178 countries and regions: How was this number arrived at?

On July 27, 2026, the Hong Kong Immigration Department issued a press release announcing that two new visa-free destinations have been added for holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports—

• Nicaragua: Effective immediately
• Solomon Islands: SinceAugust 26, 2026Take effect

Both placesMay stay for 30 days. Including these two locations, there are a total of178 countries and regionsVisa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges are granted to holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports (subject to official announcements by the Immigration Department).

This number isThe Immigration Department's official statistical criteria, which includes both visa-free and visa-on-arrival arrangements, and is subject to ongoing adjustments based on changes in each country’s policies. Be sure to double-check the list of destinations and permitted lengths of stay on the Immigration Department’s official website before traveling, becauseActual implementation in certain countries may differ from the announcement.The

171 vs. 178: Why Are These Two Numbers Different?

On January 17, 2026, the Henley Passport Index (Henley & Partners) released its 2026 rankings:

• Hong Kong, China ranks15th in the world
• Visa-free travel171 destinations

It should be noted that the Henry Index figure of 171 and the Immigration Department’s figure of 178 are based on two different statistical methodologies.... The former tallies destinations according to its own rules, while the latter follows the official Hong Kong statistics.The two figures are not contradictory, and there is no question of ”which one is more authoritative.”—When citing, simply indicate the source of the figure; do not mix sources.

What is more helpful for applicants isRanking Trends: Hong Kong, China has consistently ranked among the top 20 globally, indicating that the travel power of its passport is underpinned by institutional stability rather than short-term fluctuations.

The Practical Significance of Adding Two New Regions in 2026

Both Nicaragua and the Solomon Islands are part ofOff-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Central America and the South Pacific...while it has had a limited impact on most people's daily commutes, it sends two signals:

1. The visa-free zone continues to expand slowly, Work on issuing visas to foreign nationals holding Hong Kong SAR passports continues to move forward;
2. 30-day single-visit stayIt is a relatively common standard, butCountries may determine the length of stay on their own....However, you must still verify each case individually before traveling.

The destinations that are truly visited most frequently are still the traditional ones, such as the Schengen Area in Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and Australia and New Zealand.

Compared to a Singaporean passport, what are the differences?

Singapore passports have long ranked near the top of the Ningli Index, and they typically grant access to more visa-free destinations than passports issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. However, the twoThe access paths are completely different.::

• Singapore Passport: Generally, you must first obtain permanent resident (PR) status, then meet the residency requirements and naturalization criteria, andSingapore does not recognize dual citizenship, To become a naturalized citizen, you must renounce your original nationality.
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport: Based on Chinese citizenship, the path is “Obtain Hong Kong resident status → Reside in Hong Kong continuously for 7 years → Apply for Hong Kong permanent residency → Apply for a Special Administrative Region passport", so there is no issue of renouncing one's original nationality.

The conclusion is simple: if the goal is to ”have an additional travel document with strong international recognition,” the paths available in the two regions differ greatly; if the goal is to ”retain mainland residency while gaining international travel convenience,” the structural advantages of the Hong Kong SAR passport are more evident. Specific policies are subject to the official announcements by the Immigration Department.

Common Misconception: Visa-Free Entry ≠ Right of Residence

This is the most frequently asked question in consultations—and also the one most prone to misunderstanding:

• Visa-freeThis only applies to ”short-term visits that do not require a visa in advance,” which are typically limited to purposes such as tourism and business visits,Cannot work; cannot stay long-termThe
• Right of Residence / Permanent ResidenceThis is the legal basis for living, working, and accessing public services in the local community.
• The Hong Kong SAR passport offersDual Benefits: Travel Convenience + Permanent Residency in Hong Kong...the two cannot be viewed in isolation.

In addition, it is important to note that supporting regulations regarding Hong Kong permanent residency (“seven consecutive years of habitual residence”), dependent visas, residence permits for residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, and the coordination of social security systems between the Mainland and Hong Kong,This search did not identify any new revisions in 2026., Before citing this information, verify the original text from the Immigration Department or Social Security Administration; do not rely on information provided by agencies.

From Visa to Passport: A 7-Year Journey

1. Obtained through the High-Talent Pass, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, the Specialized Talent Scheme, the IANG, or the New Capital Investor Immigration Scheme, among othersHong Kong resident status
2. Keep your visa valid, maintain genuine ties to Hong Kong, and complete the renewal process
3. Usual ResidenceFor 7 consecutive yearsAfterward, apply to verify your eligibility for a permanent resident ID card
4. Claim After ApprovalHong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport

There are no shortcuts to skipping these seven years. Claims on the market about ”fast-track passport issuance” are unfounded, and any organization claiming to ”guarantee approval for permanent residency” should not be trusted; eligibility is verified on a case-by-case basis by the Immigration Department.

Qicaiying has an on-the-ground team in Hong Kong specializing in visa applications and renewal planning. They can help assess the entire pathway from a visa to permanent residency and highlight key documentation requirements at each stage—but the seven-year residency requirement is a strict requirement, and there is no alternative to it.