Hong Kong passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of Hong Kong

Embassy / VFSB1/B2 Visitor Visa

Citizens of Hong Kong need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · B1/B2 Visitor Visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required

How to apply

1
Complete DS-160 form online
Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Application form on the CEAC website and print the confirmation page with barcode.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee online via the official payment portal and save the receipt.
3
Schedule an interview appointment
Log in to the US Visa Information Service website for Hong Kong, select a date and time at the US Consulate General.
4
Prepare required documents
Gather all supporting documents including passport, photo, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and appointment letter.
5
Attend the visa interview
Arrive at the US Consulate General in Hong Kong on the scheduled date for biometrics (fingerprints) and interview with a consular officer.
6
Wait for visa processing
After the interview, the visa is processed; typical time varies but you may track status online.
7
Collect passport with visa
If approved, your passport will be returned via courier or pickup as chosen during appointment scheduling.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
Must have at least two blank visa pages.
DS-160 confirmation page
Print the barcode page after submitting the online form.
Passport-sized photo (5x5 cm, white background)
Must meet US visa photo requirements.

Travel

Travel itinerary (flight and hotel bookings)
Optional
Provide tentative plans if not yet booked.

Financial

Visa application fee receipt
Pay the MRV fee online and print receipt.
Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Optional
Show sufficient funds for travel expenses.

Employment

Employment letter (if employed)
Optional
Include salary, position, and approved leave.

Supporting

Appointment confirmation letter
Print the interview appointment confirmation.
Proof of ties to Hong Kong (e.g., property deed, family certificates)
Optional
Demonstrate strong home country ties.
Previous US visas (if any)
Optional
Include copies of old visas.

Good to know

Visa issuance is at the discretion of the consular officer; meeting requirements does not guarantee approval.
Interview wait times can be several weeks; apply well in advance of planned travel.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to Hong Kong

Provide strong evidence of employment, property, or family commitments in Hong Kong.

Incomplete or incorrect application

Double-check all entries on DS-160 and ensure all required documents are submitted.

Previous visa violations or overstays

Be honest about travel history; provide explanation if applicable.

FAQ

Do citizens of Hong Kong need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of Hong Kong need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B1/B2 Visitor Visa.

How long can citizens of Hong Kong stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

What documents do citizens of Hong Kong need for the United States?

Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay); DS-160 confirmation page; Passport-sized photo (5x5 cm, white background); Visa application fee receipt; Appointment confirmation letter; Employment letter (if employed); and 4 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to the United States

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