Archive · 30 Jul 2025
Travel Blogger Denied Boarding to Hong Kong Due to PAR Issue
A travel blogger's family had their trip to Hong Kong ruined because of a small problem with their online travel permission form.
The form, needed for Indians to visit Hong Kong, asked where their passport was issued, but the options didn't exactly match their passport.
Even though the form was initially approved, the airline wouldn't let them board the plane.
This happened because the system checks the form against the passport very strictly.
The family was offered a visa after the incident.
Experts recommend getting a visa if the online form doesn't perfectly match your passport details to avoid such issues.
An Indian travel blogger and her family were denied boarding for a Hong Kong flight due to a Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) issue.
The PAR form required for Indians visiting Hong Kong had a "Place of Issue" section that didn't match the blogger's passport.
Despite an approved PAR, the airline couldn't check them in because of the mismatch, leading to disappointment.
An expert suggests applying for a visa if the PAR dropdown doesn't match passport details, to avoid issues.
Hong Kong Immigration offered the family a visa and Cathay Pacific offered support after the incident.
- Who
- Indian travel blogger Roslin Dwivedi and her family.
- What
- An Indian travel blogger and family were denied boarding a flight to Hong Kong due to a mismatch in their Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR).
- When
- The incident occurred when the family was traveling to Hong Kong.
- Where
- At the airport and in Hong Kong, for their intended trip to Disneyland.
- Why
- Because of a mismatch in the "Place of Issue" section on the PAR form compared to their passport details.
Traveler Frustration
Immigration Protocol
System Rigidity vs. Traveler Flexibility
Traveler Frustration
Travelers face frustration and disappointment when denied boarding due to minor discrepancies in the PAR application, especially when the system is automated and doesn't offer flexibility or manual review.
Immigration Protocol
The Hong Kong immigration system's strict adherence to PAR details is essential for security and border control, though it can cause inconvenience in some cases.
- PAR Requirement
- Mandatory for Indian passport holders visiting Hong Kong.
- Visa-Free Stay
- Up to 14 days for Indians with a valid PAR.
- Issue
- Mismatch in "Place of Issue" on PAR form.
- Result
- Denied boarding for the flight.
- Expert Advice
- Apply for a visa if the PAR details don't exactly match the passport.
- PAR Application Time
- Apply a few days before the trip.