Skip Global Navigation to Main Content
Skip Breadcrumb Navigation
Skip Left Navigation
Nonimmigrant Visas

General Information

Changes in Visa Processing Fees

The U.S. Department of State has announced world-wide changes in nonimmigrant and immigrant visa processing fees, also called Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fees. The changes will be effective on April 13, 2012. Please see "Changes in Visa Fees" for details.

It is Important to Apply Early

Summer is a traveling busy season, we strongly encourage intending travelers to apply for visas well in advance of their proposed travel. This will ensure we have enough time to process your application.

Rainy and Typhoon Season

Rainy and Typhoon Season: The annual rainy and typhoon season has begun and is expected to last until November. Please be advised that if Black Rainstorm Warning OR Typhoon Signal 8 or above is announced by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Consulate General will be closed. In such a situation, there will be no need to reschedule your appointment. Please see "Consular Services During the Rainy and Typhoon Season" for details.

All applicants must use the online visa application form available on this website. See "How Do I Apply?"

Applicants can book appointments via our on-line system and we usually have next-day availability. See "How Do I Apply?" Emergency appointments can be obtained in circumstances related to medical and humanitarian emergencies, see "Emergency Appointments." Expedited appointments can be obtained for urgent business travel, see "Expedited Appointments for Business Travel."

All visas are returned by Hong Kong Post. There is no same day delivery of visas. Most visas are delivered in 3-4 business days, but occasionally additional processing is required which may take 14-90 days. As such, please schedule your appointment as soon as your travel plans are made and as far in advance as possible.

 

*(To view and print PDF files, please download the FREE Adobe Reader.)

 

Last modified: May 1, 2012

Visa News

  • State Department Supports Global Travel Growth

  • Beware of Fraudulent Websites and Emails
    The U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong does not endorse or have a "special relationship" with any individual, business, or website offering advice or assistance with the visa process. No one can guarantee the issuance of a visa to you. All U.S. government forms are free. Some websites and emails try to mislead customers and members of the public into thinking they are official U.S. government websites. These websites are designed to appear official, and often have images of the U.S. flag, U.S. Capitol, White House, or Statue of Liberty. What these websites and emails are missing is the ".gov" suffix on their addresses.  Remember that anything that does not end with ".gov" should be considered suspect.

  • Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA) Required in Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Enrollment in ESTA is mandatory for ALL VWP participants. If you have a visa to visit the USA, or a Canadian passport, this message does not apply to you. The ESTA applies only to Visa Waiver Program participants. For information about ESTA, please see ESTA webpage and Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

NSEERS

  • Effective April 28, 2011, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) no longer requires registration of foreign citizens entering and exiting the United States under the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS), also known as Special Registration. More information is available in the Federal Register notice (pdf file)* from DHS dated April 28, 2011.