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Long Layover in Hong Kong
I will be traveling on United from SFO to Hong Kong in late May and will have a 12 hour layover before traveling to Denpasar Bali on Hong Kong Airlines, but on a separate itinerary than my United flights. My question: as a US citizen, will I need a transit visa or any type of visa if I plan on leaving the airport for an overnight stay in a hotel?
Thank you
No, you dont. Just head to immigration and they’ll stamp your passport. You should be given a HK Customs form to fill out on the flight – just remember to hand that in at immigration.
You can also take a ferry directly to Macau if that interests you – also no visa required.
DavidW is correct. No special visa. HK is part of a special district (separate from mainland China). It is super easy to navigate through the airport and the City. There is a train that can take you directly to the City. (Ive never used the ferry to/from airport.) After living there for one year, I prefer HK Island where there are many things to do- hikes, gardens, parks, tram to the top of The Peak, etc. Also, Pacific Place (by Swire) is a destination in itself. There is a restaurant at the Upper House with great views and an easy link to/from the Airport.
Yes, no special visa required as its a Special District (separate in ways from mainland China). (Macau is great as a past-Portuguese colony/ Casino destination.) The train, though, is super easy to take from HKG to City. After living there for 12 months, I prefer the Island which has parks, a tram to The Peak, hiking trails…. An easy go-to destination is Pacific Place- next to Botanical Garden and home to a batch of hotels. My favorite is Upper House. They have a restaurant with amazing views and incredible design. Since its linked via Swire and Cathay Pacific, the transit could not be any easier back and forth.
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