Hong Kong is gearing up for a significant update to its immigration service fees, scheduled to come into effect on 8 September 2025. The city’s Immigration Department, adhering to “cost recovery” and “user‑pays” principles, is set to raise charges across a wide range of services—from visa applications and passports to document delivery—to reflect actual administrative and logistical costs. This marks the first major revision in years and aims to ensure sustainable, high-quality immigration operations.
What’s Changing and Why
A comprehensive review revealed that existing fees no longer cover the true cost of delivering immigration services. To bridge this gap, fee adjustments ranging from 3% up to 51% will be phased in gradually so as not to unduly burden individuals or businesses
These increases will span various visa and entry permit categories, travel document issuance, passport application fees, and overseas document delivery charges. The adjustments were announced by the Immigration Department in June 2025 and are scheduled for implementation after legislative procedures and vetting processes.
Fees on the Rise: A Closer Look
Here’s a snapshot of the upcoming fee increases:
** Visas and Entry Permits:**
- Ordinary visa (others): HK$230 → HK$330
- Transit visa: HK$120 → HK$170
- Multiple re‑entry permit: HK$170 → HK$210
- Single-entry re‑entry permit: HK$55 → HK$70
- Entry permit (single-entry): HK$230 → HK$330
- Entry permit (multiple, 1-year): HK$470 → HK$670
- Entry permit (multiple, 3-year): HK$935 → HK$1,350
** Travel Documents & Identity Papers:**
- Seaman’s identity book: HK$310 → HK$430
- Document of identity (7-year, 44 pages): HK$285 → HK$325
- Document of identity (7-year, 92 pages): HK$370 → HK$450
- APEC Business Travel Card (up to 5 years): HK$540 → HK$700
- APEC Card replacement: HK$210 → HK$260
- Travel document (up to 3 years): HK$760 → HK$920
** Passports:**
- Adult passport (32 pages): HK$370 → HK$430
- Adult passport (48 pages): HK$460 → HK$520
- Child passport (32 pages): HK$185 → HK$215
- Child passport (48 pages): HK$230 → HK$260
** Document Delivery (Overseas):**
- Registered airmail: HK$47 → HK$60
- Express to Asia-Pacific: HK$165 → HK$210
- Express to North America/Europe: HK$220 → HK$310
Service Quality and Financial Sustainability
Officials stress that these revised fees aim to close the widening gap between service costs and fees collected, ensuring the department can maintain operational efficiency without budgetary shortfalls. While the increases are notable, especially for some documents, they are part of a phased approach intended to ease the transition and preserve service standards
Legislative Timeline and Next Steps
The proposed fee revisions were formally introduced through two pieces of subsidiary legislation in late June 2025, then tabled at the Legislative Council in early July. A designated subcommittee is overseeing the vetting process, which is scheduled to conclude ahead of the September implementation date.
What Travelers and Residents Should Do
- Apply Before 8 September – Anyone planning visa, passport, or permit applications should act before the new fees take effect to save on costs.
- Budget for Increased Delivery Charges – Especially relevant for applicants residing abroad; delivery costs will climb significantly.
- Plan Multi-Year Permits Ahead – Fees for longer-duration permits, like multi-year entry permits or travel passes, will rise notably.
- Stay Updated – Watch for final confirmed fee tables and announcements from the Immigration Department to ensure you have accurate information.
Final Thoughts
This sweeping adjustment in Hong Kong’s immigration service fee structure not only responds to rising operational costs but also reinforces long-term service quality. With many charges increasing by up to 51%, it’s apt to impact tourists, riders, business travelers, applicants, and families alike. Savvy planning and timely action can mitigate the financial impact of these changes.
As of now, with the 8 September 2025 date confirmed, applicants should align travel and documentation timelines accordingly. The phased rollout aims to balance fairness with fiscal responsibility—ensuring a sustainable immigration system for Hong Kong’s dynamic future.
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