New passport so no HK visa

Posted by Dive bum (307 days ago)

I recently obtained a new UK passport from the British Consulate in HK - my previous one was full. My new passport does not have a HK visa stamp in it as this was put in the old passport. I have a HK ID card and I use this to enter/exit HK immigration. Consequently I don't need to show my passport though of course I still carry this with me.

Does anyone know if I am required to get a HK visa stamp in my new passport?

Thanks for any help.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Claire (307 days ago)

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

Q16


Form: http://www.immd.gov.hk/pdforms/id405.pdf

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by GreenValleys (307 days ago)

But you don't HAVE to transfer the visa over to your new passport. If you can put up with the inconvenience of carrying both passports with you then you can still use the visa in the old passport. We did that for about 6 months until the time was right (ie that suited us) to have the visa stamped in the new passport.

(I am based in Jakarta)

Posted by Dive bum (307 days ago)

Thanks to both of you. I had assumed it would be possible to transfer the endorsement - thank you Claire for the links. These links don't seem to suggest that it is mandatory to do this - as you say, GreenValleys. But I'm not sure why I'd even need to carry my old passport with me. I've not been asked for my passport on the 6 or so international trips I've made since obtaining my HK ID and presumably if I do get asked then I either explain the lack of visa to the officer's satisfaction or get a tourist visa and follow up with a trip to the immigration office with my old passport.

My visa is due for renewal in 7 month's time so I'll definitely get my new passport updated at that time.

So, that's my plan for now unless anyone believes this to be a particularly stupid course of action....

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by seneca (304 days ago)

My experience: I have repeatedly had an expired passport containing a current visa (Mainland resident's permit) plus a new passport with zero stamps and visas. The old passport would be perforated as a sign that it has expired; the visa, however, will be valid until you get a new one. I had to carry both my passports - the old one to prove I had a visa, the new passport for the Immigration official to place his chops.
This seems to be international practice. You will therefore not need to transfer your old HK Immigration stamp to your new passport until you get a new HK visa.
Then again, it's somewhat cumbersome travelling on two passports...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Saikunga (293 days ago)

If you are not a PID then you should carry your visa with you at all entry points into and out of HK - just in case...all who live here legally have ID cards, and sometimes they do random checks. We had an incident where one of our kids ID cards went missing during the flight (ended up finding it) but we were able to enter using the visa in the old passport without any hassle.

It isn't too cumbersome carrying 2 passports - unless they are really really big! Just wait to renew when it is time - will save you some money and they accept the visa in the old passport if questioned.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Dive bum (293 days ago)

Probably the sensible course of action....I'll do it!

Thanks.

(I am based in Hong Kong)