Hong Kong SAR Pre-Departure Guide
Your complete checklist and guide for all essential preparations before traveling to Hong Kong SAR for your studies.
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An example pre-departure plan
Getting Ready for Hong Kong
The main things to sort out before you leave India or Pakistan for Hong Kong.
Start Early
Key Areas
- Student visa: Your university sends your papers to ImmD. You get an e-Visa, your visa sent to you online.
- Housing: Arrange a hall place or a flat before you fly.
- Health and insurance: Check your university's health service and insurance advice.
- Money: Bring cash in Hong Kong dollars (HKD) and plan your bank account.
Your Timeline
Right after you accept
Accept the offer, then send the student visa form (ID 995A) and your papers to your university.
While you wait
Apply for housing and plan your money and insurance.
When ImmD says yes
Pay the visa fee, HKD 330 (Hong Kong dollars), paid once. Then download your e-Visa and book your flight.
Just before your flight
Pack your papers. You book your Hong Kong identity card (HKID card) time after you land.
Your University's Steps
Each university sets its own visa deadline and way of sending papers.
Most universities run a welcome programme (orientation) for new students from outside Hong Kong. Some also offer airport pick-up.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Check each one before you leave home.
Documentation
Passport
Your visa ends when your passport ends, so check the expiry date.
e-Visa
Saved on your phone and printed on A4 paper.
Acceptance letter
Carry it on the flight.
Accommodation
Housing booked
A hall place or a flat, arranged before you fly.
Address in English and Chinese
Show it to the taxi driver.
Finances
Cash in HKD
About HKD 3,000 for transport, food and small costs at first.
Home bank card
For cash until your Hong Kong account is open.
Travel & Logistics
Flight and tickets
Keep your travel plans with your papers.
Warm clothes and umbrella
For chilly winters and rainy days.
Same Steps for India and Pakistan
Pre-Departure Guides
Step-by-step guides for each part of getting ready.
Staying Safe and in Touch
Save these numbers before you land.
Mobile Phones & Internet
Internet Access
- Free Wi-Fi HK: Wi-Fi HK hotspots are free in many places in the city. Some give free use for a limited time.
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency Contacts in Hong Kong SAR
Call 999 in an emergency. For small cases, like lost things, report to the police online (E-Report Room).
Save These Contacts Before Departure
Your university's international office
Help with arrival, welcome programmes, housing and counselling.
1823 Call Centre
Answers questions about government departments, round the clock.
Before You Fly
Save 999 for police, fire and ambulance.
Save 1823, the government enquiry line, open round the clock.
Save your university's international office number.
Simple Tips Before You Fly
Send your full set of visa papers at once. ImmD starts only when it has every paper.
Arrange your housing well before you arrive.
Have your address in English and Chinese to show the taxi driver.
Pack warm clothes for winter and an umbrella for rain.
Bring some cash or a home bank card. A Hong Kong bank account can take time to open.
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Common Questions
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Complete Guide to Hong Kong SAR
Explore all aspects of studying in Hong Kong SAR with our comprehensive guides
Pre-Departure - Detailed Guides
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