Step-by-Step Tips for a Smooth, Hassle-Free Entry
Going to other countries is always exciting — but it’s just as important to stay informed and cautious. Getting into trouble in a foreign country, especially without family or friends around, is something we all want to avoid.
So before our Hong Kong trip, I researched what to expect upon arrival. Here's a quick and easy guide to help first-time travelers navigate Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) with confidence and ease.
🛂 Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Before heading to the Immigration Hall, prepare the following:
✅ A valid passport
✅
A completed arrival card
- Usually distributed during your flight
- If not, get one at the Immigration Hall counters
📌 TIP: It takes about 8–10 minutes to walk from your gate to Immigration. Just follow the airport signage!
🚫 No Photography at Immigration
⚠️ Photography and video
recording are not allowed at Immigration.
I missed this sign because I was too excited — don’t make the same mistake!
🧍♀️ Step 2: Line Up at Immigration
Hong Kong is a popular tourist destination, so the
Immigration line can get long.
Since we arrived early, the line was manageable and the process was smooth.
📌 Travel Tip:
If you're arriving during peak hours (11am–4pm or evening arrivals), expect long
queues.
🔒 Important Note for
Filipino Tourists:
Hong Kong Immigration no longer stamps passports.
Instead, you will receive a small slip of paper — KEEP IT SAFE!
You'll need it when you leave Hong Kong. I almost lost mine!
🧳 Step 3: Baggage Reclaim
After immigration, proceed to the Baggage Reclaim Hall
just ahead.
If your luggage is lost or damaged, contact your airline immediately at
their designated counter.
🛃 Step 4: Customs & Excise Control
After baggage claim, proceed to Customs clearance. There are two channels:
🔴 Red Channel: Goods to Declare
Use this if you’re carrying:
- Prohibited or controlled items
- Dutiable goods over the exempted limits
🛑 Penalties may apply if:
- You lack permits/licenses
- You're over the allowed limit without declaring
🟢 Green Channel: Nothing to Declare
Use this if:
- You don’t have any prohibited or dutiable items
- Your dutiable goods are within the allowed limits
❗ Undeclared items can result in fines, prosecution, or confiscation.
📘 For full Customs
regulations, visit the official website:
👉
Hong Kong
Customs Website
🍽️ Bonus Tip: Buffer Hall Dining & Shopping
Before heading into the city, make time to explore the Buffer Hall — full of great restaurants, cafés, and shops if you want to grab a bite or buy last-minute items.
💼 Want to Explore Luggage-Free?
If you’re planning to explore right after your arrival (like we did), here are your best storage options:
🧳 Self-Service Lockers at
Citygate Outlets
🧳
Luggage
Storage at Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal
🧭 Ready to Leave the Airport?
🚖 Click here for a full guide on how to get out of Hong Kong International Airport
📣 ✨ Make your first few hours in Hong Kong smooth and stress-free by following this guide. Bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you won’t miss a step at the airport!
Have questions or need help planning your Hong Kong itinerary?
💬 Leave a comment or message me — happy to help!
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ken Chu
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