Taking Your Domestic Helper on a Trip: How to Bring Helpers to Macau/Abroad｜Visa Requirements for Popular Destinations｜One Thing You Must Never Do!

During the summer holidays, many parents plan to travel with their children, and some even bring theirdomestic helpersabroad. Due to the nationality and status of domestic helpers, do they need a visa to enter other countries or regions? What procedures should be followed? Is travel insurance different from that for Hong Kong residents? What should employers pay attention to when traveling with their helpers? Kwiksure shares the key points both employers and helpers should note when traveling together.

Can Helpers Work While Traveling Abroad?

No! Helpers working in Hong Kong are bound by the Standard Employment Contract, which clearly states in Clause 3 that employers cannot require helpers to work at any address other than the one specified in the contract. Therefore, if the helper leaves Hong Kong, the employer cannot require them to work. The helper may only accompany the employer for sightseeing and tourism; otherwise, the employer is breaking the law.

Additionally, taking a helper abroad should be mutually agreed upon, preferably in writing. The travel agreement should specify the travel dates, destination, duties during the trip, salary arrangements, and other relevant details. Both parties should keep a copy of this agreement.

Check Helper’s Contract Expiry Date

Before planning a trip, employers should check the helper’s contract period. If the trip overlaps with the contract expiry, and the return date is after the contract ends, the employer must apply for renewal at least 8 weeks before the visa expires. The helper must be in Hong Kong during the renewal process.

If the employer wishes to renew the contract more than 8 weeks in advance, they must personally bring the relevant documents to the Immigration Departmentto explain the reason and request special handling. Note: This process cannot be done by an agency; it must be handled by the employer personally.

Helper Travel Insurance

Once the helper leaves Hong Kong, their status becomes that of a tourist, and the employment relationship with the employer is temporarily suspended. Regular helper insurance only covers incidents within Hong Kong, so it becomes invalid. Employers must purchase separate travel insurance for the helper. Unless the purchased helper insurancespecifically states global coverage, only then will the insurance company compensate under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance if the helper falls ill, is injured, or dies abroad. Employers should carefully review the policy terms.

If you plan to purchase travel insurancefor your helper, it is the same as buying insurance for Hong Kong residents. Pay attention to the coverage amount and scope to avoid insufficient protection.

Visa Requirements for Filipino and Indonesian Helpers

Mainland China

Helpers may accompany their employers for short-term trips to Mainland China for tourism, visiting relatives, shopping, and other activities. When applying for a visa, the helper must have served the current employer for at least 3 consecutive months, and the Hong Kong work visa must be valid for more than 2 months. If the helper is applying for a Mainland visa for the first time with the same employer, both the employer and the helper must apply in person at the visa application center. The helper must enter and exit Mainland China together with the employer, and must strictly follow the entry, stay, and exit period as specified on the visa.

Required documents:

• Passport valid for more than 6 months and a copy of the data page
• 1-2 passport photos meeting the specified requirements
• Completed and truthful visa application form
• Original and copy of applicant's Hong Kong ID card and Hong Kong work visa
• Original and copy of employer's Hong Kong ID card
• Original and copy of employment contract
• Employer’s guarantee letter
• Helper’s declaration
• Proof of address in Mainland China (e.g., hotel booking, employer's property ownership, etc.)
• Any other documents requested by the visa officer on a case-by-case basis

China Visa Application Service Center (Hong Kong)

Address: 20/F, Capital Centre, 151 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Telephone: 2992 1999

Office hours: 09:00 - 16:00

Document collection: Express service: 12:00 - 16:00; Regular service: 10:00 - 16:00

Macau

Currently, helpers from Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam must obtain a valid Macau visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate before entering Macau. Filipino and Indonesian helpers can enter Macau using their Hong Kong ID card or passport.

Japan

For Japan, the employer must enter and exit Japan on the same flight or vessel as the helper. If the employer cannot travel together, the helper may travel with a family member who lives with the employer, but note that the required documents for visa application will differ.

Required documents:

• Japan visa application form
• 1 color passport photo of the helper
• Helper’s passport (original and copy)
• Helper’s Hong Kong ID card (original and copy)
• Valid Hong Kong residence permit (original and copy)
• Copy of employer’s passport
• Copy of employer’s Hong Kong ID card
• Original guarantee letter from employer
• If the employer is a national who requires a Japanese visa, a copy of their valid Japanese entry visa
• Employment contract (original and copy)
• Helper’s round-trip air ticket (original and copy)
• Employer’s round-trip air ticket (original and copy)

Japan Visa Application Center

Address: Room 3, 16/F, 148 Electric Road, North Point, Hong Kong

Telephone: 3167 7033

Office hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 16:45

Appointment application: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 15:00

Walk-in applications (20 slots per day): Monday to Friday 08:30 - 13:30

Taiwan

You must first make an appointment on the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office website (for foreign national visas); applications without an appointment will not be accepted. The employer must enter Taiwan at the same time or before the helper; if the employer enters after the helper, the helper will be deported.

Required documents:

• Original passport: must be valid for at least 6 months and have blank pages
• Visa application form: fill in and submit the application on the BOCA eVisa Portal, select “General Visa,” print out the 2-page application form, and have the helper sign it personally. Submit the documents to the designated office within 30 days of signing.
• Two color photos taken within the last 6 months (2 x 1.5 inches, white background)
• Copy of employment contract
• Copy of employer’s Hong Kong ID card
• Copy of helper’s Hong Kong ID card
• Copy of helper’s Hong Kong work visa
• Copy of helper’s passport photo page
• Flight details for helper and employer or their family to Taiwan
• Employer’s signed Taiwan visa guarantee letter

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office

Address: Room 4907, 49/F, Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Telephone: 2887 5011 / 6908 3033

Office hours: 09:00 - 13:00, 14:00 - 16:00

South Korea

If you plan to take your helper to South Korea, the helper must apply for a visa in person at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong.

Required documents:

• Completed South Korea visa application form
• Copy of passport
• Passport photo (color, 3.5cm x 4.5cm)
• Work visa must be valid for more than 4 months and in service
• Certificate and guarantee letter from employer
• Original employment contract
• Original employer’s passport, copy of ID card, and copies of passports of accompanying family members
• Employer’s proof of employment (business card)
• Original employer’s financial proof

Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong

Address: 5/F, Far East Finance Centre, 16 Harcourt Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Telephone: 2528 3666 (13:30pm - 16:30) / 2529 4141

Office hours: 09:00 - 12:00 (arrive before 11:30am)

Collection hours: 13:30 - 16:30

Thailand

Holders of Philippine and Indonesian passports are exempt from visa requirements for entering Thailand.

United States

If the helper is traveling for tourism, visiting friends or relatives, receiving medical treatment, or attending social or service activities, they may apply for a B2 visa.

Application steps:

• Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160)
• Pay the visa application fee
• Schedule an appointment (prepare the following three items):

- Helper’s passport number

- Helper’s visa fee receipt number

- The ten-digit barcode number from the DS-160 confirmation page

Attend the interview in person at the US Consulate on the scheduled date and time. Bring a printed copy of the appointment letter, the DS-160 confirmation page, a recent photo taken within the last 6 months, and all current and old passports. Applications without these documents will not be accepted.

Documents required for the interview:

• Current proof of income, tax returns, property or business ownership, or asset documents

• Travel itinerary and/or other explanations regarding the planned trip

• A letter from the employer listing your position, salary, length of employment, any authorized leave, and your purpose of travel to the United States (if any)

• Criminal/court records of any arrests or convictions anywhere, even if the sentence has been served or pardoned

United States Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau

Address: 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong
Phone: 2523 9011
Office hours: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM