Hong Kong - Visas and Power Outlets

[kreisleriana]

Have 2 questions about travel to HK. First, is it okay just to get a plug adapter so I can bring my laptop there, or do I need some voltage converter? I see my AC adapter says Input: 100-240V. And, depending on which I need, do you have any brand recommendations? Would prefer to be able to plug in at least 2 electronics (computer, camera).

Secondly, some members of my party used to be HK residents (before '97), but they don't have their ID card anymore. Is it worth getting the HK identity card (phonetically, wooi herng jing) for entrance into the mainland. Or is it is just better to get a Chinese visa for entrance for a Canadian citizen.

[VitaminB]

HK power voltage is 220V/240V, so ur 100V-240V laptop charger will work over there with the correct adaptor. You can buy an adaptor over there for cheap, like 10 HKD (around 1 CAD).

Getting HKid would be convient for those members of your party who plan to go to China in the near future (expires 10 years). Just make sure to book an appointment online before you go.

[Badger]

What do you mean by they do not have their ID card anymore?

If they were born in HK and did have their ID card, it is for life.

And you cannot enter the mainland china with the HKID. The HKID is only used to entering and exiting Hong Kong. Entry to China requires the Home Return Permit and it is only issued to residents of Hong Kong and Macau, which means they would need to have their HKID as proof of resident.

You can book online to have the HKID renewed/reissued at the immigration dept website and you can also book an appointment for the Home Entry Permit at the China Travel Services Hong Kong (CTSHK) website.

[Hairball]

A Hong Kong identity card with right of abode or right to land is useful if one wants to move there to live, work or study sometime in the future.

As for the 回鄉証 (translated to home return permit), it's for Chinese citizens that are Hong Kong residents to visit mainland China. If one intends to go to China often and is eligible, it is certainly more convenient than getting a visa.

I'm obsessed with these things, I have a guide about Hong Kong immigration that you can take a look at in my signature.

[Hairball]

Getting HKid would be convient for those members of your party who plan to go to China in the near future (expires 10 years). Just make sure to book an appointment online before you go.

Hong Kong identity cards do not normally expire, unless the underlying visa/status expires (if applicable) or if the government invalidates the card like they did with the Smart ID change. Simply not having a card does not mean one loses the status.

What do you mean by they do not have their ID card anymore?

If they were born in HK and did have their ID card, it is for life.

And you cannot enter the mainland china with the HKID. The HKID is only used to entering and exiting Hong Kong. Entry to China requires the Home Return Permit and it is only issued to residents of Hong Kong and Macau, which means they would need to have their HKID as proof of resident.

You can book online to have the HKID renewed/reissued at the immigration dept website and you can also book an appointment for the Home Entry Permit at the China Travel Services Hong Kong (CTSHK) website.

Chinese citizens born in Hong Kong have right of abode for life ;) Not everyone born in Hong Kong has right of abode.

[Badger]

Chinese citizens born in Hong Kong have right of abode for life ;) Not everyone born in Hong Kong has right of abode.

Thanks for the clarification. I have always thought if you were born in Hong Kong. You can have the right of abode. Only Chinese citizens can obtain the right of abode unless they have remained in Hong Kong for seven years.

[kreisleriana]

Well, probably we'll not visit for a very long time afterwards. They don't have their ID cuz... well, one immigrated here 30+ years ago and the other 50+ years ago. The former never bothered to bring it to Canada, and the other was just a little kid (less than 7 years), soooo did they even have it back then for little children?? Both were born in HK, though.

So, from your guys' comments, with what looks like a one-shot visit (well, maybe once or twice during the visit) it's not worth reissuing an HKID and then the Home Return Permit (in terms of cost and time)?

[Badger]

Well, probably we'll not visit for a very long time afterwards. They don't have their ID cuz... well, one immigrated here 30+ years ago and the other 50+ years ago. The former never bothered to bring it to Canada, and the other was just a little kid (less than 7 years), soooo did they even have it back then for little children?? Both were born in HK, though.

So, from your guys' comments, with what looks like a one-shot visit (well, maybe once or twice during the visit) it's not worth reissuing an HKID and then the Home Return Permit (in terms of cost and time)?

For a one time visit, it is not worth getting the Home Return Permit, and without a valid HKID, they won't be able to register for one anyways. Just sign up for a one time visa using the Canadian passport.

This might be a bit complicated to get the HKID with the lack of document. If they were never issued a HKID, it may be even more difficult than ever. I am not sure if a birth certificate may help. Anyhow, this is very time consuming task and if ones does not plan to reside in Hong Kong for a long period, I would just forget about it.

[kreisleriana]

Lol, Hairball... read your whole gory guide to ROA. Interesting. Now, seeing that I'm in a similar situation to yours, looks like I am a BDTC too! Guess that really has no use, except that it sounds cool to be somewhat a "British citizen". Right, that has no meaning really anymore?

<now to reassert my Canadian-ness..... uh.... go Vancouver 2010!... Go Oilers!>

[Hairball]

For a one time visit, it is not worth getting the Home Return Permit, and without a valid HKID, they won't be able to register for one anyways. Just sign up for a one time visa using the Canadian passport.

This might be a bit complicated to get the HKID with the lack of document. If they were never issued a HKID, it may be even more difficult than ever. I am not sure if a birth certificate may help. Anyhow, this is very time consuming task and if ones does not plan to reside in Hong Kong for a long period, I would just forget about it.

If they were born in Hong Kong and of Chinese race, a birth certificate is most likely enough to get a HKID card with right of abode. If they were Chinese and born in mainland China, they most likely need to prove they had lived 7 years in Hong Kong with school and employment records - this would be a pain.

If they have never held a HKID card before, then it is required to submit an application for "Application for Verification of Eligibility for Permanent Identity Card" first.

http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/rop145.htm

Home return permits are issued by mainland authorities, from what I have read on the Internet, if you do not already have an existing one they will require a HKSAR passport to verify Chinese citizenship in order to be issued a new one.

Lol, Hairball... read your whole gory guide to ROA. Interesting. Now, seeing that I'm in a similar situation to yours, looks like I am a BDTC too! Guess that really has no use, except that it sounds cool to be somewhat a "British citizen". Right, that has no meaning really anymore?

<now to reassert my Canadian-ness..... uh.... go Vancouver 2010!... Go Oilers!>

Unless you registered for BN(O) before the handover, you have no British link at all as BDTC ceased to exist, but I guess you were one...

But then again I think the BN(O) is a bit of a weak link as it doesn't allow you to live in the UK.

[Kranberry]

If they were born in Hong Kong and of Chinese race, a birth certificate is most likely enough to get a HKID card with right of abode. If they were Chinese and born in mainland China, they most likely need to prove they had lived 7 years in Hong Kong with school and employment records - this would be a pain.

If they have never held a HKID card before, then it is required to submit an application for "Application for Verification of Eligibility for Permanent Identity Card" first.

http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/rop145.htm

Home return permits are issued by mainland authorities, from what I have read on the Internet, if you do not already have an existing one they will require a HKSAR passport to verify Chinese citizenship in order to be issued a new one.



Unless you registered for BN(O) before the handover, you have no British link at all as BDTC ceased to exist, but I guess you were one...

But then again I think the BN(O) is a bit of a weak link as it doesn't allow you to live in the UK.

I skimmed your web page, but was wondering if you know the answer to my specific question. I have a 3 star HKID (Born in HK but raised in Canada) that I got when I visited there. I had subsequent visits, and worked in HK. They were giving out BNO and for whatever crazy reason I applied and got a BNO. However, I never picked it up because I came back to Canada before the paperwork finished. Does that mean I still am valid for this BDTC? I also did not get a smart card as I haven't been back since mid 90s.

[Hairball]

I skimmed your web page, but was wondering if you know the answer to my specific question. I have a 3 star HKID (Born in HK but raised in Canada) that I got when I visited there. I had subsequent visits, and worked in HK. They were giving out BNO and for whatever crazy reason I applied and got a BNO. However, I never picked it up because I came back to Canada before the paperwork finished. Does that mean I still am valid for this BDTC? I also did not get a smart card as I haven't been back since mid 90s.

BDTC does not exist anymore, but if you registered as BNO you will still be a BNO. Hmm... do you have proof of application though, and that this status was granted to you? That is very important as you need to show this to the British government in order to get issued a passport. A current HKID card also might be necessary to apply for the BNO.

If you have *** on your HKID card, it probably means you are a Chinese citizen, and can get a HKSAR passport. The HKSAR and BNO have mostly the same visa-free access.

[bilibulu]

The HKSAR and BNO have mostly the same visa-free access.

Oh, the HKSAR passport is WAY better than BNO passport. That's why I did not renew my BNO passport.