Complementing the inbound tourism rebound, outbound travel by Hong Kong residents surged during the first eight days of the 10-day Lunar New Year holiday, with total border movements reaching 8.57 million—a 7 per cent increase on last year. According to data compiled by hk.on.cc and cited by News Minimalist, resident departures jumped nearly 22 per cent, while inbound flows slipped 2 per cent.(newsminimalist.com)
The figures reflect a growing appetite among Hong kongers for overseas leisure after three subdued years. Travel agents reported brisk sales of Japan, Taiwan and Southeast Asia packages, helped by the strong Hong Kong dollar and additional charter flights. Cruise lines operating from Kai Tak also noted full sailings, with Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas departing at 100 per cent capacity throughout the festive period.
![Border crossings hit 8.57 million as Hong Kong residents travel out in force]()
For travellers keen to turn those bookings into seamless journeys, VisaHQ provides an easy online gateway for checking requirements and securing visas for destinations ranging from Japan to Vietnam. Hong Kong residents can submit applications, track progress and receive updates all in one place—details at https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/
The net outward trend has operational implications for global-mobility teams headquartered in Hong Kong. Outbound queues at land checkpoints peaked at 110,000 passengers per hour on 18 February, prompting the Immigration Department to open all 344 e-Channels at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line. Companies should advise travellers to factor in potential congestion at land crossings during major holidays and to make greater use of the High-Speed Rail West Kowloon Station, where throughput was smoother due to timed ticketing.
Policy-wise, the government is assessing whether to re-introduce a reservation system for the busiest land ports during future peak periods. Stakeholders have until mid-March to submit views, with a pilot “timeslot booking” app under development.
The figures reflect a growing appetite among Hong kongers for overseas leisure after three subdued years. Travel agents reported brisk sales of Japan, Taiwan and Southeast Asia packages, helped by the strong Hong Kong dollar and additional charter flights. Cruise lines operating from Kai Tak also noted full sailings, with Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas departing at 100 per cent capacity throughout the festive period.
For travellers keen to turn those bookings into seamless journeys, VisaHQ provides an easy online gateway for checking requirements and securing visas for destinations ranging from Japan to Vietnam. Hong Kong residents can submit applications, track progress and receive updates all in one place—details at https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/
The net outward trend has operational implications for global-mobility teams headquartered in Hong Kong. Outbound queues at land checkpoints peaked at 110,000 passengers per hour on 18 February, prompting the Immigration Department to open all 344 e-Channels at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line. Companies should advise travellers to factor in potential congestion at land crossings during major holidays and to make greater use of the High-Speed Rail West Kowloon Station, where throughput was smoother due to timed ticketing.
Policy-wise, the government is assessing whether to re-introduce a reservation system for the busiest land ports during future peak periods. Stakeholders have until mid-March to submit views, with a pilot “timeslot booking” app under development.
