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Annex C
Visa Rules for BC's
A British Citizen, holding a valid British passport, does not require any sort of visa to enter Hong Kong; however he does not have automatic right of entry as he may have to satisfy the immigration officer on arrival that you have sufficient means of support for your stay, (i.e. an obvious tramp could be refused entry, even from Britain). Also the period of stay is not unlimited. It is usually six months initially.
British Citizens who wish to stay beyond their permitted stay should apply to the Immigration Department for extension of stay. Their stay will be extended periodically subject to all immigration requirements being met. (It is worth noting that we could, but do not, apply the law strictly here i.e. we do not normally prosecute British citizens for overstaying without permission: like other countries we let them go on exit even if they have overstayed),
In contrast all non-British nationals (e.g. US, French) require permission be here for work or investment
purposes.
(The length of stay for visit varies from 7 days to 3 months according to the place of origin.) They need a visa for such purposes. Visitors who are found in non-approved employment in Hong Kong are in breach of their condition of stay. They are liable to prosecution and if, convicted, to a fine of $5,000 and to imprisonment for two years. They are also removed to their countries of origin after payment of fines or serving sentences.
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