Hong Kong Extends Stay Period for APEC Business Travel Card Holders

Hong Kong extends the visa-free stay period for APEC Business Travel Card holders from 60 days to 90 days starting November 1, 2026.

The Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region announced on October 30 that, for holders of the APEC Business Travel Card who have already obtained prior approval from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the visa-free stay period upon entry will be extended to 90 days starting from November 1, 2026.

An Immigration Department spokesperson noted that the APEC Business Mobility Group has announced that, in order to further enhance the usefulness of the Business Travel Card, five economies participating in the Business Travel Card scheme — China, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore — will extend the maximum stay period for Business Travel Card holders visiting their respective economies from 60 days to 90 days, with the exact implementation date to be determined by each economy individually. Hong Kong's implementation date is aligned with that of the country.

The spokesperson stated that, apart from APEC Business Travel Card holders, the immigration arrangements for holders of other relevant business travel documents entering the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region remain unchanged.

Currently, there are 19 economies participating in the Business Travel Card scheme, including China, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Business Travel Card is generally valid for 5 years. When card holders travel to a participating economy and have obtained prior approval from that economy, they may stay visa-free for no less than 60 days. Card holders may also use designated channels at specified control points in participating economies for expedited immigration clearance.