Hong Kong Arrival Card: Entry Guide & Travel Tips

When you land in Hong Kong, there’s a quick form you need to take care of — it’s called the Arrival Card. It’s nothing complicated. Just basic stuff like your name, passport number, flight info, and where you’re staying. You can fill it out online before you travel, or sometimes they give it to you on the plane. Either way, it’s required, and without it, immigration might hold you up. This article breaks down what it is and how to get it done without stress.

📄 What’s the Hong Kong Arrival Card?

Once you land in Hong Kong, there’s a quick thing to handle before you get going — the Arrival Card.

It’s just a simple form for immigration. If you’ve been here before, you probably know the drill. If not, no worries — you can fill it out online before your flight, or sometimes they’ll remind you at the airport. Takes maybe a minute. Just easier to have it done before you hit the line.

🎒 What is it?

The Hong Kong Arrival Card is a short form where you give a few basic details:

• Your name and passport number
• Your flight number and arrival date
• Where you’re staying in Hong Kong

There’s no physical card handed out on the plane anymore — it’s all online now. Just fill it out before you land. You don’t need to print it; immigration will see it in their system.

🛃 Why should Filipino travelers care?

Let’s be real — a lot of Pinoys forget about this part. Some even try to do it while waiting in line at immigration. But after a long flight? No thanks.

Here’s why it matters:

✅ Avoid delays at immigration
✅ No need to rush or panic at the airport
✅ One less thing to worry about when you land

👥 Who Needs to Fill Out the Hong Kong Arrival Card?

It’s quick, it’s online, and yes — Filipino travelers still need to do it.

Here’s who should fill it out:

✅ You’re flying into Hong Kong

Whether you’re landing at Hong Kong International Airport or just passing through on a short trip, most travelers arriving by air need to complete the Arrival Card online. Do it before your flight or right after you land (but before immigration).

✅ You’re visiting for a few days or weeks

Tourists, short business trips, quick visits to friends or family — if you're not a resident, this form is part of the entry process. Doesn’t matter if you’re staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or with a friend — you still need it.

✅ You’re not a Hong Kong resident

If you don’t have a Hong Kong ID or permanent status, you’re entering as a visitor — and visitors must submit the Arrival Card. No card, no entry stamp. Simple as that.

📝 How to Fill Out the Hong Kong Arrival Card

No paper forms. No need to print anything. The Hong Kong Arrival Card is now filled out online — super quick and easy, but you still need to do it right.

Here’s how to get it done, without the stress:

✅ Step 1: Go to the Official Website

Use your phone or laptop and visit the official site:
👉 www.immd.gov.hk → Look for "Online Arrival Card"

Real tip: Do this before your flight — ideally the night before. It takes around 3–5 minutes, and you don’t want to be rushing at the airport.

✍️ Step 2: Fill in Your Basic Info

You’ll need to enter:

• Full name (same as your passport)
• Passport number
• Nationality (Filipino, if you're from the Philippines)
• Gender and date of birth

Double-check this part. Any mistake might cause delays at immigration.

✈️ Step 3: Flight and Travel Info

Next, they’ll ask for:

• Flight number (your flight to Hong Kong)
• Arrival date
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, visiting friends, etc.)

Tip: Check your boarding pass or e-ticket for the flight number. It usually looks like “CX900” or “5J272”.

🏨 Step 4: Where You’re Staying

They’ll ask for your address in Hong Kong — just type the name of your hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or wherever you're staying.

No hotel yet?
Put the general area or a temporary place, but be honest — immigration might ask.

📱 Step 5: Submit — and You’re Done!

After you finish, just hit Submit.
No need to print anything. The system will send your info straight to immigration.

You’ll get a confirmation screen — you can screenshot it just in case, but you won’t be asked to show it (most of the time).

👀 Real-Life Reminder:

• Do one form per person (even for kids)
• Must be filled within 3 days before you arrive
• Don’t leave it until you land — Wi-Fi at the airport can be slow or unstable

💼 What You Need to Fill Out the Hong Kong Arrival Card

Before you line up at immigration, make sure you’ve already filled out the Hong Kong Arrival Card online. It only takes a few minutes — faster if you’ve got everything ready.

Here’s what you’ll need:

🗓️ Where and When Should You Fill Out the Hong Kong Arrival Card?

Here’s when and where to take care of it — so you’re not stressed out after a long flight.

📍 Where to Fill It Out?

📱 On Your Phone (Best Option)

Do it before your flight, using your phone or laptop.
You can fill it out at home, at the airport lounge, or while waiting at your boarding gate.
Just go to the official website:
👉 www.immd.gov.hk → Look for “Online Arrival Card”

✈️ Before Takeoff or During the Flight

Still haven’t done it? No worries.
If you’ve got Wi-Fi on the plane, you can still access the form. But some budget airlines don’t have internet, so it’s better to do it earlier.

🛬 At Hong Kong Airport (Not Recommended)

Yes, you can do it after landing — there’s free Wi-Fi at HKIA.
But if the signal’s weak or too many people are online, it might be slow. Also, no filling the form = no immigration entry. So better to do it before you arrive.

⏰ When Should You Fill It Out?

📅 1 to 3 Days Before You Land

You can only submit the form within 72 hours (3 days) of your arrival in Hong Kong.
If you try too early, it won’t go through.
Best timing? Fill it out the night before your flight. Fast, simple, done.

📂 Other Required Documents for Entry to Hong Kong

Here’s your no-nonsense checklist:

🛂 1. Valid Passport

✅ Must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date
✅ Should be clean and in good shape — no tears, no water damage, no missing pages
Real tip: Hong Kong immigration doesn’t play around. If your passport looks damaged or sketchy, they can deny entry. Check it before you leave.

🎟️ 2. Return or Onward Ticket

✅ You may be asked how long you’re staying and when you’re leaving
✅ Show a return flight or onward ticket (can be on your phone or printed)
✅ If you’re traveling onward (like to Macau or another country), have proof ready
Heads up: If you’re on a one-way ticket, be ready to explain — they might ask extra questions.

🛃 3. Visa (If Needed)

✅ Filipinos can enter Hong Kong visa-free for up to 14 days
✅ If you’re from another country or staying longer, check visa rules
Reminder: Immigration may ask for proof of accommodation or funds, even if you don’t need a visa.

📄 4. Hong Kong Arrival Card (Online Form)

✅ Fill it out online at www.immd.gov.hk
✅ Do it 1–3 days before you arrive
✅ No need to print — they’ll have it in their system
Tip: Screenshot the confirmation page, just in case.

🧳 Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Hong Kong

Hong Kong immigration is fast and efficient — as long as you’re prepared. Here’s some real-world advice to help you get through without stress or delays:

✅ 1. Fill Out the Hong Kong Arrival Card Before You Land

It’s online only now — no paper forms on the plane.

📝 You’ll need:

• Passport
• Flight number
• Where you're staying

Real tip: Do it 1 to 3 days before you arrive. Takes just 5 minutes on your phone.
Website: www.immd.gov.hk

📲 2. Screenshot the Confirmation Page

After you submit the Arrival Card, you’ll see a confirmation screen.
Take a screenshot — just in case the system has issues or you need to show proof.

🏨 3. Know Where You’re Staying

Immigration officers may ask you:

• “Where will you stay in Hong Kong?”
• “How many days are you here?”
• “What’s the purpose of your visit?”

Be ready with a short answer like:
🗣️ “I’m staying at Dorsett Mongkok for 5 days — just sightseeing.”
Don’t overthink it — they just want to confirm you have a plan.

📱 4. Save Travel Info on Your Phone

Keep everything handy — even offline:
✅ Flight ticket
✅ Hotel booking
✅ Passport photo (backup)
✅ Travel insurance or contact info

😊 5. Be Early, Stay Cool, and Keep Everything Together

Hong Kong airport is big, and immigration lines can get long during peak hours.

So:
🕐 Arrive early at the airport, especially if you’re connecting elsewhere
📂 Keep all your travel docs in one pouch or folder
😌 Stay calm, answer questions clearly, and be respectful

Start Your Hong Kong Trip Right

Hong Kong isn’t just a layover. It’s a mix of city lights, night markets, dim sum, and skyline views. Whether you're here for shopping, food, sightseeing, or a quick getaway — make sure you’re ready before you land.

Here’s how to start your Hong Kong trip smoothly:

✅ Fill out the Hong Kong Arrival Card online – do it 1 to 3 days before your flight at www.immd.gov.hk. It only takes a few minutes.
✅ No visa needed for Filipinos – you can stay up to 14 days visa-free. Still, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
✅ Have your hotel and flight details ready – immigration might ask where you’re staying and when you’re leaving.

✈️ Book your flight Manila to Hong Kong early – Manila to Hong Kong promo fares sell out quick, especially around holidays and long weekends.
🏨 Reserve your hotel or Airbnb in Hong Kong – you'll need the address for the Arrival Card and possible immigration questions.