How to apply for a Hong Kong statement of travel records in 2026 (fee, processing time)
A Hong Kong statement of travel records costs HK$160 and normally takes around 10 working days to process, and you can apply for one online, by post or in person — but the three channels do not collect the fee in the same way. According to the Hong Kong Immigration Department's "Immigration Clearance" frequently asked questions page, as of October 2026, online and mobile applications are paid after the department processes the application, while postal and in-person applications are paid at the point of submission and cannot be paid in cash.
What does a statement of travel records actually show?
The statement is a record of movement, not a status document. It contains the data subject's English name, date of birth, the arrival and departure dates during the period you requested, and the names of the control points through which the data subject completed immigration clearance as a passenger.
That is the full scope of what it certifies. It does not state why you travelled, where you stayed, or how many days you were physically present, and the department prepares it based on the information you furnish — so if your identity details are wrong or incomplete, the record produced may not match the person you are trying to document.
How far back do the travel records go?
Records earlier than the preceding 10 years are not available. If you need arrivals and departures from more than a decade ago, the statement cannot cover them, and no amount of additional supporting documents changes that limit.
Practically, this means an English-speaking resident who has been in Hong Kong for many years should request a period that falls inside the last 10 years, and should decide what the statement needs to show before choosing the dates.
What information do you need to give when applying?
The applicant should provide the data subject's name in English and Chinese (if applicable), sex, date of birth, identity card number (if any), nationality, and travel document numbers — both documents used currently and those used previously.
The department states that if you do not provide sufficient information, it may not be able to process the application or ascertain the related travel records. Old passport numbers are therefore worth digging out before you start, especially if you renewed your passport during the period being requested.
Online, by post or in person: what actually differs?
All three channels lead to the same statement, the same HK$160 fee, and the same registered-mail delivery. The differences are in when you pay and how you prove your identity.
Applying online or through the Immigration Department Mobile Application
For applications submitted on the Internet or through the Immigration Department Mobile Application, an email for online payment is sent to the applicant after the application is processed. You then pay through the webpage link in that email by entering your application reference number.
Accepted payment methods for that online link are FPS, PPS, Mainland e-wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only), and credit card (VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB only).
Applying by post or in person
For applications submitted by post or in person, the fee is paid when you submit the application. No cash should be sent with the application, and no post-dated cheque is accepted.
Instead, applicants should send a crossed cheque, bank draft or cashier order payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region".
| Channel | When the HK$160 is paid | Accepted payment | Not accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online / Immigration Department Mobile Application | After the application is processed, via a payment email link | FPS, PPS, Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay App, and VISA / Mastercard / UnionPay / JCB credit cards | — |
| By post | Upon submission | Crossed cheque, bank draft, cashier order payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" | Cash, post-dated cheque |
| In person | Upon submission | Crossed cheque, bank draft, cashier order payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" | Cash, post-dated cheque |
For a resident living outside Hong Kong, this is the decisive difference: a postal application requires a Hong Kong-dollar negotiable instrument drawn in favour of the HKSAR Government, while an online application allows payment from abroad using a credit card or one of the listed e-wallets.
How long does it take, and how is the statement sent?
It normally takes around 10 working days to process an application after receipt of all necessary documents and the fee. Working days are Monday to Friday, excluding General Holidays, and the time taken by the mailing service is excluded from the processing time.
The statement itself is sent to the applicant by registered mail. So the realistic wait is the 10 working days plus whatever delivery takes, and the delivery leg is not counted in the department's own figure.
Who else can apply on behalf of a data subject?
If you are not the data subject, you can still apply if you are the parent of a data subject who is a minor, or you are authorised in writing by the data subject, or you are appointed by a court to manage the data subject's affairs — in each case together with documentary proof to support it.
For a child under 18, you have to submit photocopies of your child's identification documents and proof of relationship such as a birth certificate, plus one photocopy of the particulars and signature pages of your own proof of identity (for example a travel document). You sign the application form yourself, and the signature must match the one on the photocopy of your proof of identity.
For a deceased close family member such as a parent, spouse or child, you must state clearly on the form the reason for applying, and submit photocopies of the death certificate, the identification documents of the deceased, and your proof of relationship, plus a photocopy of the particulars and signature pages of your own proof of identity. You fill in the deceased person's personal particulars and sign the form yourself, with the signature matching your proof of identity.
How to apply, step by step
Decide the period you need, keeping it within the last 10 years.
Gather the data subject's English and Chinese name, sex, date of birth, identity card number (if any), nationality, and current and previous travel document numbers.
Choose your channel: online or the Immigration Department Mobile Application, by post, or in person.
Prepare the supporting documents, including proof of relationship or authorisation if you are applying for someone else.
Submit the application and provide all required information.
Pay the HK$160 by the method that matches your channel.
Wait for the payment email if you applied online, or for the statement if you already paid.
Receive the statement by registered mail.
What can slow an application down
Insufficient information is the main risk the department flags: if the details you give do not let it identify the travel records, it may be unable to process the application.
A mismatch between the signature on the form and the signature on your proof of identity is another avoidable problem when applying for a child or a deceased relative. Cheques that are post-dated, or cash sent with a postal application, are also not acceptable forms of payment.
This article describes how the application process is set out on official pages and is general information only, not advice tailored to your own residence, immigration or tax position; where your case depends on specific dates or on how another authority reads the statement, check the official page and consider taking professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Hong Kong statement of travel records cost in 2026?
The application fee is HK$160. The same fee applies whether you apply online, by post or in person.
Can I pay the fee in cash?
For applications by post or in person, no cash should be sent with the application, and post-dated cheques are also not accepted. Pay with a crossed cheque, bank draft or cashier order payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region".
How long does processing take?
Around 10 working days after receipt of all necessary documents and the fee, with working days meaning Monday to Friday excluding General Holidays. Mailing time is excluded, and the statement is sent by registered mail.
How many years of travel records can I request?
Travel records earlier than the preceding 10 years are not available. Request a period that falls within the last 10 years.
What information appears on the statement?
It shows the data subject's English name, date of birth, arrival and departure dates during the requested period, and the names of the control points used to complete immigration clearance as a passenger.
Can I apply for my child or for a deceased family member?
You may apply for a child under 18 by submitting photocopies of the child's identification documents, proof of relationship such as a birth certificate, and the particulars and signature pages of your own proof of identity. You may also apply for a deceased close family member such as a parent, spouse or child, with a death certificate, the deceased's identification documents and proof of relationship.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
Yes, if they are your parent and you are a minor, if they are authorised by you in writing, or if they have been appointed by a court to manage your affairs. Documentary proof supporting that capacity is required.