Hong Kong Transit Visa Lifted for Nepali Travellers: What You Need to Know

It’s a pleasure to share some travel-friendly updates for Nepali travellers. As per recent news, the Hong Kong transit visa has been lifted for Nepali passport holders, allowing them to transit for 24 hrs in HKG Airport and connect to global destinations.

Starting 15 November 2025, following the official announcement on 14 November 2025, Nepali passport holders “no longer require a Hong Kong transit visa” when passing through Hong Kong International Airport, provided they remain within the airport’s transit area.

This update is especially meaningful because Hong Kong serves as a major gateway for Nepali passengers flying frequently to destinations such as Australia, Japan, the UK, Canada, the USA, and Southeast Asian countries.

In my earlier blog about the TWOV Policy of travelling on Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong, I detailed the Hong Kong transit visa requirements for passengers. Since Cathay Pacific is the only Hong Kong-based carrier operating flights to and from Nepal, travellers previously had to follow strict rules to ensure a smooth journey.

However, thanks to continued diplomatic efforts between Nepal and Hong Kong, those limitations have now eased. This policy shift marks a significant improvement, making transit through Hong Kong far more accessible and hassle-free for Nepali nationals.

 Previous Travel Options via Hong Kong

Earlier, transiting through Hong Kong came with strict limitations for Nepali travellers, especially on Hong Kong–based carrier Cathay Pacific. Passengers had to navigate complex visa requirements, TWOV conditions, same-day transit rules, and a tight 12-hour limit for overnight connections.

For nearly two decades, anyone flying through Hong Kong needed a separate Hong Kong transit visa unless they were flying to countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Japan, or South Korea. 

This restriction forced many Nepali travelers, especially those without visas for these nations, to choose alternate transit hubs such as Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur. It often meant longer routes, higher costs, and fewer convenient options.

 What Exactly Has Changed?

Under the updated rule, travelers who remain within the airport’s international transit area no longer require a Hong Kong transit visa when connecting through Hong Kong.

Nepali passengers can now connect through Hong Kong for up to 24 hours, whether the onward flight departs on the same day or the next, without any visa requirement, provided they stay inside the airside departure zone until boarding.

This change allows for smoother connections, easier planning, and far greater flexibility for Nepali passengers traveling across the globe.

How is This Better for Nepali Travellers

For international students travelling on a student visa, migrant workers, and families who rely on this route, the change removes a long-standing obstacle and brings welcome convenience.

This new policy makes Hong Kong transit one of the most convenient, premium, and traveler-friendly transit hubs for Nepalis once again. Here’s how it benefits you:

• Wider flight options than before

Nepali travelers can now access a broader network of destinations via Hong Kong. Whether flying on a single airline, a codeshare service, or even separate carriers, as long as their baggage is checked through to the final destination.

Cathay Pacific and Nepal Airlines, both operating flights between Nepal and Hong Kong, can now provide expanded codeshare options. It will now give travelers smoother and more flexible itineraries worldwide.

• Easier transfers with stronger global connectivity

Hong Kong International Airport is renowned for its efficient transit experience, fast security checks, easy navigation, and reliably smooth gate transfers.

Since many Chinese and South Asian destinations sit geographically close to Hong Kong, travelers can conveniently connect through the airport while following the 24-hour Transit Without Visa rule.

Cathay Pacific and its global partner airlines now offer even broader network access, connecting Nepal to numerous international cities, which is likely to boost the volume of Nepali passengers taking advantage of this route.

Benefits of the 24-Hour Hong Kong Visa-Free Transit

With the updated rule in place, transiting through Hong Kong on different airlines is now possible, provided you follow terminal transfer procedures and your baggage is checked through to your final destination.

With this update, passengers can now confidently book Cathay Pacific’s codeshare services, including flights with long layovers, overnight transits, or partner-airline connections, connecting within 24 hours.

Previously, certain routes, such as Kathmandu to Auckland and back via Cathay Pacific, required an overnight stay in Hong Kong because the connecting New Zealand flag carrier operated as a codeshare partner. These longer transits are now possible within the new limit, as the layover duration falls under the 24-hour visa-free transit allowance.

If you are traveling on separate tickets, your first airline can still check your luggage through to your final destination when it has a partner, codeshare, or interline agreement with your onward carrier, making your transit smoother and stress-free.

This gives travelers the confidence to book convenient connections without worrying about immigration formalities during transit.

With both Nepal Airlines and Cathay Pacific operating between Kathmandu and Hong Kong, travelers can connect onward to other airlines that have interline agreements with them, provided baggage is through-checked and same-terminal transfers are available.

Even when traveling on separate tickets within budget airlines or a full-service carrier, such itineraries can be confirmed. However, travelers should be mindful that in cases of flight delays or disruptions, handling these connections may become challenging.

Airlines and travel agents in Nepal are already adjusting routes, fares, and advisories to help passengers take advantage of this new opportunity.

Important Conditions You Must Follow

To enjoy a Hong Kong visa-free transit, Nepali passengers must meet a few simple rules:

• You must stay inside the airside transit area. You cannot leave the airport or go through Hong Kong immigration, or you may need a visa.
• Your bags must be through checked to your final destination. If your airline requires you to collect luggage and recheck it, you will need a visa.
• It’s better to confirm your itinerary on the same ticket. In case of separate tickets, make sure the luggage is through checked, and the connection is within the same terminal. 
• Overnight stays are allowed only if you don’t leave the transit zone. If your transit requires you to exit into the city, you still need a visa.

These rules ensure smooth travel while protecting your eligibility for visa-free transit.

Some Rules That Still Remain Unchanged

As explained in my earlier blog on Hong Kong’s TWOV policy, Nepali passport holders do not require an Indian visa when traveling directly to India. However, this exemption does not apply when the journey involves transiting through Hong Kong or any other Chinese airport.

If you are flying to India via Hong Kong or another Chinese transit point, you will still be required to present a valid Indian visa at check-in and during transit. This rule remains unchanged despite the recent removal of Hong Kong’s transit visa requirement for Nepalese.

Many travelers may confuse this long-standing condition with the new transit-visa exemption. To avoid last-minute issues, Nepali passengers should clearly understand that an Indian visa is still mandatory when transiting through Hong Kong or Chinese airports en route to India. 

Tips to Make Your Transit Smooth

Here’s how to guarantee a hassle-free connection through Hong Kong:

✔ Book both flights under a single PNR or ticket
✔ Confirm that your luggage is tagged directly to your destination
✔ Choose reasonable layovers (2–8 hours is ideal)
✔ Avoid risky short or last-minute connections on different airlines
✔ Double-check your itinerary with your airline and travel agency before departure

A few minutes of preparation can save you hours of confusion at the airport.

Final Words

For years, Nepali passengers faced extra barriers in global travel due to the Hong Kong transit visa rules, but this update reflects stronger cooperation, trust, and international accessibility.

With the new policy, more airlines may now consider expanding services through Hong Kong or connecting Nepal with other major cities.

This change provides Nepali passport holders with greater freedom and convenience. Whether you’re heading abroad for study, work, medical purposes, business, or a dream vacation, Hong Kong transit now stands as a welcoming and efficient transit hub.

In case you need a one-to-one consultation, you can opt to ask for this to your travel agent and benefit yourself from travelling via Hong Kong for your upcoming journey.

Note – This article is based on the latest confirmed updates available until now.  Aviation rules can change at any time, so always recheck requirements before your trip, or feel free to drop your questions in the comments, and I’ll keep you informed with the latest guidelines.

Travel confidently, explore more routes, and enjoy smoother journeys ahead.