Hong Kong
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for Hong Kong
You · American passport
Up to 90 days per visit
Visa-free for short stays. Keep inside the limit and you don't need a visa.
immd.gov.hk · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
None
Vehicles with these plates aren't allowed in.
td.gov.hk · Confirm before you go · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 35 days out
Group II pets need a permit, 180 days residence with no rabies within 10 km, rabies vaccination 30 days-1 year before export and a certificate within 14 days. See the steps
afcd.gov.hk · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch Hong Kong.
We'll email you if Hong Kong's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into Hong Kong.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
ISO or AVID microchip
ISO or AVID microchip readable by an ISO-compatible reader.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- 30 to 365 days before you arrive
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccine given 30 days to 1 year before export; primary vaccination at 90 days old or more.
- 14 to 365 days before you arrive
Core vaccinations
Dogs: distemper, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus. Cats: panleucopaenia and cat flu. Given 14 days to 1 year before export.
- Within 183 days before you arrive
AFCD Special Permit
Apply to AFCD for a Special Permit (Form AF240 + UN110; HK$432 first animal, HK$102 each extra). At least 5 working days to issue. Do not book travel until you have it.
- At least 180 days before you arrive
Residence certificate
Resident at least 180 days (or since birth) and no rabies in any species (except bats) within 10 km of the residence for 180 days before export.
- Within 14 days before you arrive
Animal health certificate
Health certificate dated not more than 14 days before export (fit to travel, not more than 4 weeks pregnant).
- Within 14 days before you arrive
Government endorsement
Certificates signed by a government vet, or by a registered vet and endorsed by a government vet.
- At least 24 hours before you arrive
Notify AFCD 24 hours ahead
Notify the AFCD duty officer at least 24 hours before arrival during office hours.
- By the day you arrive
Hong Kong dog licence
Dogs 5 months or older get a Hong Kong dog licence, rabies vaccination and (if needed) a compliant microchip on arrival, at the owner's cost.
afcd.gov.hk · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in Hong Kong
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | immd.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | immd.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | immd.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | immd.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | immd.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | immd.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | immd.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | immd.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in Hong Kong
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Not allowed in | None | td.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Not allowed in | None | td.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Not allowed in | None | td.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Not allowed in | None | td.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Not allowed in | None | td.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Not allowed in | None | td.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Not allowed in | None | td.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Not allowed in | None | td.gov.hk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a Hong Kong leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
