Good News!! Nepali citizens no longer need a transit visa when passing through Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)—a major relief for travelers heading to destinations like the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
You can travel to any city or destination in the world via Hong Kong Airport (HKG) without a transit visa. Before this service was available for destinations USA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, UK & SCHENGEN countries only. You can stay in the transit area maximum of 24 hours only.
Cathay Pacific Airlines from Hong Kong operates a daily and direct flight to Kathmandu and vice versa with its latest wide-body Airbus aircraft model A330-300, with 24 business class seats and 293 economy class seats. This airlines have more than 200 + destinations in different cities of the world. \
Nepali travelers flying to China, the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, etc, will be highly beneficial after this waiver.
You still need a transit visa for those travelers who are traveling to MACAU or the same destination by air + land or air + ferry, etc.
What’s Changed: No Transit Visa Required for Nepali Citizens
Effective immediately, Nepali nationals are exempt from obtaining a transit visa when transiting through Hong Kong, provided they meet the following conditions:
- Remain within the airport’s transit area
- Hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country
- Do not pass through immigration or enter Hong Kong
This policy update aligns Hong Kong’s transit rules with other major hubs like Doha, Dubai, and Singapore, making it easier for Nepali travelers to choose Cathay Pacific and other carriers operating through HKG.
Why This Matters for Nepali Travelers?
This change is especially beneficial for:
- Students flying to North America or Europe
- Tourists heading to Australia or New Zealand
- Business travelers with multi-country itineraries
Previously, the transit visa requirement added time, cost, and uncertainty to travel planning. Now, Hong Kong becomes a more attractive and hassle-free transit point for long-haul flights.
Airlines & Routes That Benefit
Popular airlines and routes that now offer smoother transit for Nepali citizens:
| Airline | Route Example | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Cathay Pacific | Kathmandu → Hong Kong → Toronto | Hong Kong |
| Air India | Kathmandu → Delhi → Hong Kong → Sydney | Hong Kong |
| Qatar Airways | Kathmandu → Doha → Hong Kong → Los Angeles | Hong Kong |
Important Notes for Travelers
- Transit visa exemption applies only to airside transit (you must not exit the airport).
- Ensure your onward ticket is confirmed and within 24 hours of arrival in Hong Kong.
- Visa for final destination is still required (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia).
- No changes to entry visa rules—this exemption is for transit only.
Travel Tips for Smooth Transit via Hong Kong
- Book flights with short layovers (ideally under 12 hours).
- Choose airlines that offer through check-in for baggage.
- Carry printed copies of your onward ticket and destination visa.
- Avoid booking separate tickets unless you're familiar with airport procedures.