Indian journey blogger Roslin Dwivedi and her household’s plans to spend a birthday in Hong Kong’s Disneyland had been “shattered” owing to a slight mismatch within the particulars on the Pre-Arrival Registration that’s required for Indians visiting the area. Documenting the frustration, the blogger shared on Instagram, “We dreamt of a tremendous birthday trip, Disneyland, plenty of distinctive locations, buying, and native meals experiences, however all that was shattered after we had been denied boarding for Hong Kong. Going again house, I couldn’t cease crying.”Notably, Indian passport holders can go to Hong Kong for as much as 14 days and not using a visa. Nonetheless, they should full one important step — to submit Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) on-line. This necessary slip permits a number of entries inside six months.
Stressing that “it seems like reliving a nightmare”, Roslin added, “Getting a Hong Kong PAR (Pre-Arrival Registration) as an Indian is often easy, however there’s no assure. We stuffed out the shape, hit submit, and it was accredited in seconds. However right here’s the catch: your software should precisely match your passport”.
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The blogger stated that their concern was with the “Place of Concern” part. “There was no choice that matched our passport, and no solution to manually sort it in (not like the homeland choice). We thought it wouldn’t matter. However on the airport, the airline couldn’t examine us in due to that mismatch. They tried for an hour, even referred to as immigration, however nothing labored. It was heartbreaking—our son cried as a result of he was excited for Disneyland. What made it worse? No human is reviewing your PAR—only a system that offers a sure or no. Even when the error isn’t your fault, you will be denied boarding. I genuinely hope Hong Kong improves this technique or turns it into a correct, paid visa course of so vacationers don’t face this confusion or disappointment,” she continued.
In one other submit, detailing the “again story,” Roslin recalled that the household felt the problem was a “minor” one. “However simply to be secure, we emailed Hong Kong immigration, hoping for readability. Two weeks handed. There was no clear reply, saying sure, you’re good to go, or no, this isn’t acceptable. We assumed it wouldn’t matter a lot. However on the airport — every thing fell aside. We had been denied boarding. We tried explaining to the airline workers that there’s nothing we may do to vary the shape or change what’s printed on our passports. They understood. They even reached out to immigration on our behalf — each through telephone and e-mail — however once more, no real-time assist got here.”
Nonetheless, “a small mild got here by way of”. “Hong Kong Immigration referred to as us again. They apologised for the confusion and the delay, and kindly supplied us a visa legitimate for six months. Cathay Pacific airline additionally adopted up, checking how they may assist us post-incident.”
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Santosh Pawaskar, visa head at R Ok Holidays, said that the Hong Kong Immigration Division mandates Indian nationals to finish a web based PAR as a prerequisite for visa-free entry for as much as 14 days or transit functions. “What occurs in the event you don’t have barcode/pre-arrival registration is that airways might refuse to board you for Hong Kong-bound flights. “Even in the event you arrive, Hong Kong Immigration might deny entry, forcing you to return to your departure level and endure vital inconvenience,” stated Pawaskar.
Pawaskar pressured that the PAR for Hong Kong is accomplished at the very least 2–3 enterprise days earlier than the journey date to keep away from any inconvenience. “A journey affiliate makes certain the arrival is secure with none issues. For PAR, the paperwork required are minimal—simply your passport (which ought to be legitimate for at the very least 6 months out of your journey date), flight particulars, lodging info, and employment particulars (if relevant).”
In response to the Authorities of the Hong Kong Particular Administrative Area’s Immigration Division web site, “All members of the family are required to use for PAR individually”.
Pawaskar stated that usually, PAR is rejected as a result of:
1. Incorrect or Mismatched Passport Details2. Expired or Close to-Expiry Passport3. Duplicate or A number of Applications4. Earlier Overstay or Violation in Hong Kong5. Inconsistent Information6. Technical/Could also be server concern
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One of many feedback stated, “That is such an vital reminder”. “If the HKPAR dropdown doesn’t have the precise ‘Place of Concern’ out of your passport, it’s most secure to skip PAR and apply for a correct visa. The system is automated, and any mismatch — even when it’s not your fault — can result in denied boarding. Extra consciousness is unquestionably wanted!” Agreeing, Pawaskar stated that 99 per cent of the time, the problem will be resolved by shortly making use of for a visa, which incurs a further payment.
What to do in case your PAR is rejected?
*Test the rejection motive to grasp why your software was denied.*If the problem is minor, right the error and submit a brand new software.*Apply for a proper Hong Kong Go to Visa in the event you plan to remain longer than 14 days.
Ideas for a clean PAR software
*Despite the fact that PAR is immediate, apply a number of days earlier than your journey to keep away from last-minute hassles.* Guarantee all info matches your passport and journey plans.*At all times carry a printed and signed copy of your PAR slip.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to
