Online Application for Entry for Visit / Transit in Hong Kong

Who can use this service.

You can use this online service to submit application for entry for visit/transit in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

This online service is not applicable to extension of stay application of visitor. If required, you may apply via this website .

Eligibility Criteria

To find out if you are eligible to apply for entry for visit/transit in Hong Kong, please visit this website .

Documents to be Submitted Online

Documents marked with * are mandatory.

A. Applicant

Please note that in the online application process, the applicant and sponsor will be required to fill in an online application form and sign to confirm that all information given in the online application form is correct, complete and true. If the applicant is under the age of 16 (child applicant), the online application form must be signed by his/her parent or legal guardian.

File Formats

Before uploading the required documents you will need to scan them in one of the following formats: File type: JPEG, PDF, GIF, PNG or TIF (RAW, LZW, JPEG, CCITT-G4) File size: 5Mbytes or below for each file Colour depth: Grayscale (for documents without photos) Colour (for documents with photos)

How to Start

Once you have prepared your supplementary documents, you can access the online service through the following link.

Online application for entry for visit/transit in Hong Kong

Please ensure that the information you provide is correct. Incorrect information may render your submission invalid.

Supplementary Document Submission

If you have submitted an application for visit/transit in Hong Kong and received a notification letter from the Immigration Department asking you to provide supplementary documents, you can use the online submission service. The following link will take you to further information on how to submit your supplementary documents online.

Assistance and Further Information

If you need technical assistance in using the online service, you can call the Immigration e-Services Hotline at (852) 3128 8668 between 7 am and 11 pm daily. For general enquiries, please call (852) 2824 6111 during office hours (from 8:45 am to 5:15 pm, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 12 noon on Saturday, except public holidays), send a fax to (852) 2877 7711 or send an email to [email protected] . Further information on the online service is available in a set of helpful frequently asked questions (FAQs).

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Hong Kong Visa for Tourists: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: September 6, 2023

Hong Kong visa requirements are fairly clear and easy to understand. Most nationalities are exempt from having a visa. Those who need a visa can apply for one at their nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate. Indian and Taiwanese nationals must register and obtain Pre-arrival Registration prior to arrival in Hong Kong.

Hong kong tourist visa requirements.

Visa EXEMPT passport holders

180-day entry.

United Kingdom

90-day Entry

Antigua and Barbuda
British Overseas Territories
Czech Republic
Liechtenstein
Netherlands
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
South Korea
St Kitts and Nevis
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Switzerland
Trinidad and Tobago
United States

30-day Entry

Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
United Arab Emirates

14-day Entry

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Burkina Faso
Equatorial Guinea
Marshall Islands
Philippines
Sao Tome and Principe
Vatican City

* Visa EXEMPTION is for biometric passport holders only. Non-biometric passport holders must apply for a pre-approved visa from the consulate.

Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) REQUIRED passport holders

Visa required passport holders.

Afghanistan
Central African Republic
Congo, Dem Rep of
Congo, Rep of
Cote d’Ivoire
Guinea-Bissau
North Korea
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
South Sudan
Turkmenistan

Transit Visa REQUIRED passport holders

Visa or Pre-arrival Registration is not needed for direct airside transit and not leaving the airport transit area.

Application Process

Pre-arrival registration (par).

India and Taiwan passport holders must complete Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) online prior to arrival in Hong Kong.

Pre-arrival Registration is required for each individual. If you are traveling as a family, each person in the family must apply for Pre-arrival Registration individually.

Pre-arrival Registration can be done online from anywhere. There are no geographical restrictions.

Each Pre-arrival Registration is linked to a specific passport. So, in the event of loss of passport or passport renewal, a new Pre-arrival Registration must be made.

Pre-arrival Registration for India passport holders

India passport holders must complete Pre-Arrival Registration online at the HK Immigration website prior to arrival in Hong Kong.

The Pre-arrival Registration is valid for 6 months or until the expiration of the passport, whichever is earlier.

The Pre-arrival Registration is for Multiple Entries. Each entry can be up to 14 days.

The following information must be provided while filling out the Pre-arrival Registration online.

Name in English
Alias in English
Marital Status
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Residential Address
Contact Telephone Number
India Passport Number
Passport Place of Issue
Passport Date of Issue
Passport Date of Expiry

The entered information must match exactly with the information on the passport. If any piece of information is slightly mismatched, the Pre-arrival Registration will be deemed as invalid.

NOTE Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Hong Kong.

You can only apply for another Pre-arrival Registration if the current one has already expired.

Pre-arrival Registration for Taiwan passport holders

Taiwan passport holders must complete Pre-arrival Registration online at the HK Immigration website prior to arrival in Hong Kong.

The Pre-arrival Registration is valid for 2 months.

The Pre-arrival Registration can be used for up to 2 entries to Hong Kong. Each entry can be up to 30 days.

Name in Chinese and English
Alias in Chinese and English
Taiwan identity card number
Taiwan re-entry travel document number and validity

NOTE The re-entry travel document must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Hong Kong.

You can apply for another Pre-arrival Registration if the existing one has already expired or 2 entries have been used.

Documentation

You do not need to upload any documentation for Pre-arrival Registration. You just have to input the required information.

There is no fee for Pre-arrival Registration. It’s free of charge.

Processing Time

The result of pre-arrival registration is immediate. A “notification slip” is generated right away.

Notification Slip

You must check the information on the notification slip for any possible errors. All information on the notification slip must match exactly with the information on the passport. Any discrepancy will deem the notification slip invalid.

You must print the notification slip on an A4 size blank white paper. You must sign the notification slip. You must present the signed notification slip along with your original passport at the first port of entry in Hong Kong.

NOTE The immigration officers at the airport will check if the data on the notification slip matches with the information on the passport. It’s extremely important to input accurate information and verify and confirm the data on the notification slip before printing and signing.

Pre-approved Visa

Application.

In order to apply for a Pre-approved Visa for Hong Kong, you would need a local sponsor in Hong Kong. A local sponsor can be a business or individual. The individual sponsor must be a Hong Kong resident and must prove their relationship with the applicant.

Hong Kong Visitor Visa can be applied in 4 ways

In-person by your local sponsor in Hong Kong
In-person by yourself at your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate
By Mail or Post

Apply In-Person by Local Sponsor

Your local sponsor can submit your application directly to the following address in Hong Kong. An original passport is NOT NEEDED in this case.

Receipt and Despatch Sub-unit Hong Kong Immigration Department 2/F, Immigration Tower 7 Gloucester Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Apply In-Person by Yourself

You can submit your application along with your original passport at the nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate in your country of residence.

Foreigners living in Mainland China can submit their visa application along with their original passport at the Hong Kong Immigration Division in Beijing or Shanghai.

The Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing No. 71, Di’anmen Xidajie, Xicheng District Beijing 100009 People’s Republic of China

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai 21/F, The Headquarters Building, 168 Xizang Road (M), Huangpu District Shanghai 200001 People’s Republic of China

Note for India passport holders Chinese diplomatic missions and consulates in your country of residence or anywhere WILL NOT accept Hong Kong visa applications from Indian passport holders. India passport holders must apply for a Hong Kong visa directly at the HKSAR Immigration Department in Hong Kong via sponsor, mail or fax. Alternatively, Indian passport holders can request Pre-approval Registration online for entries up to 14 days.

Apply by Mail

If applying by mail, all application forms and supporting documents must be mailed to the following address in Hong Kong. An original passport is NOT NEEDED in this case.

Apply by Fax

In order to speed up the process, the application forms and supporting documents can be faxed to the Hong Kong Immigration Department at the following number.

+852 28241133

The immigration officials can start your Hong Kong visa process as soon as they receive the fax, but the receipt of the original documents is still required in order to issue the visa if approved. Therefore, you must airmail your original documents immediately after faxing the documents. An original passport is NOT NEEDED in this case.

The following documentation is required

Completed Hong Kong Visa Application Form ID1003A
Completed Sponsor Application Form ID1003B
One recent passport-size photograph
Copy of passport Id page
Copy of visa for onward travel (not needed if returning to home country)
Financial proof (Bank statements)
Employment proof (Employment letter or pay slips)
Round trip flight tickets
Hotel reservation
Copy of sponsor’s Hong Kong Identity card
Copy of sponsor’s passport ID page
Copy of the latest entry stamp in the passport or extension proof (only if the HK sponsor is a resident and not a citizen)

Note The Hong Kong Visa Application Form and Sponsor Application Form can be downloaded online or obtained from any of the Chinese diplomatic missions, consulates or HKSAR government offices.

The fee for the Hong Kong Tourist Visa is currently $190 HKD.

If sending the application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department by post, you must attach a cashier order or bank draft payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”. The cashier order or bank draft must be issued by a bank that has a connected bank in Hong Kong.

If submitting the visa application through a local sponsor, the visa fee must be paid by your sponsor in cash or by cheque. The cheque must be payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”.

If submitting the visa application in person at your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate, the visa fee must be paid in cash.

If submitting the visa application in person at the Hong Kong Immigration Division in Beijing or Shanghai, the visa fee must be paid in cash as well.

The visa processing time is about 4 weeks from the receipt of the documents.

In order to speed up the process, the application forms and supporting documents can be faxed to the Hong Kong immigration department. The immigration officials will start your visa process as soon as they receive the fax, but the receipt of the original documents is required in order to complete the visa process. Therefore, applicants must airmail their original documents immediately after faxing the documents.

Application Tracking

You can track your visa application status online or by calling the 24-hour telephone inquiry system.

Online: Visa Enquiry System
Phone: +852 31608663

Visa Result

On successful approval of the visa, a visa sticker is generated and sent to the applicant.

If the visa application was submitted in person by your sponsor in Hong Kong, the sponsor must collect the visa sticker and mail it back to the applicant.

If the visa application was directly submitted by mail or fax, the visa sticker is mailed to the applicant directly by airmail.

The visa sticker must be affixed on a blank page in your passport and must be presented to the immigration officer at the port of entry in Hong Kong.

If the application was submitted to the nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate or at the Hong Kong Immigration Division in Beijing or Shanghai, you will be notified of the visa result. You must then pick up your passport in person.

Priority Visa Service

There is no priority visa service.

Customer Service

For any visa-related queries, you can email or call the Hong Kong Immigration Department at

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +852 28246111

To check the status of your visa application, you can call the 24-hour telephone inquiry number.

Application Withdrawal

There is no formal visa application withdrawal procedure. If you have submitted your visa application by mail/post, you can just ignore or abandon your visa application.

If you have submitted your original passport to the Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate or at the Hong Kong Immigration Division in Beijing or Shanghai, you must go in person and request your passport.

Immigration and Customs

Most airlines do not let you check in online if you need a visa to travel to the destination country.

After check-in, make sure to arrive at the gate a bit early. The airline staff at the gate sometimes would like to go through the visa requirements again.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the day of travel.

Unlike other countries, Hong Kong does not issue an entry stamp on your passport. Instead, you will be given a landing slip with your name, passport number, date of arrival and conditions of stay granted.

You must retain this landing slip during your entire stay in Hong Kong.

You must also fill out and present the arrival/departure card along with your passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry. The departure card will be detached and given back to you, which you must fill and present on your exit.

Pre-arrival Registration REQUIRED passport holders If you hold a Pre-arrival Registration (PAR), the immigration officer will check the data on the Pre-arrival Registration slip with the information on your passport.

On your exit, you do not need to present the landing slip. You just have to present your original passport and completed departure card.

Make sure to fill out the departure card before heading to the passport control. You will be sent back if your departure card is incomplete.

You may have to go through immigration and customs on your return to your home country or the country you are flying back to. If you are flying back on an Airbus A330/A340/A380 or Boeing 747/777, expect long lines at the immigration and customs.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Do you need a visa to visit Hong Kong?

It depends on the country of your passport. Hong Kong offers visa EXEMPTION to quite a few nationalities. India and Taiwan must register to obtain a Pre-arrival Registration slip prior to arrival in Hong Kong. The rest of the nationalities can apply for Hong Kong tourist visas at their nearest Chinese diplomatic missions or consulates.

Hong Kong entry requirements are fairly clear. Hong Kong’s visa policy is not as strict as compared to other countries. Refer to the “Hong Kong Tourist Visa Requirements” section above to confirm if you need a visa for Hong Kong.

FAQ: How to avail Hong Kong Visa on Arrival (VoA)?

Hong Kong does not offer Visa on Arrival (VoA). If you have a visa REQUIRED passport, you must apply for the Hong Kong visa at your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or directly from the Hong Kong immigration department in Hong Kong.

FAQ: How to apply for Hong Kong visa online?

Unfortunately, the Hong Kong visa process is not online. You can download the forms online but you must apply for the visa in person at your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission or consulate or by post directly from the Hong Kong Immigration Department in Hong Kong.

Exception: India and Taiwan passport holders can register themselves online and obtain a Pre-arrival Registration slip prior to arrival in Hong Kong.

FAQ: What are Hong Kong transit visa requirements?

Visa or Pre-arrival Registration is NOT required for direct airside transit and not leaving the airport transit area.

If flying on different airlines or leaving the airport transit area, then you may have to apply for a transit visa. You can apply for the Hong Kong transit visa at your nearest Chinese diplomatic missions or consulates.

FAQ: How to check Hong Kong visa application status online?

You can track your visa application status online or by calling the 24-hour telephone inquiry number below.

FAQ: What is the minimum passport validity to enter Hong Kong?

The minimum passport validity to enter Hong Kong is 6 months. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Hong Kong.

FAQ: Is a day trip to Macau from Hong Kong considered an EXIT and RE-ENTRY into Hong Kong?

Yes, a day trip to Macau from Hong Kong is still considered as an exit and re-entry into Hong Kong.

On Exit You will go through immigration on your departure at the ferry terminal in Hong Kong. Before boarding the ferry bound for Macau in Hong Kong, you must present your completed departure card, ferry boarding pass and original passport.

On Re-entry When you head back from Macau, on your arrival at the Hong Kong ferry terminal, you will go through immigration. You must grab and fill out the arrival/departure card at the arrival ferry terminal in Hong Kong. You must present the completed arrival/departure card, original passport, and visa or Pre-arrival Registration slip.

Re-entry is considered a fresh entry. So, you will be given a fresh entry (number of days) based on your passport. Indian nationals will get a fresh 14-day entry with their existing Pre-arrival Registration slip.

For Macau visa requirements, refer to the Macau visa guide (coming soon).

Hong Kong Tourist Visa Requirements - City Skyline

Hong Kong tourist visa requirements are fairly clear and easy to understand. Most nationalities are exempt from visas. Those who need a visa can apply at their nearest Chinese diplomatic missions or consulates or directly from the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from HeyMondo . HeyMondo offers a 5% discount to Visa Traveler readers (use the link above), and covers all medical and travel emergencies during your trip.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Hong Kong Visa: Visa-Free Entry & Application Guide

Do I Need A Visa to Visit Hong Kong?

Hong Kong provides visa exemption to certain certificate owners for any purpose of visiting, and visa/ entry permit to citizens (ordinary passport holders) of 170 countries . Otherwise, you need to apply for and get a visa to go to Hong Kong as required. Note: A Chinese Visa is not valid for visiting Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, which are considered as third regions from mainland China.

Hong Kong Visa Policy

Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) operates a different visa policy from mainland China, which includes visa-free entry and visa-required cases as well. The visa-free rule varies from nationality, and permits in-equable duration of stay accordingly. If you’re required to obtain a visa/entry permit to visit Hong Kong, you shall apply for a right visa type based on your intention.

Table of Page Content

Visa Free Access to HK
HK Visa Requirements
Hong Kong Visa Application
HK Visa Fees
HK Visa Processing Time
Travel with China Discovery

Main Hong Kong Visa Types

There are many kinds of visas/permits setting for different kinds reasons of visit to Hong Kong. The most common Hong Kong visas include Visit Visa (for travel/transit, working holiday, HKSAR travel pass, pre-arrival registration), Employment/Investment Visa (for General Employment Policy, training, imported workers, technology talent admission scheme, etc.), Study Visa , Residence and so on. Each type requires specific application documents.

Tips : 1.) If you will go to Hong Kong for tourism, you shall apply for a Hong Kong Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa), if not meeting visa-free policy. 2.) Hong Kong Work Visa (Permit) is only issued to skilled foreigners satisfying in certain programs, like GEP (General Employment Policy), Tech TAS (Technology Talent Admission Scheme), etc. 3.) Whether a Hong Kong Transit Visa is exempted depends on the visitors’ nationality.

Hong Kong Visa Free Entry

As long as you meet one of the two following visa-free situations, you can enter into and visit Hong Kong without a visa. Check the two occasions to figure out if you can get visa exempted.

(Ⅰ) Holding any of below documents allows you to enter Hong Kong without visa or entry permit for any purpose.

● Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card
● Hong Kong Certificate of Identity
● Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport
● Hong Kong Seaman's Identity Book
● Valid Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes within the period of validity
● British National (Overseas) Passport
● Hong Kong Re-entry permit (only for entry from mainland China or Macau)
● Travel documents with one of below endorsements: - Holder's eligibility for Hong Kong permanent identity card verified - Holder of this travel document has the right to land in Hong Kong. (Section 2AAA, Immigration Ordinance, Cap. 115, Laws of Hong Kong)

(Ⅱ) Citizens of 170 foreign countries (territories) may visit Hong Kong for a visa-free stay from 7 days to 180 days.

The visa-free access to Hong Kong only applies to aliens holding ordinary passport of the below listed 170 foreign countries and territories. The permitted duration of each stay is different for different nationals. Bear in mind that the visa-free entry is just valid for visit for sightseeing, conducting business activities, attending conference, participating cultural, arts or sport events, and visiting relatives and friends.

Some visa-free periods:

British Citizen - 180 days; U.S.A/Canada/Australia /Brunei/French/Germany/Japan Citizen - 90 days

Thailand/Indonesia /Qatar Citizen - 30 days; Bhutan/Philippine/Haiti/Niger Citizen - 14 days

Though Indians enjoy 14-day visa-free entry to Hong Kong, a pre-arrival registration (PAR) is required

The Hong Kong Visa Free Countries List & Visa-free Period:

Notes: The above listed is the overall visa requirements ( click here to download ) for 224 foreign countries, including the 170 visa-free countries and maximum stay period, and some visa-required countries. If you visit Hong Kong for other purposes (work, study, business, or residence), or intend to stay longer than the maximum visiting time, you shall apply for a Hong Kong SAR Visa separately.

Popular Hong Kong Visa-free Travels:

>> 1 Day Classic Hong Kong Tour

>> 1 Day Hong Kong Culture Tour with A Savory of Victoria Harbor

>> 2 Days Essence of Hong Kong Tour (Hong Kong Island + Lantau Island)

>> 2 Days Hong Kong & Macau Highlights Tour

>> 3 Days Hong Kong In-depth Tour with Escorted Walking Experience

>> 2024 Hot Hong Kong Tours

How to Get a Hong Kong Visa?

For those don’t holding certificate or passport from170 foreign countries or territories mentioned above, a visa/entry permit is needed to travel to or transit in Hong Kong. Thus, each applicant should prepare and submit related application form, photos, visa fees and supporting documents to the Immigration Department in Hong Kong, or Chinese Embassies in foreign countries, and other authorities. Visa-free visitors who will stay beyond the entitled visa-free period and want to establish, join in any business, study, training and commercial activities are also required to apply and obtain a visa for Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Visa we introducing refers to Hong Kong Tourist (Visitor) Visa .

Hong Kong Visa Requirements:

◆ A passport which are valid for at least 6 months and has blank visa pages;

◆ A completed Hong Kong Visit/Transit Visa Application Form (applicants shall fill in Form ID 1003A & sponsor shall finish Form ID 1003B)

◆ Two recently-taken photos , and one should be attached on the application form ID 1003A;

◆ Photocopy of applicant’s passport/travel document, including information page with full name, nationality, date of birth, and visa pages with records.

◆ Travel related materials, including round-trip flight tickets, hotel reservation, documents proving purpose of the visit (invitation letter), tour plan, etc. For transit, proof of continue visiting to next destination is required.

◆ Sponsor identity and relevant certificates if is invited or go to HK for family visit.

* Applicants and sponsors can download application form and check detailed required documents list in https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/forms/hk-visas/visit-transit.html (official website of HK Immigration Department Office).

Valid Passport for HK Visa Application

HK Visitor Visa Application Form

How to Apply for Hong Kong Visa?

According to particular cases, each visitor can choose from the following 5 ways to submit visa or entry permit application for Hong Kong.

Option 1: Use the express service to send the completed application forms and all necessary documents directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department Office. (Address: 2nd Floor, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 香港湾仔告士打道7号入境事务大楼二楼入境事务处收发小组.)

Option 2: Submit the application materials to HK Immigration Department through a local sponsor in Hong Kong.

For the 2 ways above, it’s advised to fax the form and documents to (852) 2824 1133 as early as possible to shorten the processing time. The original completed form with photo should be send to Immigration Office by airmail at the same time. And a visa/entry permit will be issued upon receipt of original form and successfully verification.

Option 3: Submit application in person to the overseas (nearest) Chinese Embassy or diplomatic and consular mission you reside. It suits for those live close to the institutions in foreign countries. And beware some Chinese Embassies and Consulates has made China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) to accept application and then transfer to embassy to investigate and issue.

Applicants should prepare documents as required on the offcial website of HK Immigration Department, and then take them to the CVASC office to submit directly.

Option 4 - (If you reside in Beijing, China): Apply for Hong Kong visa from the Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing, Beijing Office.

Address: No.71, Di’anmen Xidajie, Xicheng District, Beijing 中国北京西城区地安门西大街七十一号 Telephone: (8610) 6657 2880 Office Hours: 08:30 -12:00 & 13:00-17:30 (Monday to Friday, closed on public holidays.)

Option 5 - (If you reside in Shanghai, China): Foreign passport holders can apply at the Immigration Division of the Hong Kong Econimic and Trade Office in Shanghai (SHETO).

Address: 21F, The Headquarters Building, No.168 Middle Xizang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区西藏中路168号 Telephone: (8621) 6351 2233

Hong Kong Immigration Tower

Hong Kong Visa Application - China Visa Application Service Center in Singapore

China Visa Application Center in Singapore

HK SAR Government Beijing office Location Map (click to enlarge)

Notes: 1.）Any application through e-mails are not accepted. 2.) Hong Kong Visa Application Online service is not provided at present. 3.) For application via CVASC, applicants don’t need to fill forms and make appointments online, and collect biometric information as required for Chinese Visa.

How Much is Hong Kong Visa Fee

The acceptable payment of Hong Kong Visa fees are different in each situation.

A. For application directly mailed to HK Immigration Depart , a cashier order or bank draft (issued by bank owning connected bank in HK) need to be sent together with form and documents. Please make payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”. Never put cash in the parcel.

B. For application through sponsor in Hong Kong, the fee shall be paid by cash, EPS or check upon collection.

C. For application to other authorities, the visa/entry permit fee shall be paid directly to them. But China Visa Application Service Center charge extra service fee except the visa application costs and post fees.

Hong Kong Visa Fees:

How Long Does A Hong Kong Visa Take? - HK Visa Processing Time

Visa processing time largely depends on where you apply. After submission to Chinese Embassy or China Visa Application Service Center, it normally takes about 4 working days for regular processing. Express service needs approve by the embassy and will charge additional fees. However, if you ship application materials directly to HK Immigration Department, or your case will be transmitted to HK, the whole application needs to at least 4 weeks , or a month. They only begin process after receiving all required application documents. The mentioned processing time is listed for reference only.

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Hong kong tourism board, visa information.

Indian nationals continue to enjoy 14-day visa-free visit to Hong Kong after successfully completing Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) online. Application for PAR is easy, convenient and free-of-charge. After inputting the required information, the computer system will process the registration automatically and the result will be made known to the registrant instantly. During the period of validity of the registration (six months), successful registrants may visit Hong Kong for multiple journeys, each for a stay of 14 days, by presenting the printout of the PAR notification slip (which the registrants may print immediately upon completion of the registration process) and the same Indian passport used for the registration.

For details of PAR, please click here . Please click here for an online demonstration.

To better plan for your visit to Hong Kong, you are advised to apply for PAR early (4 to 6 weeks in advance). If your PAR application is not successful, or if you intend to visit Hong Kong for more than 14 days, you may apply for a visa with the Hong Kong Immigration Department direct. Chinese diplomatic and consular missions will not accept visit visa applications from Indian nationals. To facilitate smooth processing of your visa application, you should provide all requested information in one go. Other relevant information, e.g. itinerary, reference letter from sponsor(s) in Hong Kong (if any), details of family members travelling with you together (if any) and their PAR registration results (if any), etc. may also be provided together with your visa application for more expeditious processing.

For assistance and further information on PAR (or on your visa application), please contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department: Email: [email protected] Webpage: www.immd.gov.hk Phone: (852) 2824 6111

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Hong Kong grants a visa-free stay period ranging from 7 to 180 days for short-term tourists and businessmen from most countries. Foreigners who do not qualify for the Hong Kong Visa Waiver Concession need to apply for a visa before they go there.

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Visa Requirements for Hong Kong

Employment Visa

Dependent visa, working holiday visa, visa overstays, extending your visa.

Many people wonder if they need a visa to visit Hong Kong , or even what country Hong Kong is a part of. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region in the People's Republic of China, but the "one country, two systems" government model that the city uses means that even though it is technically a part of China, it uses a completely different visa system. Hong Kong treasures its place as an international hub of business and a top tourist destination , therefore, it strives to make visa regulations as relaxed and seamless as possible. In fact, the application process and fees are the same across the board regardless of the type of visa you need.

Hong Kong is one of the easiest countries to enter: Citizens of about 170 countries and territories do not need a visa to enter and receive entry passes that can last from seven to 180 days. Nationals of the U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and many other countries don’t require a visa to enter Hong Kong for stays of 90 days or less, while visitors from the U.K. can visit for up to six months without a visa.

India passport holders do not need to apply for a visa and are allowed stays of 14 days, but they must complete pre-arrival registration via an online form before they can use the visa-free privilege.

You will need at least six months' validity on your passport, and you should check the requirements for your specific country . Because Hong Kong has a separate visa policy from Mainland China, any visitor intending to go onward to Mainland China must apply for a separate Chinese visa .

If your passport fails to qualify you for visa-free entry, you'll need to apply for a "visit visa," which is a tourist visa. There are two methods for applying for the visa: by mailing your application and documents directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department , or by applying at your local Chinese Consulate.

Visa Fees and Application

Applying through a Chinese Consulate is generally easier, especially if you live near a city that has a consulate. You don't have to mail your documents all the way to Hong Kong and you can pay in your local currency, which is $30 for applicants in the U.S. If you send your application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, you have to track down and pay for a cashier's check in Hong Kong dollars . The only downside to using the Chinese Consulate is that they charge an additional "liaison fee," which is about $20–$30 depending on the consulate.

The documents that need to be turned in are:

Completed visa application form
Recent photograph
Photocopy of passport
Flight itinerary
Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, pay stubs, etc.)
Information for sponsor in Hong Kong (if applicable)

Having a sponsor in Hong Kong—whether it's a company or a local individual—isn't necessary for acquiring a visit visa, but it can assist your application. If you have a sponsor, they can also submit the application for you directly at the Hong Kong Immigration Department office.

The processing time takes about four weeks, regardless of whether you turn in the application through a Chinese consulate or mail it to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. In most cases, the visa is mailed directly to the applicant to be affixed in the passport.

Anyone planning to move to Hong Kong for work needs an employment visa . Employment visas are granted to foreign nationals who have been offered a job already and can't be used by someone who wants to move to Hong Kong with the intention to look for work. Furthermore, the visa is tied to the job you've been offered. If you lose that job, your visa may be revoked and you'll have to leave Hong Kong.

Work visas under the General Employment Policy (GEP) are for nationals from any country except Mainland China. Chinese citizens must apply through a special visa program called Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) , unless the Chinese citizen is a legal resident in another country. In that case, they can apply for a work visa under the General Employment Policy like everyone else.

An employment visa can be applied for in-person at your nearest Chinese consulate or by mailing the application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The fee is HK$230 if you apply by mail and it must be paid via a cashier's check in Hong Kong dollars. If you apply at a Chinese consulate, you must pay the same amount in local currency (about $30 in the U.S.) in addition to a "liaison fee" for using the consulate, which is an additional $20–$30.

The documents that need to be turned in for GEP or ASMTP employment visas are:

Completed application form by the applicant
Completed application form by the company
Documentation showing education or relevant work experience

Processing an employment visa takes about four weeks. If approved, your visa will be mailed to you to affix into your passport.

A study visa allows students to enter Hong Kong for schoolwork and is for students studying abroad, students who want to complete university in Hong Kong, or students admitted into a private elementary or secondary school. The visa is valid for the normal duration of studies up to six years, so a student traveling to study abroad for a year will receive a one-year visa while someone entering a Hong Kong university as a full-time student will receive a visa for the time the degree takes (usually four years with the possibility to extend).

The study visa is for students coming to Hong Kong alone for the sole purpose of studying. If the child is coming to Hong Kong with a parent who is moving for work or another reason, the child would apply under a dependent visa, not a study visa.

Apply for your visa by submitting your application to your local Chinese consulate or by mailing it directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The fee is HK$230, payable in a cashier's check in Hong Kong dollars (if mailing to Hong Kong) or in local currency (if using a Chinese consulate). The consulate will charge you a "liaison fee" which adds an additional cost to the visa, but the convenience is often worth it. Once you add up the costs of a foreign cashier's check and international postage to Hong Kong, the price difference becomes negligible.

The documents that need to be turned in for a student visa are:

Completed application form
Letter of acceptance into an educational institution
Proof of financial means
Letter from parents authorizing a guardian in Hong Kong (for applicants under 18)

It takes about four to six weeks for a study visa to be processed, and the visa will be mailed directly to your home address to be affixed in your passport.

If you've been accepted to work in Hong Kong or as a full-time student in a local institution, you are eligible to bring your spouse and children with you. Family members will need to apply for a dependent visa , and the sponsor of the dependent visa will be the individual who is coming for work or study.

The dependent visa is only available for immediate family members, which Hong Kong considers to be a legally married or domestic partner (of the opposite or same sex) and children under the age of 18. If the sponsor is a permanent resident of Hong Kong, a parent over the age of 60 is also an eligible family member.

If the sponsor is petitioning to bring family members at the time of their original application, they can include information about dependents on their own application. If the sponsor is already living in Hong Kong and family members want to join them, they will have to complete their own dependent application form . To supplement the application, it should also include:

Proof of family relation (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
Proof of sponsor's financial means
Proof of sponsor's accommodations

The application can be submitted to the local Chinese consulate or directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. If the sponsor is already living in Hong Kong, they can apply at the Immigration Department in-person. The fee is HK$230 per dependent and is payable in Hong Kong dollars to the Immigration Department or in local currency at a Chinese consulate, although a Chines consulate will also charge an additional liaison fee.

Dependent visas take about six weeks to process, longer than most Hong Kong visas. Dependent visas are also entire discretionary and the final decision rests with the Director of Immigration.

Foreign nationals from a group of 14 countries are permitted to enter Hong Kong with the primary purpose of travel for longer than the standard 90 days that are given to most tourists by applying for a working holiday visa . The countries that have a working holiday agreement with Hong Kong are Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and the U.K.

The working holiday visa gives visitors the added benefit of being able to find work while staying in Hong Kong, but each country has its own guidelines, quotas, and restrictions. The maximum time allowed is one year and the working holiday visa cannot be extended.

To apply, fill out the working holiday application form and pay close attention to the requirements for your specific country. The application can be turned in to your local Chinese consulate or mailed directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The usual visa fee of HK$230 is payable in local currency to the Chinese consulate or in a cashier's check in Hong Kong dollars if mailing the application to Hong Kong, with the exception of Irish, Korean, and Japanese citizens who are exempt from paying the visa fee.

The time visitors are allowed to stay in Hong Kong varies from case to case, but most foreign nationals—including U.S. citizens—are permitted to stay for up to 90 days without a visa . If you overstay by just a couple of days, you may get lucky and just get a figurative slap on the wrist at the airport, but that isn't guaranteed. The Immigration Department is very strict about visa overstays and you may be fined or even incarcerated before being deported, especially for lengthy overstays.

The good news is that if you just want more time to enjoy Hong Kong and you come from a visa-exempt country, it's easy to obtain. You just need to leave Hong Kong— Macao is a nearby and convenient option—and enter again, and your time limit will reset. But remember, visitors are not allowed to work or look for employment. If you're just visiting Hong Kong, it's the simplest way to stay for longer. But if you're using this method as a loophole for working, studying, or living in the city, that is illegal and the consequences are severe.

If you know you're going to overstay your visa, even by just a day or two, the safest option is to go directly to the Immigration Department office—the Immigration Tower—in Wan Chai and request an official extension. If you want to stay a few days longer and you have your reserved transportation out of the city, you shouldn't have a problem. If you need to stay longer than a few days, you should have a valid reason and documentation to back it up, whether it's a personal reason like the sudden death of a loved one or something greater like a conflict in your home country. Whether or not the extension is granted is entirely at the discretion of the immigration official.

Hong Kong Immigration Department. " Visa Requirements. " November 2019.

Hong Kong’s Visa Regime – Applying to Visit, Work, Study, and Invest in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, the bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture, thriving economy, and global connectivity, has long been an attractive destination for individuals seeking new opportunities. If you’re traveling for leisure, seeking new opportunities as an entrepreneur or investor, pursuing a new job, or aspiring to study at the region’s world-class educational institutes, Hong Kong offers a range of visa options tailored to meet diverse needs and ambitions.

In this article, we delve into the different types of visas that Hong Kong offers, covering the requirements, benefits, and opportunities each visa category presents.

Visa-free travel and visitor visas to Hong Kong

Hong Kong allows visa-free travel to citizens of over 150 countries and regions, with the duration of permitted stay ranging from seven to 180 days, depending on the traveler’s passport.

However, citizens of around 50 countries and regions are required to obtain a visitor visa before they can travel to Hong Kong. Indian passport holders must complete pre-arrival registration before traveling to Hong Kong, which can be completed online .

Hong Kong’s visa requirements and visa-free policies for different countries and regions are summarized in the table below.

Note that visitors who enter Hong Kong either visa-free or on a visitor visa are not permitted to engage in employment (paid or unpaid), conduct business activities or join a business, study, or enroll themselves in an educational institution during their stay.

In most cases, they also can’t change their immigration status (that is, switch to another visa or stay permit) when they have entered Hong Kong on a visa-free status or on a visitor visa; however, you may be able to extend the stay while in Hong Kong. Visitors are permitted to visit friends and family on a visitor visa or through visa-free entry.

Applying for a Hong Kong visitor visas

Citizens of countries that are required to apply for a visitor visa can do so either through the local Chinese mission in their place of residence, or the local Chinese Visa Application Service Center. Whether the visa application is completed through a Chinese mission or visa service center depends on the country or region, so it is important to check with the local Chinese mission before applying.

For instance, in Ghana, visa applications are handled by the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, whereas in Pakistan it is handled by the visa service center.

Citizens of some countries may also be able to complete the visa applications online, whereas some will be required to present themselves in person at the Chinese mission or visa service center.

Requirements for visa applications also vary from country to country but generally include:

A valid travel document (usually a passport);
Recent photo of the applicant;
If traveling to visit friends or family, an invitation letter from the family member or host living in Hong Kong, and proof of relationship with the local host (for a family visit);
Hong Kong identity card and/or travel document and/or latest “e-Visa” (for non-permanent residents of Hong Kong only) for applications in which the sponsor is an individual;
If traveling for leisure, proof of the proposed leisure visit to Hong Kong, such as a receipt of joining a package tour to Hong Kong, itinerary, and so on;
If transiting through Hong Kong (and leaving the airport), proof of the proposed visit to the next destination after visiting Hong Kong, itinerary, and so on;
Proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of stay, such as bank statements, savings accounts passbooks, tax receipts, and so on, and proof of employment (if any), such as company leave letter, salary slips, and so on;
Flight or other transport tickets to Hong Kong; and
Other supporting documents.

Note that you may be asked by the Hong Kong Immigration Department to supply additional supporting documents.

Costs and processing time of visas vary from country to country.

Work and talent visas

All foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa if they wish to work in Hong Kong. However, obtaining a work visa for a foreign national can be quite difficult, as companies need to prove that there is a genuine need for foreign talent and the vacancy cannot be filled by a local professional.

However, in order to attract and retain highly skilled and sought-after talent, Hong Kong has introduced several talent visa schemes to facilitate the process of obtaining a work visa. This includes visa schemes for foreign graduates of Hong Kong universities and highly skilled and experienced talent.

The different work visa policies and talent schemes are summarized in the table below.

The processing time for work visas is generally between two and six weeks depending on the scheme under which the application is filed.

Study visas

All foreign citizens are required to apply for a student visa to travel to Hong Kong for study, regardless of the study duration.

The normal eligibility requirements apply to study visas, which include having a valid travel document and providing proof of financial solvency. Note that starting from June 19, 2023, students will also have to provide a clean criminal record in their applications.

In addition, applicants must have been accepted by a school or educational institute in Hong Kong before they apply for a study visa, and must provide a letter of acceptance from the educational institution in the application.

Students must also nominate a sponsor in Hong Kong. This can either be the educational institute they will be attending or an individual. If it is an individual, that person must be:

Aged 18 or above;
A resident of Hong Kong;
Acquainted with the applicant; and
Financially capable of supporting the applicant and providing them with accommodation.

If the applicant is under the age of 18, then one of their parents or legal guardian must authorize the sponsor to be the applicant’s legal guardian in Hong Kong, which requires producing a consent letter.

The processing time for study visas is normally six weeks.

Business and entrepreneurial visas

Hong Kong has introduced a range of visa schemes to enable people to come to Hong Kong for business or investment without having to work for an existing company. One such scheme is “Investment as Entrepreneurs”, which enables people to relocate to Hong Kong while working for their own businesses.

In order to be eligible for this type of visa, applicants must be able to prove that their business can make a substantial contribution to Hong Kong’s economy. The immigration authorities may consider factors, such as business plans, business turnover, financial resources, the investment sum, the number of jobs created locally, and the introduction of new technology or skills. Details of these factors can be found here .

Other types of business visas include:

Training visa: A visa of up to 12 months in duration for applicants traveling to Hong Kong for training to acquire special skills and knowledge not available in the applicant’s country/territory of domicile.
Working holiday visas: Citizens of participating countries between the ages of 18 and 30 whose main intention in traveling to Hong Kong is for holiday, but want to take up short-term employment or short-term study or training. Subject to a quota by country.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Scheme: Citizens of the 21 APEC member economies are eligible for the ABTC, enabling them to travel to any of the APEC member regions for a period of two to three months for business purposes, including Hong Kong.

In general, people traveling to Hong Kong for short-term business visits are not required to apply for a visa if they are from a country that is eligible for visa-free travel to Hong Kong. Citizens of countries that don’t have visa-free access to Hong Kong can apply for a general visitor visa for short-term business trips.

For people who have a “genuine need” to travel to Hong Kong frequently, Hong Kong has introduced a “Travel Pass”. This document is valid for three years and allows holders to enter Hong Kong multiple times a year for up to two months each time.

To be eligible, applicants must prove they have a genuine need to travel to Hong Kong frequently. This means they must have visited Hong Kong at least three times without hindrance (excluding trips to and from the Chinese mainland) in the 12 months immediately preceding the application. Proof of genuine need may include a letter from the applicant’s employer or a letter from a major Hong Kong business contact if visits are for business purposes.

New requirements for criminal records

The Hong Kong Immigration Department has begun expanding requirements for criminal records for the application of various types of visas.

In February 2023, the Immigration Department announced that applicants for the following visas and talent schemes are required to declare a clean criminal record:

The Top Talent Pass Scheme (from February 22, 2023);
The General Employment Policy (from February 26, 2023);
Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (from February 26, 2023);
Technology Talent Admission Scheme (from February 26, 2023);
Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (from February 26, 2023); and
Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents (from February 26, 2023).

In May, the Immigration Department further expanded this requirement for people applying for the following visas and permits from June 19, 2023, onward:

Dependents of foreigners residing in Hong Kong;
Foreign domestic helpers;
Imported workers (foreign workers);
Students;
Training; and
Working holidays.

The new requirements do not apply to those applying for extensions of current visas or entry permits, or for foreign domestic workers currently working and applying for a contract renewal in Hong Kong.

China Briefing is written and produced by Dezan Shira & Associates . The practice assists foreign investors into China and has done so since 1992 through offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Please contact the firm for assistance in China at [email protected] .

Dezan Shira & Associates has offices in Vietnam , Indonesia , Singapore , United States , Germany , Italy , India , and Russia , in addition to our trade research facilities along the Belt & Road Initiative . We also have partner firms assisting foreign investors in The Philippines , Malaysia , Thailand , Bangladesh .

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UK Visas and Immigration

Appendix victim of domestic abuse (accessible)

Updated 5 September 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/victims-of-domestic-violence/appendix-victim-of-domestic-abuse-accessible

Version 17.0

About this guidance

This guidance tells you how to consider applications for entry clearance and permission to stay under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (Appendix VDA).

The provisions of Appendix VDA only apply to applicants who have previously been granted permission as a:

civil partner
unmarried or durable partner

Furthermore, to be eligible under Appendix VDA the applicant must have, or have last been granted, permission as one of the following:

a partner under Appendix FM (except for permission as a fiancé or fiancée or proposed civil partner), of a person who is a British citizen, settled in the UK or a European Economic Area (EEA) national in the UK with limited leave to enter or remain granted under paragraph EU3 of Appendix EU on the basis of meeting condition 1 in paragraph EU14 of Appendix EU
a spouse, civil partner or durable partner under Appendix EU with limited leave to enter or remain as a family member of a relevant EEA citizen (or of a qualifying British citizen), as a joining family member of a relevant sponsor or as a family member who has retained the right of residence, granted under paragraph EU3 or EU3A of that Appendix
a partner under Appendix FM, Part 11, or Appendix Family Reunion (Protection) of a person with permission as a refugee
a partner of a person present and settled in the UK under paragraph 285 or 295E of Part 8
a victim of domestic abuse under Appendix FM
a person who is a British citizen
a foreign and commonwealth citizen with at least 4 years’ reckonable service in HM Forces at the date of application under this paragraph
a member of HM Armed forces who has applied for or been granted permission or settlement as a foreign and commonwealth citizen discharged from HM Armed Forces
leave outside the rules granted under the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (formerly the destitution domestic violence concession (DDVC)), and immediately before that, were last granted permission under one of the above categories

The applicant must be in the UK, unless the applicant has been abandoned overseas as a victim of transnational marriage abandonment.

Dependent children under the age of 18 can also apply under this route, as can a dependent child aged over 18 at the date of application if they were last granted permission as the dependent child of their parent or parents and are not leading an independent life. In all cases, a parent of the child must have been, or is at the same time being, granted leave under this route.

If you have any questions about the guidance and your line manager or senior caseworker cannot help you, or you think that the guidance has factual errors, then email Domestic Abuse Immigration Policy.

If you notice any formatting errors in this guidance (broken links, spelling mistakes and so on) or have any comments about the layout or navigability of the guidance, then you can email the Guidance Rules and Forms team.

Publication

Below is information on when this version of the guidance was published:

version 17.0
published for Home Office staff on 04 April 2024

Changes from last version of this guidance

This guidance has been updated to reflect changes to the Immigration Rules made in Statement of Changes HC 590, laid on 14 March 2024.

Immigration Rules requirements

This page tells you the requirements the applicant must meet to be granted settlement (also known as indefinite leave to enter (ILE) or indefinite leave to remain (ILR)) as a victim of domestic abuse.

When you consider an application, you must check:

it is valid
the applicant does not fall for refusal on grounds of suitability
the applicant meets the eligibility requirements

Guidance on validity, suitability and eligibility is contained in this document.

Application form

A person applying from outside the UK on the Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA) route must apply for entry clearance online on the gov.uk website on the specified form: “ Return to the UK .”

Each person requires their own entry clearance application, including children who are applying on the Appendix VDA route at the same time as their parent. However, children do not need to complete the sections on the form concerning domestic abuse or meet the fee waiver requirements if those sections have been completed on the parent’s application form.

A person applying in the UK on the Victim of Domestic Abuse route must apply online on the gov.uk website on one of the specified forms as follows:

for the Victim of Domestic Abuse and any child who is applying for permission on the Victim of Domestic Abuse route at the same as their parent, form SET (DV)
for a child in the UK who is not applying for permission on the Victim of Domestic Abuse route at the same time as their parent, form SET (F)

Biometric enrolment

Applicants must, in most circumstances, enrol their biometrics before a decision on the application can be considered, unless the Home Office has decided to re-use previously enrolled biometrics or unless the applicant is excused from the requirement to enrol.

Whether the applicant can be excused is based on the Biometric reuse guidance and the Unable to travel to a Visa Application Centre to enrol biometrics (overseas applications) guidance.

Identity and nationality

The identity and nationality requirements under Appendix VDA can be met by providing a valid passport or other document.

You may exercise discretion under rule VDA 1.4. if one of the reasons as outlined in paragraph 34(5)(c) of the Immigration Rules applies.

You can exercise discretion to treat an application as valid even if the applicant has not provided a passport or other document.

It is not possible to provide a list of documents other than a valid passport that would enable an applicant to establish their identity. While we are clear that we will accept alternative documents in certain circumstances, a valid passport is always the most secure way of proving identity.

The types of documents that provide the highest levels of assurance are those that are secure, which means they are difficult to falsify, can be validated against a trusted source, and contain a facial image that resembles the holder. The alternative types of documents that may be accepted as evidence of a person’s identity and nationality could include:

national identity cards or documents
UK issued Biometric Residence Permits or Cards
identification documents issued by the Crown Dependencies
birth certificates and other source documents issued by national authorities
identification documents issued non-government organisations
expired passports or other travel documents

That list is non-exhaustive and the decision to accept alternative documentation will also depend on other factors, such as whether:

the application is being made in-country or overseas
the process an issuing authority applies when it issues an identification document is understood
the person enrols their biometric information
there are circumstances that are so compelling that we ought to accept the documentary evidence an applicant is able to provide

You should consider that applicants under this route will have previously been granted a form of permission from the Home Office as a partner. Wherever an applicant is unable to provide proof of identity, you can further consult relevant Home Office records to make a decision on an application.

This section tells you how to assess claims to be destitute and exempt from the application fee as a result of domestic abuse.

In accordance with fees regulations, a person who is destitute will be exempt from paying the application fee for settlement as a victim of domestic abuse.

A person is considered destitute if they:

do not have adequate accommodation or any means of obtaining it (whether or not their other essential living needs are met)
have adequate accommodation or the means of obtaining it, but cannot meet their other essential living needs

An applicant who claims to be destitute must:

submit the relevant application form but not submit the specified fee
provide evidence on the form or on any attachments to the form that they have no means to pay the specified fee

Where an applicant is applying from overseas for entry clearance under Appendix VDA, the assessment should take into account their circumstances in the UK should they be granted entry clearance, including a consideration of any costs to return to the UK to enable them to resume their residency.

Applicants are not expected to seek a loan to pay the fee and third parties are not expected to pay the fee on their behalf.

The fee waiver application will be assessed based on the information contained on the application form and any accompanying documentary evidence provided.

Fee waiver: evidence

This page tells you what evidence may be submitted for a decision to be made on the Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA) fee waiver. The assessment of whether the applicant qualifies for a fee waiver will be based on their individual circumstances and those of any dependent family members.

The fee waiver application will be assessed based on the information and accompanying documentary evidence provided.

The applicant should provide information and evidence about their financial circumstances. Where the applicant seeks a fee waiver, but the information and evidence supplied is not sufficient to enable a grant, you should normally make additional enquiries to try to establish whether the applicant qualifies for a fee waiver.

The applicant may provide relevant information and supporting documentation to evidence their financial circumstances.

In all cases, evidence should be up to date unless there are compelling reasons the applicant is relying on older evidence.

The ability of the applicant to provide evidence may be impacted by their personal circumstances, in particular, their circumstances arising from domestic abuse.

You might expect to see information and evidence relating to:

the applicant’s accommodation, the cost of it and the applicant’s contribution toward the cost of accommodation
the applicant’s income from work, benefits, local authority payments or other sources such as family or friends
the applicant’s capital assets such as savings in the bank
the applicant’s outgoings such as utility bills, food, toiletries, clothes
any other relevant reason the applicant is unable to pay the fee

Examples of supporting evidence could include:

tenancy agreement
bank statements
utility bills
letters from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) regarding welfare benefits confirming benefits paid to the applicant
letters from local authority regarding accommodation and financial support
letters from domestic abuse organisations or registered charities regarding accommodation and financial support
letters from family or friends providing accommodation or other financial support
a written explanation from the applicant explaining their financial circumstances

If the applicant is being supported by family or friends, the Home Office does not expect that support to extend to them paying an application fee.

If an applicant claims they are totally or partially reliant on family or friends for support and they are not able to provide documentary evidence from those providing the support, you will need to understand why documentary evidence is not available and assess whether the explanation is reasonable.

Where an applicant has suffered domestic abuse including financial or economic abuse this may impact their ability to provide information or evidence relating to their financial circumstances. For example:

the applicant may not have a bank account or, where a bank account has been opened in their name or in their name jointly with another person, they may not have knowledge of, access to or control of that account
the applicant may still be living in an abusive household and be unable to provide any supporting evidence relating to the accommodation, utility bills or sources of income or expenditure
welfare benefits may be in the perpetrator’s name, or in the applicant’s name but the perpetrator has control over them

Applicants applying from outside the UK may face additional barriers in providing supporting evidence relating to financial resources or lack of funds. For example, an applicant who has been subjected to transnational marriage abandonment may be living overseas with their partner’s family members or with hostile members of their own family and, for reasons of their own or a child’s safety, may be unable to inform those persons that the entry clearance application is being made or otherwise seek evidence of their accommodation or financial support by those individuals.

In addition, an applicant overseas may struggle to access their bank account in the UK, for example if the accounts were controlled by the perpetrator, or they have no knowledge of the accounts, or they are not registered for online banking.

Where you are not satisfied that the applicant qualifies for a fee waiver on the evidence initially provided, you should seek further information from the applicant via the letter for that scenario. Requests for information or evidence, particularly for those applying from overseas, should be managed sensitively in correspondence.

Having reviewed any reasons given for a lack of documentary evidence that arises from any abusive situation the applicant was or is in, you may consider exercising discretion to accept the applicant’s account regarding their financial circumstances in the absence of corroborative documentary evidence.

Fee waiver: decision

This page explains what to do when a decision is reached on whether an applicant qualifies for a fee waiver.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to satisfy you of their claimed financial circumstances. However, where you are not satisfied by the information or evidence submitted that the applicant qualifies for a fee waiver and are minded to reject the application, you must contact the applicant to request further information and evidence, specifying the further information or evidence required, if appropriate.

Rejection of fee waiver request

You should only reject the fee waiver request if, having requested further information or evidence from the applicant and having considered the information and evidence provided in the round, and having considered the exercise of discretion, you are still not satisfied that the applicant qualifies for a fee waiver.

You must set out in writing why the applicant does not qualify for a fee waiver based on the evidence they have provided. This should make clear this is not a refusal of the application for settlement.

You must advise the applicant that if they wish to validate their application, they must pay the specified fee within 10 working days and if they do, the date of application remains the date the original application was submitted.

If the fee is paid within that period, and the application meets the other validation criteria, you should forward it to the relevant case working section for consideration.

If the fee is not paid within 10 working days, or the applicant has failed to demonstrate that they qualify for a fee waiver, you must reject the application as invalid.

Suitability

To meet the suitability requirements, you must check that the applicant does not fall for refusal under any of the grounds for refusal in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules .

Decisions on suitability are either mandatory (must) or discretionary (may). Due to the importance of safeguarding potentially vulnerable victims you should consider the available Suitability guidance on each of the grounds of refusal that may apply to the applicant.

You should have particular consideration where the possible grounds for refusal directly relate to, or are connected to, the domestic abuse.

As such, an application under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA) cannot be refused on the basis of previous breaches of immigration laws. The mandatory ground for refusal in Part 9 at paragraph 9.8.4(a) does not apply to applications under this route.

This reflects that passports and immigration documents may be controlled by the abuser so that the victim is unaware of their immigration status or may be deceived about the type of permission to enter or stay they have.

On other discretionary grounds the impact of the wider domestic abuse may give rise to not apply the ground. For example, in acquiring NHS debt the applicant may have provided evidence that the treatments received, and the debt are a result of the accepted abuse. Further case studies of typical themes and patterns that emerge in accounts of abuse and abandonment can be found in the sections restricted for the use of Home Office staff. It should be noted that most cases of abandonment straddle many of the themes set out in those case studies and decisions around suitability should be considered in the round of all the information given.

Additionally, where an application does not fall for refusal under mandatory criminality grounds, criminal convictions that relate to the domestic abuse must not be considered in an assessment of whether the applicant’s presence is not conducive to the public good.

Applicant refused on suitability grounds

If you are not satisfied the applicant meets the suitability requirements, you must refuse the application. You should still fully consider whether the applicant meets the eligibility requirements for entry clearance, or settlement, as appropriate. If the applicant also fails under any of the eligibility criteria, you must also include these in the refusal letter.

Eligibility

This page explains who is eligible to apply for settlement inside or outside the UK under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA).

To be eligible to apply for settlement an applicant must have or have last been granted permission as one of the following:

leave outside the rules granted under the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (formerly the destitution domestic violence concession (DDVC)), and immediately before that were last granted permission under one of the above categories

Following the judgment of the High Court in AM v SSHD [2022] EWHC 2591 (Admin), this domestic abuse route has been updated to enable victims of domestic abuse who have been abandoned overseas to apply for settlement from outside the UK. Victims abandoned overseas are more likely to be in situations of vulnerability and face additional barriers to applying as compared to those in the UK who may be able to access support services.

Individuals in the UK who have never had permission or leave on one of the specified routes may be able to make an application on form FLR(FP) on the basis of their family and private life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) or for leave outside the rules on form FLR (HRO) or FLR(IR).

The rules are not intended to benefit people whose relationship broke down because they were the alleged abuser in cases of domestic abuse.

The applicant does not need to demonstrate knowledge of life in the UK under Appendix VDA unless they are a dependent child over the age of 18.

EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

A person may be granted limited leave to enter or remain under Appendix EU (also referred to as pre-settled status under the EUSS) as a spouse, civil partner or durable partner of a relevant EEA citizen (or of a qualifying British citizen or relevant sponsor), where they are, or for the relevant period were, party to a marriage, in a civil partnership or in a durable partnership, with that relevant EEA citizen, qualifying British citizen or relevant sponsor. This means that they can apply under this route where they were granted pre-settled status as the spouse, civil partner or durable partner of that person (including where they have since become a ‘family member who has retained the right of residence’ under Appendix EU, by virtue of their relationship with that person) or where they were granted pre-settled status as a ‘family member who has retained the right of residence’ under Appendix EU.

Other than dependent children, other family members who have or last had pre- settled status under the EUSS are ineligible under this route. Any family members who have or last had an EUSS family permit are also ineligible under this route.

For more information on how the EUSS and the EUSS family permit provide for victims of domestic abuse, see the section ‘A family member who has retained the right of residence’ in EU Settlement Scheme: EU, other EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members and EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit and Travel Permit.

A person with settlement under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse can apply for settled status under the EUSS (indefinite leave to enter or remain under Appendix EU) once they are eligible to do so, on the basis of their continuous residence in the UK.

Abuse by a family member other than the partner

This page explains what to do if the alleged abuser is a family member other than a partner which is defined as those who are directly related, in-laws or stepfamily members. If an applicant submits evidence to show their relationship has broken down because they have been subjected to domestic abuse from someone other than their partner, they can still qualify for settlement under this route.

The applicant must show the abuse has been the reason for the breakdown of the relationship between the applicant and their partner. For example, where the person who abuses the applicant is a member of the partner’s family and the partner does not protect the victim or prevent the domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse can occur from extended family members and in-laws. The control and abuse of victims may be led by elders in the family, for example parents in law. This can be exacerbated where the victim is living with their partner within a household including in-laws.

Abuse by a family member or partner directed towards another family member

This page explains what to do if the alleged abuser is a partner or family member who is abusing another family member in the same household. A household is defined as a house and its occupants regarded as a unit.

If an application shows the relationship has broken down because another family member in the same household has been subjected to domestic abuse from the partner or another family member, they can still qualify for settlement under the route.

The application must show that the abuse has been the reason for the breakdown of the relationship between the applicant and their partner. For example, where the partner has abused a child or stepchild in the household and the applicant has left the relationship to protect the abused family member.

Where this involves minors

If the alleged abuser is under 18 in England and Wales or under 16 in Scotland, the law deals with them differently. Offenders may be given a reprimand or a final warning. Both are admissions of guilt and are evidence that domestic abuse has occurred.

Last grant of permission

This page tells you about the different types of permission to enter or stay an applicant might hold or have held under the Immigration Rules to be eligible under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA). Appendix VDA does not require a person to have valid permission in the UK provided they had permission in a relevant category prior to the relationship breaking down as a result of domestic abuse. In some cases, preventing a victim of domestic abuse from applying for further permission may be part of the abusive behaviour. The rules require that the last grant of permission made to the applicant is in a relevant category.

You must first establish whether the applicant currently has permission and the basis on which it was granted.

If the applicant’s permission was due to expire, you must establish whether they made an in-time valid application before it expired such that the previous permission has been extended by section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971.

If the applicant’s permission has expired and they did not make an application before it expired, you must establish the basis on which their last grant of permission was made. If an applicant has overstayed their last grant of permission, they are still eligible for settlement under this route if their last grant of permission is in a relevant category.

Once you have established the most recent grant of permission, you must establish whether it meets the requirements of the relevant Immigration Rule. If the applicant has or was last granted permission in one of the specified categories, they meet the requirements of rule VDA 4.1. under Appendix VDA.

There may be circumstances in which it would be appropriate to consider a grant of settlement outside the rules, even though their most recent grant permission was not in one of the categories listed above. This may be appropriate, for example, when:

applicants were victims of transnational marriage abandonment who made an application for entry clearance before the introduction of the route under Appendix VDA and were granted a different form of permission (for example, a visitor visa; leave outside the rules; or permission as a parent)
a perpetrator of abuse used the applicant’s immigration status as a form of controlling behaviour, deliberately ensuring that they were not on a route to settlement, or that they were on a longer route to settlement (for example, a perpetrator prevents an applicant from switching from permission as a fiancé or proposed civil partner to permission as a spouse or civil partner)
the applicant entered the UK as a visitor and the perpetrator assured them they would arrange the subsequent applications for permission to stay or provided assurance this had been done on their behalf which then leaves the victim as an overstayer

This list is not exhaustive, and you should refer to the section “ grant or refuse settlement ” for further circumstances in which it may be appropriate to consider leave outside of the rules. Complex cases should be referred to a senior caseworker.

Relationship breakdown and evidence of domestic abuse

This page explains what constitutes domestic abuse, how to consider an application and the different types of evidence that may be submitted with an Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA) application.

What is domestic abuse?

The legal definition of domestic abuse in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 is that domestic abuse involves any single incident or pattern of conduct where someone’s behaviour towards another is abusive, and where the people involved are aged 16 or over and are, or have been, personally connected to each other (regardless of gender or sexuality).

The abuse can involve, but is not limited to:

psychological
threatening
controlling
coercive behaviour

‘Personal connection’ means the individuals concerned:

are due to be, are currently, or have been, married or civil partners to each other
are, or have been, in an intimate personal relationship with each other
are, or have been, parents (or had a parental relationship) to the same child
are relatives (the Domestic Abuse Act further defines ‘relatives’)

Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate or dependent by:

isolating them from sources of support
exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain
depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape
regulating their everyday behaviour

Coercive behaviour can be an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation. There is more information on coercive control in the relevant statutory guidance and in particular the section relating to ‘immigration status and migrant victims’ .

Domestic abuse includes forced marriage, honour-based violence, dowry-related abuse and transnational marriage abandonment.

Transnational marriage abandonment is a form of domestic abuse involving controlling and coercive behaviour. It refers to the practice whereby the sponsoring partner or their family members, abandons or strands their visa dependent partner abroad, usually without financial resources, usually with the aim of preventing their return to the UK.

As per the principle in section 1(5) Domestic Abuse Act 2021 a person may be a victim of abusive behaviour if the abusive conduct is ‘directed at another person’, for example their child.

As per section 3 Domestic Abuse Act 2021 a child who sees, hears or experiences the effects of domestic abuse involving their parent / guardian / relative is also a victim of domestic abuse in their own right.

No distinction should be made between psychological (mental) abuse and physical abuse when deciding if an applicant is eligible to be granted settlement under Appendix VDA.

Relationship breakdown and weighing evidence

The Immigration Rules do not specify any mandatory evidence or documents to be submitted with an application.

All information and evidence submitted must be considered in the round and a conclusion drawn as to whether, on the balance of probabilities (such as, it is more likely than not), that based on the information and evidence available, the relationship broke down because of domestic abuse.

Note, that in the case of applications for settlement from outside the UK by victims of transnational marriage abandonment, the breakdown of relationship due to domestic abuse is to be assessed to a reasonable degree of likelihood. In cases where it is the abandonment itself which marks the breakdown of the relationship (which is not always the case), the requirement that the breakdown of the relationship be due to domestic abuse will be met. This is because abandonment is a form of domestic abuse. See section below on transnational marriage abandonment .

Factors to consider when assessing evidence

Victims of domestic abuse have suffered trauma and the information and evidence they provide must be assessed with this in mind. For example, trauma may have impacted their ability to recount events at all or in a chronological manner and may lead to discrepancies in their account.

The nature of the domestic abuse alleged, and reasons given for any difficulties in obtaining and or providing evidence, should be considered when assessing evidence. For example, victims subjected to controlling and coercive behaviour including threats relating to their immigration status or custody of their children may be less likely to disclose abuse to authorities or any third parties.

Most alleged abusers are not convicted for their crimes against victims of domestic abuse. While there may be police involvement in some cases, there will not be in all cases. The lack of police involvement or criminal prosecution or a conviction is not an adverse factor in itself.

The fact that the applicant and the perpetrator may still be living at the same address, or attempts at reconciliation have been made, should not necessarily be taken as an indicator that the relationship has not broken down, as this could be due to a range of single or interlinked reasons. For example, the applicant’s lack of access to safety and support, their fear of losing custody of any children, their fear for their children’s safety, a lack of means to support themselves or their children financially, or religious and cultural beliefs or practices.

The timing of the application should be considered, together with assessing the reasonableness of any explanation surrounding issues the applicant may have had accessing or obtaining evidence given the time that has passed.

The fact the relationship broke down due to domestic abuse during the early stages of the relationship is not in itself an adverse factor in reaching a decision to grant settlement but will be considered in the context of the immigration history as a whole.

Non-exhaustive guidance on types of evidence is in the section below Types of evidence .

Victims of transnational marriage abandonment

Transnational marriage abandonment.

Transnational marriage abandonment is a form of domestic abuse involving controlling and coercive behaviour. It refers to the practice whereby the sponsoring partner or their family members, abandons or strands the visa dependent partner abroad, usually without financial resources, usually with the aim of preventing their return to the UK.

It may involve children who are either abandoned with, or separated from, the abandoned partner. Abandonment may be used to punish the victim or exert greater control over them in a country that has fewer protections and support for victims than the UK. It may also be used to prevent them asserting rights and entitlements in the UK for themselves and any children, such as residence rights, matrimonial rights, the right to report crime or childcare and custody rights.

The sponsor or another family member will often mislead the abandoned partner about the intention of the foreign travel and victims often have documentation such as passports and immigration documents removed from their possession. Often the sponsoring partner will contact the Home Office to curtail (cancel) the abandoned partner’s permission to stay without their knowledge once they are overseas or their return to the UK is deceptively postponed until such time as their permission expires. This denies the opportunity of a partner who is eligible for the Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA) provisions to apply in-country because they are unable to return to the UK.

Cases of transnational marriage abandonment may have some of the following indicative features. This list is not exhaustive:

a victim of domestic abuse who is outside the UK as part of the domestic abuse
involvement of multiple perpetrators of abuse, including, but not limited to, in- laws or other family members
a partner or family members may use deception or coercion as to the reason for leaving the UK, or for the reason for not returning
passport, immigration documents and other essential documents may have been taken by a partner or family members
the sponsor notifying the Home Office of relationship breakdown for the purpose of curtailing permission
leaving the UK after the victim’s permission has expired or staying outside the UK until it does

where children are involved, they may be abandoned with the abused partner, in other cases children may be taken from the abused partner’s care and returned to the UK thereby separating them and gaining custody

using a victim’s immigration status as a tool of controlling or coercive behaviour - for example: threats to cancel permission or to not support extensions of stay; threats of removal as a consequence of any reports to the police; threats to report a victim to the police for overstaying; threats of separation from children
isolating victims from their own family, friends and community
victims may be destitute and homeless abroad, left with no financial resources to support themselves
after abandonment, the victim’s own family (their parents, siblings, extended family members) may be unwilling or unable to support due to the stigma and shame attached to
marriage abandonment or a lack of resources to help
deception used by perpetrators who promise they are in the process of applying for new passports or permission to re-enter the UK
the impact of abandonment (stigma, shame, destitution) forcing victims and their family members to pursue attempts at reconciliation with the sponsor and their family
lack of advice and support on options to return to the UK
the lack of a recognised re-entry route for victims to return prior to the introduction of Appendix VDA
the perpetrator may have initiated divorce proceedings in the victim’s country of origin or in the UK, often without the victim’s knowledge or consent

Whilst most victims of transnational marriage abandonment are female, you may also come across male victims.

Transnational marriage abandonment eligibility requirements for settlement

Prior to 31 January 2024, there was no route under the Immigration Rules for victims of transnational marriage abandonment to apply for permission to enter the UK. Following the introduction of Appendix VDA, victims who have been abandoned abroad can obtain settlement if they satisfy all the requirements of Appendix VDA.

Like in-country applications for settlement, out of country applicants must have or have last had permission in a relevant category and their relationship must have broken down permanently because of domestic abuse.

Out of country applicants must meet additional requirements:

if Appendix Tuberculosis to the rules applies, they must provide a valid medical certificate confirming that they have undergone screening for active pulmonary tuberculosis and that this tuberculosis is not present in them - under paragraph TB5 of Appendix Tuberculosis a ‘decision maker may waive the requirement to provide a valid TB certificate if they are satisfied that the applicant is unable to obtain a certificate and it is reasonable to waive the requirement on the specific facts of the case’
in all cases, they must have been abandoned outside the UK

Assessing transnational marriage abandonment settlement applications

The standard of proof needed to establish whether permission should be granted is a reasonable degree of likelihood. You must be assured of transnational marriage abandonment as a result of domestic abuse taking into account the individual’s future life and safety being at risk, and that they may not be able to obtain and produce evidence in the same way as in-country applicants, due to the circumstances of their departure from the UK. ‘Reasonable degree of likelihood’ is a long way below the criminal standard of ‘beyond reasonable doubt, and it is less than the civil standard of ‘the balance of probabilities’ (such as, ‘more likely than not’).

The question to be asked is whether, taken in the round, you accept what you have been told in the application form and any other evidence provided. In practice, if the applicant provides information or evidence that, when considered in the round, indicates the account given by them is ‘reasonably likely,’ it can be accepted. You do not need to be ‘certain,’ ‘convinced,’ or even ‘satisfied’ of the truth of the account as that sets too high a standard of proof. It is enough that it can be ‘accepted.’

For example, an applicant does not have to provide medical or independent evidence of domestic abuse if the account of the abuse and the circumstance of the abandonment is reasonably detailed, consistent, and plausible. However, additional evidence of domestic abuse from the below section ‘types of evidence’ may strengthen the overall application of a transnational marriage abandonment applicant where you do not feel the account given is reasonably likely.

Transnational marriage abandonment cases may involve complex situations over an extended period of time. There can be significant cultural and language barriers to abandoned victims making a relevant application to return to the UK. Victims may be unclear how to apply for entry clearance to the UK or even that this is a possibility before receiving legal advice. They may be destitute after their abandonment, suffering from trauma or other mental health conditions and unable to travel to a UK visa application centre. Therefore, delays in applying should not be taken as evidence that the account given is less likely to be true.

Some victims may make decisions to return to their countries of origin in the most constraining and difficult circumstances. As such, their decisions to return cannot be regarded as ‘voluntary’. Some make such decisions out of panic and in a state of distress and poor mental health, fear of further violence, duress and coercive control. They may also be isolated, do not know English and are unaware of their rights in the UK and the support that is available to them via the government or from violence against women and girls (VAWG) organisations.

The facts of each case may be highly individual in each circumstance so you should consider referring cases to a senior caseworker as a matter of routine. You can also gain further support and advice from Domestic Abuse Migration Policy colleagues.

Official – sensitive: start of section

The information in this section has been removed as it is restricted for internal Home Office use.

Official – sensitive: end of section

Types of evidence

This section sets out the type of evidence which may be produced and factors which should be taken into account when considering it. The list of evidence is not exhaustive, and applicants can rely on any relevant evidence to support their application.

In the following table of possible supporting evidence any piece of evidence marked conclusive is sufficient to meet the requirements of VDA 4.2. No further consideration of other evidence is required.

When considering any other type of evidence in support of an in-country application for settlement under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA), you should consider the evidence in the round and, if the applicant provides information or evidence that, when considered in the round, indicates the account given by the applicant is, on the balance of probabilities, more likely than not, then VDA 4.2. is met.

When considering evidence in support of an application for out of country settlement under Appendix VDA, you should consider the evidence in the round and, if the applicant provides information or evidence that, when considered in the round, indicates the account given by the applicant is reasonably likely to be true, the account should be accepted. As transnational marriage abandonment is a recognised form of domestic abuse then this would be sufficient evidence to meet VDA 4.2. and VDA 4.3.

Where limited evidence is available, in particular where the only evidence available is a statement from the applicant, consideration should be given to any reasons provided for the lack of documentary evidence in support of the application, in particular where any reasons arise from or otherwise relate to the abusive relationship or situation the applicant is or was in.

Where an applicant indicates that evidence in support of their application might be available through records available to or requested by the Home Office, for example, UKVI, HM Passport Office (HMPO), and police records, consideration should be given to making reasonable enquiries on behalf of the applicant on a case-by-case basis and in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other data sharing protocols.

In assessing evidence of domestic abuse and abandonment, the same weight should be given to evidence of disclosures and reports of abuse and abandonment made by victims to family, organisations, or professionals abroad.

Criminal conviction

Weight of evidence.

Conclusive.

A criminal conviction which relates to domestic abuse is proof that the domestic abuse occurred at the dates cited.

Additional information required

Because criminal convictions require a higher standard of proof (beyond reasonable doubt) than immigration decisions (on the balance of probabilities) an acquittal must not be taken as proof that domestic abuse did not occur on balance of probabilities.

If the applicant has also been convicted of a criminal offence which is related to domestic abuse, decision makers must consider how far this should be considered, including the general grounds for refusal. However, you should be aware of the context of the relationship and that convictions may not mean the applicant is not also a victim under Appendix VDA.

Police caution

Accepting a caution is an admission of guilt and can be accepted as evidence that domestic abuse occurred at the dates cited.

If the applicant has also accepted a caution which is related to domestic abuse, decision makers must consider how far this should be considered in the overall context of the relationship.

Final order in civil court – (for example non- molestation order or occupation order)

If a judge found that domestic abuse occurred, this will have been on the balance of probabilities and can be accepted as definitive proof of domestic abuse for the purposes of Appendix VDA.

Admissions by the perpetrator can also be made during proceedings which can be the basis on which a Non- Molestation Order or Occupation Order can be made and that, like a judicial finding, this should be accepted as conclusive proof of domestic abuse.

If there is no finding of fact recorded on the final order, a non-molestation or occupation order should not be classed as conclusive proof domestic abuse has taken place, however it can be compelling evidence that domestic abuse has taken place. You must assess the order in the round with other evidence that has been submitted.

Multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC) referral confirmed by any person who is a member of a MARAC

An assessment should be made of whether the MARAC should be judged as conclusive on the information contained in the document. For example, if the applicant is in imminent danger or there is an element of concern for the individual.

The threshold for referring cases to MARAC is not always applied consistently.

Full reports may not be available or disclosable. Applicants may include correspondence from the MARAC, or a professional involved in the referral confirming that the MARAC referral has been made and providing details as to why.

Charging decision from CPS

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decides to charge someone with a criminal offence when it is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and that it is in the public interest to do so. The ‘realistic prospect of conviction’ test is a legal view given by the CPS on the balance of probabilities. Therefore, this should be given the same weight as an order in civil court and no further enquiries are needed.

Domestic violence protection order

This is an order made by a magistrate’s court on the application of the police. They enable the police and magistrates to protect a victim in the immediate period after a domestic abuse incidence and last between 14 and 28 days. The alleged abuser can be banned from contacting the victim and / or returning to a shared residence for up to 28 days.

Although this could be compelling evidence, you may request further information about the circumstances leading up to the order from the police.

Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders

From March 2024 there will be a pilot of the new Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders introduced by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 in specified locations across the UK. These will replace the Domestic violence protection order in those areas and can be made in both the criminal court and family court.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) protection order

FGM protection orders can be used to protect someone from FGM and can be compelling evidence.

Police logs and social service reports may be useful additional evidence and give details that will assist in deciding how much weight to give such an order.

Forced marriage protection order

Forced marriage protection orders can be used to protect someone from being forced into marriage or who is already in a forced marriage and can be compelling evidence.

Prohibited steps orders, contact orders, Specific Issue Orders, disclosure of whereabouts orders, port alert order, securing a child’s passport order, order to recover a child, as well as High Court orders using the court’s inherent jurisdiction

These orders regulate the relationship between children and parents. Orders of this type can also be made in cases where a relationship has broken down for reasons other than domestic abuse.

Conclusive – if there has been a finding of fact after a hearing in the court.

If there is evidence that domestic abuse was a factor in granting the order, then how much weight you give this will depend on the details provided.

Decision makers must confirm, for example from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS), court evidence or social services, that an allegation of domestic abuse was a factor in the decision.

It is important to recognise that a judgment with a finding of fact may be relevant evidence, and not necessarily the court order itself. In family court cases there may be a schedule of findings of fact for example. It does not always follow that particular orders are made after findings of fact. The findings of fact themselves should be conclusive as the court has held a hearing to determine their truth or otherwise.

Letter from social services, or welfare officer connected to HM Armed Forces

Can be accepted as compelling evidence if the letter confirms that the author has assessed the applicant themselves and has the experience to consider them a victim of domestic abuse.

The letter should also provide details as to what support the applicant is being offered as a result of the domestic abuse or relationship breakdown.

These reports normally also include evidence from any children and may include a Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) assessment.

Letter from organisation supporting victims of domestic abuse (including a refuge) confirming that they have assessed the applicant as being a victim of domestic abuse.

Letter should detail support being provided.

Can be accepted as compelling evidence of domestic abuse depending on the content of what is stated by the organisation.

If no additional support is or has been provided, an explanation should be sought (for example, where a refuge is full).

Letters from domestic abuse support agencies, including refuges and charities, may require you to follow up to confirm that the organisation has made a professional assessment, and is not merely relaying the applicant’s account.

Letter or statement from an independent witness

The weight given to this type of evidence depends on whether it can be verified that:

they witnessed an incident of domestic abuse first hand
have no personal stake in the case - for example, they are not related to the applicant

Additional information needed

The difficulty of evidencing that there is no possible relationship or connection between the applicant and any independent witness will reduce the weight given to this type of evidence unless any corroborating evidence demonstrating the witness’ independence can be provided.

The police have the power to arrest anyone who they suspect has committed a criminal offence and they have reasonable grounds for believing that the arrest is necessary.

To arrest someone for domestic abuse, the police will have to have some basis to suspect that the person has committed an offence. However, this is different from having sufficient evidence to charge and the fact that someone has been arrested for domestic abuse is not compelling evidence on its own that it has occurred.

It should be noted that a person may be investigated for an offence even if they have not been arrested. For example, if someone will agree voluntarily to attend the police station to be interviewed in relation to an offence, the police may not consider it necessary to arrest them.

Following an arrest if their enquiries are ongoing the police must release someone on bail. Conditions could be attached to the grant of bail. Although the available evidence is considered when deciding whether to impose bail conditions, it is not the principle consideration. The decision to release someone on conditional bail does not, on its own, provide evidence on the balance of probabilities that domestic abuse has or has not occurred

Further information should be sought from the police in relation to the progress of their investigation and outstanding enquiries.

Applicants can provide crime reference numbers with their application and decision makers can make enquiries with the police and request the relevant reports and confirmation of what action was taken.

Ex parte orders (a decision made by a judge without requiring all the parties to be present) for example ex parte molestation order or occupation order

Ex parte orders are made by the court based on perceived risk to the applicant. As both sides have not been heard, they are not compelling evidence that domestic abuse has occurred.

Ex parte orders are made on the evidence of one party only, although once the order is made, the other party can challenge it. If there is a follow up hearing, decision makers must obtain the details of any further orders, challenges or undertakings.

Interim order

An interim order may be imposed during a civil case when the hearing has started but the case is not yet concluded.

The weight to be attached to an interim order will depend on how far the case has progressed and the terms of the order.

Undertaking to court

An undertaking (for example, not to approach the applicant) is not compelling evidence if no admission of guilt has been made. Undertakings can be given by either or both parties to settle the case.

Additional evidence required

Unless there is a clear admission of guilt, ask for further details of the court proceedings. Further evidence, for example police reports, medical reports, professional assessments may also be required to understand the weight this evidence should be afforded in your decision.

Police report of attendance at domestic abuse incident

The police have a duty to respond to calls of possible criminal offences or to protect the public.

The weight given to this type of evidence will be highly dependent on its contents and the circumstances of the victim.

A report of attendance at an alleged incident is not itself proof of domestic abuse.

Evidence of police follow up action or supporting evidence, for example medical evidence, will generally be required to add weight to this type of evidence.

Medical report from UK hospital confirming injuries or condition consistent with domestic abuse

Can be considered compelling evidence where the report confirms injuries or conditions consistent with domestic abuse or reveals a pattern of injuries or reports from the applicant about domestic abuse.

The weight given to this type of evidence will be highly dependent on its contents.

This type of evidence will be less compelling when the medical report or notes simply reflect the account reported by the applicant although weight should be given to any insight from an experienced medical professional and the timings of the disclosures.

Report should include whether the hospital appointment was a referral from the doctor, or any further treatment required.

Many reports are lacking sufficient depth to give much weight to a decision in the round.

Medical report from GP, or medical professional, employed by HM Armed Forces confirming injuries or condition consistent with domestic abuse

The medical report should be provided by the GP who provided the consultation and give details of any hospital or other treatment needed.

Power of arrest

A power of arrest is routinely included in a non-molestation order. The wording is standard and does not indicate the evidential weight of the order.

An occupation order does not automatically have a power of arrest attached. Under section 47(2) of the Family Law Act 1996 this provides for a power of arrest only if it appears to the court that the respondent has used or threatened violence against the applicant or a relevant child. Given this threshold, a power of arrest attached to an occupation order should be given considerably more evidential weight.

Letter, or statement from official source, such as an advice agency or refuge, repeating applicant’s account without confirming that applicant has been assessed as, or is being treated as, the victim of domestic abuse.

Not compelling evidence on its own but must be considered in light of the rest of the evidence.

Decision makers should confirm that organisation has not formally assessed applicant as the victim of domestic abuse and is not offering support on that basis.

Statement from applicant

The weight given to this statement should be considered in the round as detailed in the guidance and as per the evidential requirements for out of country applicants bearing in mind their specific circumstances.

The weight to be attached to the applicant’s statement will depend on the level of detail and relevant information in the statement.

The applicant’s account must be considered with other information and evidence provided, in the round.

Where the account provided is reasonably detailed, consistent and plausible, consideration should be given to whether the applicant’s account may be sufficient evidence, in particular where reasons are given for the absence of further or other evidence.

Letter, statement, email, text or photos repeating applicant’s account of domestic abuse

Must be considered in the round with the rest of the evidence.

Contemporaneous emails, texts, social media conversations or photos could be compelling evidence if they outline incidences of abuse or back up other evidence provided. For example, a conversation about an injury with a family member ahead of a medical report from a GP.

Evidence that repeats the applicant’s account will add little weight to that given to the applicant’s statement.

Any correspondence with one or more of the abusive parties that reveals threatening or abusive behaviour may also be compelling if the source of the communications can be verified.

Photos can be linked to any medical reports that may have been submitted.

A mobile phone bill addressed to the perpetrator may link them to a phone number.

Consideration of applications

Applicants under this route may be vulnerable and affected by the trauma they have experienced as victims of domestic abuse (VDA). Some applicants may still be at risk of abuse including those who apply while still cohabiting with an alleged abuser. You must deal with cases sensitively, flexibly, and cooperatively giving applicants support to demonstrate their eligibility where this is needed.

Where an applicant, who does not fall to be refused on grounds of suitability, needs to provide more information or evidence than the application contains of their eligibility for settlement under Appendix VDA, you must attempt to contact the applicant under the process outlined here:

you must make at least 2 attempts in total over a minimum of 4 weeks to contact the applicant
your contacts should set out clearly what further information or evidence you are seeking
your contacts should explain how the applicant should respond
contacts should be by email or letter using the applicant’s contact details or those of a legal representative if they have asked you to communicate with a representative - however, you should avoid contacting an applicant at their address when they are still residing with their perpetrator
you may in addition call or text at the same time as sending an email or letter
you must give at least 28 calendar days for a response to the first contact
28 calendar days are counted from the date an email is sent or a letter is received - where the attempted contact is by letter sent by first class post, you may assume delivery on the second business day after the date of postage
if the applicant informs you within that 28-calendar day period that they require further time to provide information or evidence, you must agree to a reasonable extension of time where you are satisfied that there is good reason to do so in the particular circumstances of the case
if there is no response from the applicant by the deadline, including any extended deadline, you must contact the applicant a second time by email or letter - you may in addition call or text at the same time as sending an email or letter
you must give at least 28 calendar days for a response to the second contact. If the applicant informs within that period that they require further time to provide information or evidence, you must agree to a reasonable extension of time where you are satisfied that there is good reason to do so in the particular circumstances of the case
in either the first or second contact, you may provide longer than 28 calendar days where, following consultation with your senior caseworker, you are satisfied that there is good reason to do so in the particular circumstances of the case
you can exceed that number of attempts at contact where, following consultation with your senior caseworker, you are satisfied that there is good reason to do so in the particular circumstances of the case

all attempts at contact must be recorded

if the applicant makes clear that they are unable or unwilling to provide more information or evidence, you must decide the application based on all the information and evidence before you

Once the final deadline you have given the applicant to provide more information or evidence (or to contact you to discuss this) has passed, you must consider and decide the application based on all the information and evidence before you, including any further information or evidence the applicant has provided.

Throughout this process of engagement with the applicant, you may exercise discretion in their favour where appropriate, to minimise administrative burdens and show sensitivity towards vulnerable applicants. Consideration should be given to any reasons provided for a lack of documentary evidence, in particular where any reasons given arise from or otherwise relate to the abusive relationship the applicant is or was in and consideration should be given to exercising discretion to accept the applicant’s eligibility on the evidence available.

In consultation with a senior caseworker, you can, where necessary and appropriate, make reasonable enquiries on behalf of the applicant on a case-by-case basis, and in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other data sharing protocols, where an applicant is having difficulty in proving their eligibility.’

Pending criminal prosecutions, cautions and proceedings

This page tells you about how to deal with applications where the alleged abuser has a criminal case pending or a caution or other proceedings.

Pending criminal prosecutions

Where an alleged abuser has been charged and there is a criminal prosecution pending, the applicant should provide as much information as possible, including any documentary evidence that has been given to them as the victim of a crime.

The applicant may not be able to provide documentary evidence of a decision to prosecute. Where this is the case, you should make reasonable enquiries on the applicant’s behalf to obtain this evidence where confirmation of the prosecution is considered necessary to decide the application.

Applicants may not have a comprehensive understanding of the UK criminal justice system and may not have been given information by the police or Crime Prosecution Service (CPS), so may not be able to explain the current status of any criminal proceedings. Where an applicant is unable to provide documentary evidence or detailed information about any criminal proceedings, but indicates that there has been police involvement, consideration should be given to making enquiries with the police or otherwise making reasonable enquiries on behalf of the applicant on a case-by-case basis and in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other data sharing protocols.

You can continue to assess and decide the application but must remember that the burden of proof in criminal cases is ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ whereas the standard of proof in immigration cases is ‘on the balance of probabilities’ and, in transnational marriage abandonment applications under this route is ‘reasonable degree of likelihood.’

Police cautions

The applicant may not be able to provide documentary evidence the police have issued a caution against the alleged abuser.

Where the applicant alleges a caution has been issued, and this information has not already been provided in the application, you must ask them for details of the alleged abuser’s:

date of birth
nationality
address (both at the time of the incident and at the time of the application, if different and if known)

You must also ask them for details of the date, time and place where the incident took place.

Using these details, you must confirm with the Criminal Records Office (CRO) of the police force covering the area where the incident took place.

Delay in civil cases

You should only consider delaying a decision on the application until the outcome of a civil hearing if you are genuinely unable to grant settlement based on the evidence already before you.

In such a case, you should only delay a decision pending the outcome of a civil hearing if you have both:

confirmation from the court that the case is listed to be heard
the date the case is due to be heard

Court proceedings can be lengthy, and you should monitor progress of proceedings where reasonable. You should write out to the applicant asking for information on any changes to the hearing date and further information once the hearing has taken place.

Applicants should be asked to provide as much information as possible. However, note that there are restrictions, under section 12 of the Administration of Justice Act 1960, relating to disclosure of documents from Family Court proceedings which may mean an applicant cannot provide relevant information or evidence regarding proceedings in the Family Court without the court’s permission.

Court orders

This page tells you about the details included in a court order.

Terms used in court orders

Applicant’s name: this should be the same name as the person who requests permission to stay on the basis of domestic abuse.

Respondent’s name: this should be the applicant’s partner’s name or a member of their family. If the respondent’s name does not come within the category of a family member, or you are not sure, you must consult your senior case worker.

Note, it may not always be the case that an order has an applicant or respondent’s name on it. For example, a female genital mutilation (FGM) Protection Order made in respect of a child will have the name of the child on it as well as those who are a risk to the child in respect of whom the order has been made.

Further, it is not necessarily the case that the applicant’s name will be the same person who is applying for permission. A victim of domestic abuse could be a respondent to an application, for example a child arrangements order, and a judgment could still be made including findings of domestic abuse against the perpetrator.

Layout of court orders

The orders generally follow this layout:

Judge’s name and court address
paragraph on whether the order is made on an urgent basis and, if so, why
paragraph which indicates whether the order is made without notice (ex-parte)
undertakings, by one or both parties, may be given to a court instead of proceeding to a full hearing for a final non-molestation order, or together with the issue of a final non-molestation order where ‘no finding of fact’ is made
this means there is not necessarily a ‘finding of fact’ on the allegations
an undertaking is not an admission of guilt unless it specifically says so
‘important notice to the respondent’ ‘it is ordered that:’ followed by details of what the respondent must or must not do
detail about period for which the order is to remain in force
‘power of arrest’ - reference to attachment
‘no finding of fact’ (on the allegations by the applicant) - may be detailed at the start or end of the order
‘notice of further hearing’ (interim orders) - may be ‘headed up’ in this way, or may just provide details of time / date / place of further hearing

Domestic violence: A guide to civil remedies and criminal sanctions

Counter claims

This page tells you what to do when there is a counter claim of domestic abuse by the alleged abuser or a denial that it has occurred.

You may receive counter claims, or a denial, from the alleged abuser. In some cases, this information may already be on Home Office systems or available to other agencies. You can sometimes consider counterclaims and denials as evidence alongside an application.

A denial is where the alleged abuser claims that the incidents did not take place or that there is an innocent explanation, for example an accident.

A counter claim is where the alleged abuser claims that the applicant has been responsible for acts of domestic abuse.

You may consider disregarding any denial or counterclaim where there is third party corroborating evidence in support of the applicant’s account. However, if the counter claim mentions third party involvement such as a police report but has not provided the evidence themselves you may seek to obtain the evidence yourself.

In a case where there are competing accounts and no other supporting evidence from the applicant, you must weigh up the evidence presented by each side and make a judgement as to whether you are satisfied, on the balance of probabilities (or, in cases of transnational marriage abandonment where only a personal account has been given, to a reasonable degree of likelihood), that domestic abuse has occurred, and the applicant’s account is more creditable than the counter claim.

There is no requirement for an applicant to hold valid permission to apply under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA).

This page tells you when section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 applies.

The purpose of section 3C is to prevent a person who makes an in-time application to extend their permission from becoming an overstayer while they are awaiting a decision on that application or any appeal and, if their application under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse has been refused, while any administrative review they are entitled to is pending.

Pending decision on application

A person will have permission extended by section 3C if:

they have permission to enter or remain in the UK
they apply to the Secretary of State for variation of their permission
the application for variation is made before their permission expires
their permission expires without the application for variation having been decided
the application for variation is neither decided nor withdrawn

Pending administrative review

Section 3C extends a person’s current permission during any period when:

an administrative review could be sought
the administrative review is pending, that is to say it has not been determined
no new application for permission has been made For further information see guidance on 3C leave.

This section addresses the requirements that dependent children must meet to qualify for settlement under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA). Dependent children come under the scope of this route where their parent is at the same time applying for settlement or has previously been granted settlement under this route.

Children cannot be granted settlement under Appendix VDA unless their parent has been, or is at the same time being, granted settlement under this route. Where a child applies and their parent has not applied for settlement or previously been granted settlement under this route, consideration should be given to whether they should be granted leave outside the rules, taking into account the Secretary of State’s obligations under section 55 of the Border, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009. This is in recognition of the fact that children can be victims of domestic abuse in their own right, and their leaving an abusive household or re-joining their parent should be facilitated.

With regards to the care requirement of Appendix Children, victims of transnational marriage abandonment are not likely to have accommodation in the UK arranged at the time of their application. This is not grounds for refusal. Victims of transnational marriage abandonment can return to the UK and avail themselves of accommodation and support that is available to them and their children as victims of domestic abuse. This is specified in the Appendix Children guidance.

Further details of the relationship, care, age and independent life requirements are contained in the Appendix Children guidance.

Life in the UK test and English language requirements

This section addresses the requirement that a dependent child over the age of 18 may need to meet the requirements under Appendix Knowledge of life in the UK (KOL UK) and English language requirements to satisfy the requirements under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA).

Unless an exception applies a dependent child over 18 will need to:

pass the Life in the UK Test
meet the English language requirements

You should consult the guidance for assessing the English language requirement to see of any of the exceptions apply for applicants over the age of 18.

You should consult the guidance for Appendix KOL UK to see if any of the exceptions on the Life in the UK test apply for applicants over the age of 18.

Maintenance and accommodation for a child of a victim of domestic abuse

This section addresses the maintenance and accommodation requirements for a child of an applicant under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA).

When the applicant is a child they must meet the maintenance and accommodation requirements.

Where a child applies and their parent has not applied for settlement or previously been granted settlement under this route, consideration should be given to whether they should be granted leave outside the rules, taking into account, among others, the Secretary of State’s obligations under section 55 of the Border, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009. This is in recognition of the fact that children can be victims of domestic abuse in their own right, and their leaving an abusive household or re- joining their parent should be facilitated.

Consideration outside the rules

Leave outside the rules (LOTR) on compelling compassionate grounds may be granted where the decision maker decides that the specific circumstance of the case includes exceptional circumstances. These circumstances will mean that a refusal would result in unjustifiably harsh consequences for the applicant or their family, but which do not render refusal a breach of Article 8 European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), Article 3 ECHR, Refugee Convention or other obligations.

Not all LOTR is granted for the same reason and discretion is applied in different ways depending on the circumstances of the claim and the applicant’s circumstances. There are separate pieces of guidance for deciding cases raising factors relevant to exceptional circumstances, discretionary leave and compelling compassionate grounds. See LOTR guidance.

Where you refuse settlement under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA), you should consider, in discussion with a senior caseworker or relevant Home Office team, whether it would be appropriate to grant permission or settlement outside the rules.

Grant or refuse settlement

This page tells you how to grant or refuse applications for settlement under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA).

Grant settlement

You must grant settlement if a person meets all the requirements of Appendix VDA and confirm this in writing.

In-country applicants should be granted settlement with the endorsement Domestic Violence – ILR.

Out of country applicants should be granted settlement with the endorsement Settlement Victim of Domestic Abuse – ILE.

Refuse settlement

You should normally refuse settlement if any of the requirements of Appendix VDA are not met notwithstanding the discretion allowed to caseworkers in the above sections.

A detailed explanation must always be given in cases where you do not consider the evidence provided is sufficient to demonstrate that domestic abuse has taken place.

An applicant who is refused under Appendix VDA does not have a right of appeal. Instead they can apply to have their decision reviewed under the administrative review process.

For examples of wording to use when you are refusing leave or permission, see the refusal wording section in this guidance restricted to Home Office staff.

Reconsiderations

This page explains under what circumstances a case may be reconsidered. Applications should normally only be reconsidered following:

instruction from the court
advice from Government Legal Division (GLD) or policy
request from the Administrative Review team
reconsideration request from the applicant or their legal representatives

For example, the Administrative Review team may request a review of the decision because you may have omitted to include an assessment of a piece of evidence in your original decision. You must re-consider all the evidence submitted with the original application or during the Administrative Review, fully address all the information and issue a new decision.

You should allow introduction of new evidence at a reconsideration stage, especially so if the new evidence clearly shows that the applicant does now meet the rules under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA). The new decision will need to address the new evidence raised, as well as that originally submitted. The revised decision will need to address the issues raised by GLD or policy colleagues in order sufficiently to address any legal challenge. You should seek further advice from the chief or deputy chief caseworker (CCW / DCCW) if necessary.

The applicant or their legal representative must be contacted during the reconsideration process to advise of the likely timescale for a reconsideration decision to be made.

Cancellation

This page tells you what additional action you may take when you refuse an application under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA).

In non-EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) cases you must consider a referral concerning cancellation of permission when you refuse an application from someone who meets Appendix VDA 4.1. (permission under a relevant category) but does not meet Appendix VDA 4.2. (relationship breakdown) and who has over one month permission to stay or enter the UK as a:

same-sex partner
unmarried partner

This is because they now cease to meet the rules under which they were granted permission to enter or stay in the UK but ensures that those who apply but do not satisfy Appendix VDA 4.1. because they do not have permission in a qualifying category, for example because they have permission under the Hong Kong (BNO) route, do not find their permission unlawfully curtailed.

Consideration of curtailment of EUSS limited leave

The Status Review Unit (SRU) is the team responsible for EUSS curtailment decisions.

Referrals for curtailment of EUSS leave, including from Immigration, Compliance and Enforcement (ICE) teams, must be made to the SRU in line with section ‘Consideration of curtailment of EUSS limited leave or EUSS family permit leave to enter’ in the guidance Cancellation and curtailment of permission.

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Declaration of Sponsor (to be completed by the sponsor)

Supplementary Notes

COMMENTS

Application for Entry for Visit/Transit (Sponsor) in Hong Kong (to be
However, the original copy of the duly completed application forms and the photograph required should be sent immediately to the Hong Kong Immigration Department by air mail. A visa/entry permit will be issued only on receipt of original, properly completed visa application forms. Telephone Enquiry Number: (852) 2824 6111
Online Application for Entry for Visit / Transit in Hong Kong
Documents Maximum no. of files for upload * Company chop (for applications in which the sponsor is a company) 1 * Business Registration Certificate (for applications in which the sponsor is a company) 1 * Hong Kong identity card and/or travel document (pages showing personal particulars, latest condition and limit of stay/landing slip and any amendments made, such as those relating to personal ...
Visit/Transit
To shorten the processing time, application forms and supporting documents can be sent by fax to (852) 2824 1133 in the first instance. However, the original copy of the duly completed application forms and the photograph required should be sent immediately to the Hong Kong Immigration Department by air mail.
Visit / Transit
This Supplementary Sheet should be submitted together with the applicant's Application for Entry for Visit/Transit in Hong Kong (ID 1003A). ID 1003B. Application for Entry for Visit/Transit (Sponsor) in Hong Kong (to be completed by the Sponsor) ID (C) 1004. Guidebook for Entry for Visit/Transit in Hong Kong - Chinese version.
Hong Kong Visitor Visa
Hong Kong Immigration Department form ID1003B is completed by the sponsor of an application for a visitor visa by those nationalities not afforded visa upon arrival privileges. The sponsorship form is fairly straightforward with only two sections requiring specific commentary and these are the sponsor's details and the sponsor's declaration ...
ESERVICES2
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai. 21/F, The Headquarters Building, 168 Xizang Road (M), Huangpu District. To shorten the processing time, application forms and supporting documents can be sent by fax to (852) 2824 1133 in the first instance. However, the original copy of the duly completed application forms and the photograph ...
Visa / Permit for Entering Hong Kong
The Immigration Department's Visit Visa / Entry Permit Requirements for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region gives a list of countries/ territories which always require a VISA. Please check if you need a VISA to enter Hong Kong. Please read through all the details and conditions stated in ...
Hong Kong Visitor Visa
Hong Kong Immigration Department form ID1003A is used for applications for visitor visas for those nationalities not afforded visa upon arrival privileges. The application form itself is fairly straightforward with only five sections requiring specific commentary and these are occupation and income, previous visits, purpose of the visit ...
Completing The Forms
Relocating to Hong Kong For Work or Business - Investment Cash Required & the Catch 22. by The Visa Geeza in Employment Visas, On June 13 I was invited to address the 2013 Monaco Trade Delegation to Hong Kong & China on the question of visas to live..
Hong Kong Visa for Tourists: A Comprehensive Guide
The Hong Kong Visa Application Form and Sponsor Application Form can be downloaded online or obtained from any of the Chinese diplomatic missions, consulates or HKSAR government offices. Visa Fee. The fee for the Hong Kong Tourist Visa is currently $190 HKD.
Hong Kong Visa: Visa-Free Entry & Application Guide
The Hong Kong Visa we introducing refers to Hong Kong Tourist (Visitor) Visa. Hong Kong Visa Requirements: A passport which are valid for at least 6 months and has blank visa pages; A completed Hong Kong Visit/Transit Visa Application Form (applicants shall fill in Form ID 1003A & sponsor shall finish Form ID 1003B)
Application for Entry for Visit/Transit in Hong Kong (to be completed
However, the original copy of the duly completed application forms and the photograph required should be sent immediately to the Hong Kong Immigration Department by air mail. A visa/entry permit will be issued only on receipt of original, properly completed visa application forms. Telephone Enquiry Number: (852) 2824 6111
Immigration & Customs
Immigration. Nationals of most countries do not require a visa to enter Hong Kong for tourism and can stay for periods varying from seven to 180 days, depending on nationality. If you're unsure of your status, please check with any Chinese embassy or consulate. More than 100 countries and territories have representative offices in Hong Kong.
Visa information
Visa information. Indian nationals continue to enjoy 14-day visa-free visit to Hong Kong after successfully completing Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) online. Application for PAR is easy, convenient and free-of-charge. After inputting the required information, the computer system will process the registration automatically and the result will be ...
Hong Kong Visa Application & Requirements
A duly completed Visa Application Form; 2. A recent photograph of the applicant affixed on the application form; 3. A photocopy of the applicant's travel document; 4. A photocopy of the proof of financial status (e.g. bank statement, savings accounts passbooks, tax payment receipts, employment certificate, etc.); 5.
Visa Requirements for Hong Kong
Many people wonder if they need a visa to visit Hong Kong, or even what country Hong Kong is a part of. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region in the People's Republic of China, but the "one country, two systems" government model that the city uses means that even though it is technically a part of China, it uses a completely different visa system.
Visas / Entry Permits
Welcome to the webpages of "Visas/ Entry Permits". In general, unless a person has the right of abode or right to land in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), he/she requires a visa/entry permit to work, study, establish or join in any business, take up residence or to stay in the HKSAR as a visitor longer than the allowed visa free period.
Hong Kong Visit Visa 'sponsor' confusion, pls advise : r/HongKong
Hong Kong Visit Visa 'sponsor' confusion, pls advise. I am (unfortunately) from one of those countries that still requires a visa to visit Hong Kong (even for transit). I am applying for a visit visa for travel planned late September. I will be travelling with my partner who is a HK national. I have previously travelled to HK with my family in ...
PDF Visitor Visa Checklist
Visitor Visa Pre‐Submission ... Sponsor's Documents HKID form ID 1003B Photocopy of Business Registration Certificate (if a company sponsor) Photocopy of the sponsor's Hong Kong identity card (and if not a permanent resident a Photocopy of the sponsor's travel document containing personal particulars, date of issue, date ...
Hong Kong Visa Guide 2023
Visa-free travel and visitor visas to Hong Kong Hong Kong allows visa-free travel to citizens of over 150 countries and regions, with the duration of permitted stay ranging from seven to 180 days, depending on the traveler's passport. However, citizens of around 50 countries and regions are required to obtain a visitor visa before they can ...
Visas / Entry Permits
Visas / Entry Permits. The information in this webpage serves as reference only. The Immigration Department of the HKSAR is not responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever arising out of or in connection with any information in this webpage. The Immigration Department reserves the right to omit, suspend or edit all information in this webpage ...
Hong Kong Visa
13 years ago. Hi, Am a Sri Lankan planing to travel to Hong Kong and need to get a tourist Visa. I have a few problems regarding the visa requirements and unfortunately it is a bit difficult to connect via telephone to the embassy. 1. For tourist visa to Hong Kong, who should fill the sponsor part of visa application. 2.
Appendix victim of domestic abuse (accessible)
The sponsor or another family member will often mislead the abandoned partner about the intention of the foreign travel and victims often have documentation such as passports and immigration ...
Declaration of Sponsor (to be completed by the sponsor)
Tel: (852) 2347 3492. West Kowloon Office, Immigration Department. Ground Floor, 28 Kimberley Street, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Tel: (852) 2359 4426. Sha Tin Office, Immigration Department. 3/F, Sha Tin Government Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Sha Tin, N.T. Tel: (852) 2158 6419. Immigration and Registration of Persons - Fo Tan Office ...

Online Application for Entry for Visit / Transit in Hong Kong

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Documents to be Submitted Online

How to Start

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Assistance and Further Information

Hong Kong Visa for Tourists: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

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90-day Entry

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FAQ: Do you need a visa to visit Hong Kong?

FAQ: How to avail Hong Kong Visa on Arrival (VoA)?

FAQ: How to apply for Hong Kong visa online?

FAQ: What are Hong Kong transit visa requirements?

FAQ: How to check Hong Kong visa application status online?

FAQ: What is the minimum passport validity to enter Hong Kong?

FAQ: Is a day trip to Macau from Hong Kong considered an EXIT and RE-ENTRY into Hong Kong?

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Hong Kong Visa: Visa-Free Entry & Application Guide

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Hong Kong Visa Free Entry

(Ⅰ) Holding any of below documents allows you to enter Hong Kong without visa or entry permit for any purpose.

(Ⅱ) Citizens of 170 foreign countries (territories) may visit Hong Kong for a visa-free stay from 7 days to 180 days.

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