Hong Kong Visa Overview for Vietnamese Citizens
Vietnamese ordinary passport holders always need a visa or entry permit before traveling to Hong Kong. This is an important difference from many other destinations in the region.
The Only Exemption
- Direct air transit: You are exempt only when transiting by air without leaving the airport transit area (no actual entry into Hong Kong)
Note: Any real entry (tourism, business, visiting relatives) requires a visa. Check the latest information at immd.gov.hk before you travel.
Visa Types & Application Forms
For tourism or transit with entry, you apply for a Visit/Transit Visa.
- Applicant: completes form ID 1003A
- Sponsor (if any): completes form ID 990A
Eligible Vietnamese applicants may apply for a multiple-journey visa (available since October 2023), provided they have a good travel history.
Hong Kong Visa Photo Requirements
Hong Kong visa photos follow the international travel-document photo standard. The digital and print standard size is 40 x 50 mm.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 40 x 50 mm (standard) |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32 - 36 mm |
| Background | Plain white, no patterns |
| Expression | Neutral, eyes open, mouth closed |
| File format (online) | JPEG, under 5 MB |
| Minimum resolution | At least 1200 x 1600 px (or scan a 40x50mm print at 600 dpi) |
| Lighting | No flash glare, no frame across the eyes |
| Headwear | None, except for religious reasons |
Watch Out for Photo Size
There is misinformation online about a "33x48 mm" Hong Kong photo size — no such standard exists. Use 40 x 50 mm. The paper form ID 990A separately accepts a size range (not smaller than 50x40 mm and not larger than 55x45 mm), but 40x50mm remains the safest choice.
Documents for a Visit/Transit Visa
Core Documents
- Original passport: Valid for the trip, with blank pages
- Form ID 1003A: Completed in full by the applicant
- Form ID 990A: Completed by the sponsor (if you have one)
- Visa photo: 40x50mm white-background photo to standard
- Passport copy: Personal information page
- Itinerary & flights: Trip details
Financial & Employment Proof
- Bank statements: Proof of sufficient funds for the trip
- Employment confirmation: Labor contract or employer letter
- Hotel booking: Or an invitation letter from a Hong Kong sponsor
Where to Apply
- IMMD e-Visa portal: Apply online — the fastest and most convenient route
- By post: Mail to the Immigration Headquarters in Hong Kong
- Chinese diplomatic mission: The Chinese embassy or consulate-general in Vietnam
Hong Kong Visa Fees
| Visa type | Fee (reference) |
|---|---|
| Single-journey | around HK$330 |
| Multiple-journey, 1-year | around HK$670 |
| Multiple-journey, 3-year | around HK$1,350 |
Fees may change. Please verify the current fees at immd.gov.hk.
Processing Time
- Individual applications: About 4 weeks
- Tour-group applications: About 2 weeks (submitted via a licensed Hong Kong travel agent)
Create Your Hong Kong Visa Photo Now
40x50mm size - Standard white background - Automatic AI background removal
Get StartedSee also: Hong Kong visa photo page — full size, background and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for Hong Kong?
Yes. Vietnamese ordinary passport holders always need a visa or entry permit to enter Hong Kong. The only exemption is direct air transit without leaving the airport transit area.
Is the Hong Kong visa photo size 40x50mm or 33x48mm?
It is 40 x 50 mm. There is no official 33x48mm standard. The paper form ID 990A accepts a size range (not smaller than 50x40mm, not larger than 55x45mm), but 40x50mm is the safe standard for both online submission and print.
How do I apply for a Hong Kong visa?
You can apply online through the IMMD e-Visa portal, by post to the Immigration Headquarters, or via a Chinese diplomatic mission in Vietnam. The applicant completes form ID 1003A; the sponsor (if any) completes form ID 990A.
Can I apply for a multiple-journey visa?
Yes. Since October 2023, eligible Vietnamese citizens may apply for a multiple-journey visa (1-year or 3-year) if they have a good travel history.
What must the digital photo meet for online submission?
A JPEG on a plain white background, under 5 MB, with a resolution of at least 1200x1600 px, head height (chin to crown) of 32-36mm, a neutral expression, eyes open and mouth closed, and no flash glare.