• Hong Kong is a top tourism and business destinationhong kong image by Dimitar Atanasov from Fotolia.com
  
  Hong Kong only requires citizens of some nations to get a tourist visa. However, the amount of time a visitor is allowed to stay in the country varies widely--U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
  
  

Exemptions

• If you possess any of the following, you do not need a visa or any other travel documents for Hong Kong: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport, British National (Overseas) Passport, Hong Kong Certificate of Identity, Hong Kong Re-entry permit (for entry from the Mainland of China and the Macao Special Administrative Region only), Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, Hong Kong Seaman's Identity Book, Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes provided that the document is valid or the holder's limit of stay in Hong Kong has not expired. Or, any travel documents bearing one of the following endorsements: "Holder's eligibility for Hong Kong permanent identity card verified" or "The holder of this travel document has the right to land in Hong Kong. (Section 2AAA, Immigration Ordinance, Cap. 115, Laws of Hong Kong)".
  
  

General Rules

• Hong Kong requires all visitors without any of the above documentation to have sufficient funds for their stay without working and have a return flight. Should visitors want to work or study, they must apply for a visa. All nationalities that need a visa or entry permit for tourism must get one from a Chinese embassy or consulate prior to traveling. The Hong Kong Immigration Authority's website has full explanation of who needs a visa.
  
  

U.S. Citizens

• American citizens do not need a tourist visa if they plan on staying for less than 90 days. You must present a valid passport for entry (minimum one month until expiration), as well as sufficient funds for your trip and a return ticket.
  
  

Visa Requirements

• Applicants must submit the following documents to a Chinese diplomatic mission, which will process them in approximately four weeks: Application (ID 1003A), recent photograph, photocopy of the applicant's travel document, photocopy of proof of the applicant's financial standing such as bank statements, savings accounts passbooks, tax receipts and proof of employment (if any), such as a company leave letter or salary slips; a photocopy of proof of transportation arrangement such as flight itinerary or a receipt proving you have paid for a package tour to Hong Kong for leisure visitors.
  
  A photocopy of proof of the proposed visit in the next destination after visiting Hong Kong, such as your itinerary if applying for a transit visa. A photocopy of proof of the proposed business if applying for a visa for purpose of a business visit to Hong Kong and for a family visit, photocopy of proof of relationship with the local sponsor.