Came here (obviously) for Visa application. I have been here before so it was relatively easy to…read morefind. From the ferry you enter Star House and turn left, walk all the way to the end and take the lifts at the end to 12/F. The consulate will be directly on your left when you walk out the lift. Things you need to bring for a Visa application (if you hold a BNO or HKSAR passport): - Application form (they have it at their office, but you can print your own from the website below) - Recent passport photo (4cm x 6cm or larger so they can cut it up) - Photocopy of your passport - Original passport for their verification/reference - Cash (Tourist Visa is HK$290 and business is HK$360, make sure you have cash because they don't take credit card) I think most people will find it difficult to visit their office given they operate short hours within working hours. The good news is that anybody can hand-in the application for you as long as they have all of the above (especially the original passport), no authorization/delegation form is necessary. The process will be quite short and painless if you have everything I've just mentioned. Given no line-ups (there usually are none), the process shouldn't take anymore than 5 minutes. The official website is a mess; HKTDC has a much more organized website: http://hong-kong-economy-research.hktdc.com/business-news/article/Visa-On-Demand/Cambodia-Visa-on-Demand/vod/en/1/1X000000/1X007HXO.htm

Well, everything in the process of getting 5 visas on the spot in 10' for my family went well…read moreEXCEPT that they tried to charge me adult fares for 2 kids under 12. Luckily their visas mention "gratis" in english at the top of the visa stamp/sticker. I came back to the counter and asked why they charged me nearly HKD 600 for 2 kids' visa earmarked as "gratis". Without an additional word (nor disagreement nor apology), I was refunded in cash immediately. Absent mindedness or corruption? Either way, caution is in order there...

Been here on several occasions and I have to say this place is big. Reading online confirmed my…read moresuspicions- the British Consulate in Hong Kong is the biggest in the world and built into the complex is also the office for British Council which deals with educational affairs. My first visit to the British Consulate was to renew my British passport- this was before the days when it was all done by post and online. I cold report that the staff were friendly and they did try to process my application as smoothly as possible. As with all major institutions after 911, security is extremely tight and you could tell that the front door has been made as small as possible to prevent any attacks. On the top of the escalator you will spot a coat of arms- may seem slightly familiar and you would be right as that used to be hung in one of the reception rooms at Government House. My latest visit was also for the same purpose and I was told very quickly that I was not to come in. Not because I'm a terrorist but the fact is that all passport applications are now handled remotely and you have to submit an application online. I guess this is part of the cost cutting procedure in maintain as few personnel here as possible. The British Council section is much more inviting (naturally) and they offer both local language courses as well as advice on higher education in the UK. I was there for an IELTs test and found the place to be really comfortable and the staff friendly. I guess its no wonder that British Council remains popular with students and shall continue to be so.

Spending a day at Immigration Tower is sort of like going to a DMV in the states. Depending on the…read moretime of arrival, it be disorganized, crowded and above all, confusing. There is a certain level of efficiency here, but chaos tends to reign supreme. Since Immigration Tower is actually quite big, it's important to know how to get there. Take get out the Wanchai exit A1 and walk the footbridge north until one reaches the dead end building. From there walk through the security guys and let them know you're heading to the main lobby of the immigration offices. Naturally, there are all sorts of people here. Immigrants, expats tend to dominate the ID card area, but there are also folks who are just looking to square away their travel / visa situations as well. English is definitely spoken here, but one's mileage will vary depending on how good the desk agent is. It is important to come prepared, so do a little research on their official website (http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/index.html) ahead of time. There are copy machines on the 4th floor and ATMs are available on the bottom level in case cash is needed. When it comes to the ID session, the picture taking is the most fun. Choice of photo and autoadjust is pretty awesome. Don't get too carried away though, the desk agents have a several other hundred people waiting behind you.

The longest wait ever to extend my visa here…read more You pretty much grab a number and then sit down and wait to be called. I waited about 2.5 hours for my number to be called. You can't even leave the place without knowing if you're called. Once you're called it goes pretty fast with the processing.

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has been around for more than 66 years and provides…read moreassistance to Filipino nationals living in Hong Kong. Within its time here in Hong Kong, it has changed location for more than 8 times. In 1999, when I was eight years old, it moved to its permanent location on the 14th floor of United Centre. The Consulate enjoys the liberty of taking the day off both on Philippine and Hong Kong holidays. I've been going here for as I can remember, mainly to renew my passport or accompany other family members to do the same. Legal Philippine documents can also be applied here. As the majority of Filipinos in Hong Kong consists of domestic helpers, it forms the larger crowd here especially during Sunday. Scratch that, it is busy every day that it is open, regardless of time. But it does help to arrive early as the crowd only begins to gather an hour after they open. Thankfully, I've never tried using the Consulate's assistance in criminal and social welfare cases, but it's good to know that it is there when I could possibly need it. Renewing passports isn't that easy as there are four (sometimes three) long lines to follow, but at least it's streamlined. Passports can be renewed, at the earliest, 8 months before expiration but can still be handled even though it's 3 months due to expire. Renewing a Philippine passport costs $480 which might not seem much but losing it costs a whopping $1,200! Thankfully, I have never lost my passport. The majority of the world's population enjoy a 30-day visa-free entry to the Philippines while HKSAR passport holders, due to the 2010 tension between Hong Kong and the Philippines, can only stay for 14 days. I like that the official website has downloadable forms so I wouldn't have to take a special trip to Admiralty just to get the forms I need.

Getting through Hong Kong immigration is extremely fast and efficient for Hog King residents and…read morecitizens. A simple use of your is card and a scan of your thumb and you are through immigration. All flights out of Hong Kong are essentially international. I can get through check in to my gate typically in less than 30 minutes.

I took the MTR to travel from North Point to Wanchai . We sat in the park class by to rest and…read moreenjoyed the beautiful sky and sunshine . Outside temperate was 55 F . Proven cold for HK people but perfect for me . This WanChai tower is a government building . One of the main office is to fill in the application for a new Hong Kong ID . Beside local HK citizens, there were Indians , Caucasian, Asians from other parts of the world . It is recommended to make an appointment to avoid long wait . All the staffs were well trained , efficient , good manner and patient. It could be good example for other government staffs in other cities . They are so efficient and polite even it was very busy . I am so impressed and this was a totally wonderful experience.

Great immigration service in this spot Every staff was…read morehelpful and friendly They made my day Thanks again

Fast and friendly staff. They were able to accommodate me and offered assistance in English. The…read morewhole process was smooth and efficient.