Beginning September 8, 2025, the Hong Kong Immigration Department will implement a broad-scale increase in service fees for immigration and travel-related documents, marking the first significant adjustment in several years. The move comes following a comprehensive cost analysis, which revealed that many existing fees no longer cover the operational expenses required to maintain service delivery.

This decision affects a wide range of services, including visas, entry permits, passport renewals, and overseas document delivery. According to government officials, the adjustments are part of a broader effort to align with the “user pays” principle, which aims to ensure that service fees reflect the actual cost of processing and delivery.

Key Fee Increases: What to Expect

The scope of the revision includes 15 major immigration services, with increases ranging from modest single-digit hikes to more than 50% in some categories.

Some of the most notable changes include:

• Ordinary Visa: HK$230 → HK$330 (+43%)

• Seaman’s Identity Book: HK$310 → HK$430 (+38%)

• Transit Visa: HK$120 → HK$170 (+42%)

• Change of Stay Conditions: HK$230 → HK$330 (+43%)

• Multiple Re-entry Permit: HK$170 → HK$210 (+23%)

• APEC Business Travel Card (5 years): HK$540 → HK$700 (+30%)

In addition to immigration services, passport-related fees will also rise:

• Adult Passport (32 pages): HK$370 → HK$430

• Child Passport (48 pages): HK$230 → HK$260

Importantly, these adjustments will apply to both new applications and renewals across all affected services.

Overseas Delivery Costs Also Affected

For applicants submitting from abroad, international delivery charges are also set to rise:

• Express delivery to North America or Europe: HK$220 → HK$310

• Registered airmail: HK$47 → HK$60

Officials emphasized that these changes account for increased postage rates and operational costs linked to global logistics. Travelers and residents living overseas are advised to factor in these additional expenses when planning documentation or visa requests.

Why the Fee Increase?

Government representatives stressed that the revised fee structure is not aimed at deterring travel, immigration, or business activity. Instead, they said the adjustments are essential to sustaining high service standards.

“We are committed to providing efficient immigration services,” a department spokesperson said. “To maintain those service standards amid growing demands and operational expenses, the fee adjustments have become necessary.”

They added that fees had remained unchanged for several years, during which time service demands have increased, and infrastructure expansion has added to overall running costs.

Timeline and Advisory for Applicants

The government has urged residents and international applicants to submit their applications before the September 8, 2025 deadline in order to take advantage of the current, lower rates.

This advisory applies to:

• Passport applications and renewals

• Visa requests

• Entry and re-entry permits

• Travel pass submissions

Budget-conscious individuals should also note the rising cost of overseas express and registered mail services, especially those seeking expedited delivery.

A complete breakdown of all revised charges is available on the Immigration Department’s official website.

Officials Promise Smooth Transition

Despite concerns about the cost burden on individuals and families, government sources confirmed that the new fees will be phased in with clarity and adequate notice, minimizing disruptions for the public.

Authorities also promised to maintain current service turnaround times, accessibility, and quality during and after the transition.

This fee hike aligns with similar steps taken in other regions to modernize immigration infrastructure, and ensure that critical government services are financially self-sustaining without compromising performance.

Bottom Line

The upcoming fee adjustments mark a significant policy shift by the Hong Kong Immigration Department, reflecting a broader strategy to balance cost recovery with service excellence. While the price hikes may impact travelers and applicants financially, the move is seen by officials as necessary for maintaining long-term efficiency and sustainability.

Those planning to travel, study, or work in Hong Kong are strongly encouraged to apply or renew documents ahead of the September 8 deadline, in order to avoid higher costs and take full advantage of the current fee schedule.