Hong Kong Visa Issues
Prior to May 1998

On July 1, Hong Kong reverted from British to Chinese Sovereignty. According to the 1984 Sino-British Declaration, Hong Kong, except for foreign and defense affairs, will enjoy a high degree of autonomy and will be known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Most visa procedures relative to Hong Kong will not change with this change in sovereignty, although some new travel documents will come into use. The following cable reviews visa procedures that will be applicable to Hong Kong residents as of July 1.

As of July 1, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will remain a separate foreign state chargeability area under INA Section 202 for the allocation of immigrant visas. IV applicants born in Hong Kong, regardless of nationality, will continue to be charged to Hong Kong, under the symbol HNK.