The Immigration Department has quietly expanded Hong Kong’s visa-free transit policy: effective 15 November 2025, Nepali passport holders may now transit airside through Hong Kong International Airport without a visa, provided they remain within the secure transfer zone.
Previously, Nepali travellers—even those merely changing planes—had to apply for a HK$230 transit visa, a process that could take up to four weeks. The removal of that requirement aligns Nepal with India, Indonesia and several ASEAN states already on the airside-transit exemption list.
![Hong Kong Grants Visa-Free Airside Transit to Nepali Nationals]()
For corporate mobility teams, the change removes cost and administrative friction for Nepali crew rotations, seafarers and business travellers using Hong Kong as a hub for Greater China or North America. Airlines with growing Kathmandu-Hong Kong traffic—such as Cathay Pacific codeshare partner Nepal Airlines—expect to see improved through-booking demand now that travellers need only a single PNR.
The move comes amid Hong Kong’s wider effort to cement its status as a seamless interchange point. Authorities recently lowered the e-Channel age limit and launched an electronic visa portal for all employment-related passes. Observers view the Nepali exemption as a test case for a broader liberalisation targeting South Asian markets that supply aviation and maritime labour.
Travellers should note that the exemption covers transit only. Nepali nationals still require a regular visit visa if they wish to clear immigration and enter the city. Airlines are advising passengers to ensure their onward boarding pass is issued and baggage through-tagged before departure to avoid issues at HKIA.
Previously, Nepali travellers—even those merely changing planes—had to apply for a HK$230 transit visa, a process that could take up to four weeks. The removal of that requirement aligns Nepal with India, Indonesia and several ASEAN states already on the airside-transit exemption list.
For corporate mobility teams, the change removes cost and administrative friction for Nepali crew rotations, seafarers and business travellers using Hong Kong as a hub for Greater China or North America. Airlines with growing Kathmandu-Hong Kong traffic—such as Cathay Pacific codeshare partner Nepal Airlines—expect to see improved through-booking demand now that travellers need only a single PNR.
The move comes amid Hong Kong’s wider effort to cement its status as a seamless interchange point. Authorities recently lowered the e-Channel age limit and launched an electronic visa portal for all employment-related passes. Observers view the Nepali exemption as a test case for a broader liberalisation targeting South Asian markets that supply aviation and maritime labour.
Travellers should note that the exemption covers transit only. Nepali nationals still require a regular visit visa if they wish to clear immigration and enter the city. Airlines are advising passengers to ensure their onward boarding pass is issued and baggage through-tagged before departure to avoid issues at HKIA.
