one is required to have a Pre-arrival registration (PAR) notification slip for which they can apply online. This service is free of charge.
The Hong Kong pre arrival registration for Indians came into effect on the 23rd of January 2017 in accordance with a directive announced by the Hong Kong Immigration Department on December 12th 2016. It was introduced with the aim of saving travellers’ time at the border.
If one wishes to stay for a duration that exceeds 14 days, they must apply for a HKSAR Visa. HKSAR refers to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region which is the official name for the city of Hong Kong.
Outlined below is information regarding the Pre-arrival registration (PAR); Requirements, Exemptions, Validity and General Procedures.
Requirements for Pre-arrival registration for Indian Nationals
Indians must meet the following two conditions to register for a PAR.
1. Have an Indian passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
2. Plan to stay for a period not exceeding 14 days.
However, Indian nationals who have valid permission to reside, work or study in Hong Kong need not apply for the PAR. The same applies to those with the right of abode or right to land in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Exemptions from Pre-arrival registration for Indians
In addition to those mentioned above, the following nationals can enter the HKSAR without having met the PAR requirement; subject to normal immigration requirements being met.
1. Those holding a valid Indian diplomatic or official passport
2. Those holding a United Nations Laissez Passer and are going to; or passing through Hong Kong for official United Nations business
3. Those holding a HKSAR Travel Pass
4. Those enrolled for the e-Channel service/Automated Passenger Clearance System. (However, if the validity of the passport linked to the e-Channel service lapses or becomes invalid, the e-Channel service becomes immediately invalid)
5. Those holding a valid entry Visa for the HKSAR
6. Operating aircrew or sea crew who are on board vessels, and Contract Seaman.
7. Those simply transiting through Hong Kong and who must therefore remain within the bounds of the International Transit Area of the airport.
How long does it take to fill the online Pre-Arrival Registration
It can be completed in just a couple of minutes upon which a result will be provided instantly. Applicants will be required to provide personal and passport information in order to complete the form.
If successful, an option to “View/Print Registration Notification Slip” will be provided.
Print the provided notification slip on a sheet of blank A4 paper then check that the information therein tallies with what is on your Indian passport before signing the notification slip on the allotted space.
In case the applicant is under the age of 16, a parent or legal guardian must check that the information in the notification slip is correct and sign it.
How long is a PAR valid for?
A pre-arrival registration is valid for 6 months from the date of approval. During this period, an Indian national can make multiple visits to Hong Kong so long as they have both their PAR notification slip and the passport linked to that slip.
Only when the validity of the PAR slip lapses will you be allowed to apply for another.
A Word of Caution
Note that the information provided in the application must be accurate and true. Any inaccuracies or inconsistencies between your passport and PAR notification slip will deem your pre-arrival registration invalid and entry into Hong Kong or a vessel bound for Hong Kong will be denied.
Worse off, should the information provided be found to be intentionally false or misleading, the offender will be liable for prosecution under the Laws of Hong Kong.
General Guidelines
Even though the application for a pre-arrival is instant, government of Hong Kong advises Indian travellers to apply up to 4-6 weeks in advance.
Before you begin your travel, remember to carry the same valid Indian passport you used to register for the PAR. The two are now electronically linked together such that using a different passport will lead to denial of entry. Both will be checked by transport officials and operators so be sure not to forget them.
Should your pre-arrival registration not be successful, apply to the Hong Kong Immigration Department for an entry Visa.
Once inside Hong Kong, ensure that you carry a printed copy of your PAR at all times once inside Hong.
Value of the PAR to travelling Indian nationals
The PAR has made travelling to Hong Kong on short stays much easier for Indians. No longer is it necessary to spend time applying for a Visa at an embassy or consulate. Furthermore, border crossing is made much smoother and less time consuming.
