Connecting flights between India and the USA have layovers at operating airlines’ hub airports, but that does not mean you must be sitting inside the terminal for hours. Airports and airlines today are actively helping passengers step out and explore the city. Just like Emirates’ Dubai stopover, Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul tours, Etihad’s Abu Dhabi layover, Ethiopian Airlines’ Addis Ababa transit program, and Changi Airport’s free Sentosa tours, Hong Kong HKG Airport is also offering a layover tour program for transit passengers.
All about Hong Kong layover tours for transit passengers
The Hong Kong Airport Free Layover Tour is a guided sightseeing program similar to Singapore Changi Airport layover tours. International transit passengers with long layovers can exit Hong Kong Airport for the tours offered by the airport authority. Interestingly, the tours include guided sightseeing, ground transportation, and group insurance. The layover tours are great opportunities to explore the vibrant landscape and dynamic culture of Hong Kong for free.
Hong Kong free layover tours: Eligibility requirements transit travelers
To join a free Hong Kong city layover tour, you must meet certain conditions. Whether you are flying from India to the US or returning from the US to India via Hong Kong, your eligibility for the tour is subject to your itinerary and a few other norms.
- You must have an international air-to-air transit at Hong Kong Airport.
- You need a minimum layover of 7 hours at HKG International Airport.
- You must register and secure a tour slot in advance or upon arrival, subject to availability.
- Your layover timing should align with one of the tour schedules.
- You must hold a valid passport, boarding pass, and tour slot confirmation.
- You must meet Hong Kong immigration entry requirements to leave the airport.
Note: The program is open to all international airlines operating via Hong Kong, including Cathay Pacific flights from USA to India or vice versa.
Do Indians need a visa for free Hong Kong layover tours?
Indian passport holders do not need a traditional visa to exit Hong Kong Airport for a short layover tour, but Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) is mandatory. PAR must be completed online and approved before travel. It allows visa-free entry to Hong Kong for up to 14 days. It is valid for 6 months and permits multiple entries during the validity period. Hong Kong entry requirements are the same for US visa and Green Card holders.
What’s Hong Kong entry requirement for US citizens?
US passport holders require neither a transit visa nor pre-arrival registration (PAR) to enter Hong Kong for layover tours. Usually, US citizens are eligible for visa-free entry to Hong Kong for 90 days.
How to book Hong Kong City layover tours
- You can book one free layover tour up to 3 months in advance through the Hong Kong Airport website (hongkongairport.com)
- If you’re not able to pre-book, you may opt for walk-in registration after arriving at the airport
- Walk-in registrations are subject to same-day slot availability and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis
- Registration and assistance are available at the Free Layover Tour service counters inside the terminal
- If you register online, you must arrive at the designated meeting point at least 30 minutes before the tour schedule
- Late arrivals may lose their confirmed slot, which could be passed on to the next traveler
Hong Kong free layover tour timings and experiences
Hong Kong International Airport currently offers three half-day tours every day, each lasting about 4 hours.
- The Tranquil Island Stroll runs from 9 AM to 1 PM and takes transit passengers to Inspiration Lake and Ma Wan 1868, a charming heritage village with scenic views.
- The Heritage and Local Lifestyle Citywalk operates from 12 PM to 4 PM, covering Wong Tai Sin Temple and the lively Sham Shui Po district, offering a glimpse into everyday Hong Kong life.
- The Victoria and West Kowloon Waterfront Journey runs from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, featuring the West Kowloon Cultural District and stunning views along Victoria Harbour and the Avenue of Stars.
