Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: In a significant policy shift that will ease international mobility for Nepali travelers, the Hong Kong government has removed the long-standing requirement for Nepali passport holders to obtain a transit visa while passing through Hong Kong International Airport. The new rule comes into effect from 15 November, according to the Consulate General of Nepal in Hong Kong.
The decision follows continuous diplomatic engagement and formal requests from the Government of Nepal. Hong Kong—one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs—had imposed mandatory transit visas on Nepali citizens since June 2005, forcing thousands of travelers to undergo lengthy procedures and unexpected travel delays.
According to the Consulate General, the removal of the transit-visa requirement marks a “notable achievement” in Nepal–Hong Kong relations, offering direct relief to migrant workers, students, business travelers, and families frequently using Hong Kong as a transit route.
For nearly two decades, mandatory transit visas had been a major inconvenience for Nepali passengers, especially during emergency travels or short-notice flights. Travel agents noted that many Nepalis had been forced to reroute their flights via alternative hubs — often at higher costs — merely to avoid Hong Kong’s visa restriction.
With the new rule taking effect, Nepali travelers can now transit freely through Hong Kong without additional documentation, a move expected to ease travel, boost mobility, and deepen bilateral cooperation between Nepal and Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of China.
Officials say the decision is also expected to contribute to smoother travel during peak seasons, reduce rerouting expenses, and enhance Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a convenient transit point for Nepali citizens traveling across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.
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