Visa Requirements For Taking Your Domestic Helper on Holiday

Updated 19 January 2026

Travelling with a domestic worker can be a practical and positive experience, whether it’s a family holiday, visiting relatives, or an extended stay overseas. For many employers in Hong Kong, however, questions often arise around visas, costs, and responsibilities.

Taking a domestic worker on holiday involves more than booking flights. It requires proper planning, clear communication, and compliance with domestic worker visa and holiday visa requirements, which vary depending on the destination country and the worker’s nationality.

This guide explains what employers need to know before travelling with their domestic worker from Hong Kong.

Is It Allowed to Take a Domestic Worker on Holiday?

Yes. Hong Kong employers are allowed to travel with their domestic worker, provided all legal and immigration requirements are met.

The domestic worker must:

• Hold a valid Hong Kong domestic worker visa

• Travel with the employer or employer’s family

• Continue working only within the scope of the employment contract

A domestic worker holiday is considered legal when the helper travels as part of the household and not as a tourist travelling independently.

Domestic Worker Visa vs Holiday Visa: What’s the Difference?

This is where many employers feel uncertain.

A Hong Kong domestic worker visa only allows the worker to live and work in Hong Kong. It does not automatically grant the right to enter other countries.

For travel outside Hong Kong, most domestic workers need:

• A short-term visit or holiday visa for the destination country

• A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity

• Proof of employment and return travel

Each country sets its own holiday visa requirements, and these depend heavily on the domestic worker’s nationality. In many South-east Asian countries, your domestic helper is allowed to join you on a short stay tourist. But in many western countries, your domestic helper will need to apply for a special visa. If you want to avoid tourist issues ruining your holiday, contacting the embassy will be the best way, but we have done some of the legwork for you for some popular holiday destinations.

Remember, foreign domestic helpers are not allowed to work while on holiday in a foreign country unless that employment follows local employment laws, including minimum wage, insurance, visa/immigration, etc. In addition, you must get your domestic helper’s consent if you require her to perform domestic duties during the trip (given that the visa she has for the destination allows her to work).

Europe

Schengen area

Philippine or Indonesian nationals are required to apply for a Schengen visa. The Schengen area covers 26 countries. If you intend to visit several under the Schengen area and the stays will be of equal length, the domestic helper must apply for a Schengen visa at the Consulate of the country whose external borders you will cross first when entering the Schengen area i.e. your first destination. Note that some countries such as France have additional rules and requirements for issuing Schengen visas.

France

You can apply for a French visa for your domestic helper via the official visa website for France. The employer has to initiate the application up to three months before you’re set to travel. An application form needs to be filled out and sent to the local labour department and only after receiving a stamped and signed form, can the domestic helper apply for her visa. The process will take around one month, but may be longer in the months prior to the summer holiday so make sure your domestic helper secures a time slot early.

The United Kingdom

Taking your domestic helper to the UK is possible if you apply for a Domestic Workers in a Private Household visa and will cost £516. The application needs to be made up to three months before departure and you should get a decision on the visa within 3 weeks. The application needs to be made online, but as part of the process, the domestic helper needs to go to the visa application centre. Your domestic helper will need to have worked for you for at least a year.

The United States

Applying for a Domestic Employee Visa to the US is tough as immigration can decide to deny the visa if they suspect your domestic worker could attempt to disappear during the trip. Make sure your domestic helper has at least one-year domestic working experience attested to by statements from you or previous employers.

APAC

Australia

Domestic workers accompanying their employer/family household travelling to Australia for tourism or a business visit should apply for the subclass 600 Visitor (Business Visitor stream) visa. Pay attention that this visa does not allow work in Australia. The Australian process is quite rigid so make sure that you state everything clearly on the form to avoid breaching conditions of stay. Also, be ready to prove that your domestic helper is an integral part of your family and that her help is absolutely necessary during your trip.

China

Domestic helpers can apply for a tourist visa to China. The employer will need to provide a guarantee letter containing the purpose of domestic helper’s visit, entry and departure dates. You will also need to guarantee that the domestic helper will enter and exit Mainland China together with you. Regulations for the PRC have been changing over the past years, and you may want to check with the PRC embassy or office for the latest regulations. Pay attention that it’s forbidden to ask your domestic helper to work for you in China with this tourist visa.

Singapore

Flying to Singapore for a long weekend on a whim? Don’t worry, passport holders from the Philippines and Indonesia are allowed to stay for 30 days without needing to apply for a visa.

Thailand

Domestic helpers from Indonesia and the Philippines can enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa. It couldn’t be easier.

Indonesia

For your Indonesian domestic helper, there are no worries as she will be free to travel there at any time. Filipino domestic helpers can also join your family, as they will be granted a 30-day “visa-free short visit permit” upon arrival.

Who Pays for the Visa and Travel Costs?

Under Hong Kong law and standard employment practice, when an employer chooses to take a domestic worker on holiday:

• The employer is generally responsible for visa fees

• The employer covers airfare, accommodation, and travel-related expenses

• The domestic worker continues to receive normal wages

This ensures the domestic worker is not financially disadvantaged by the trip.

Working Hours and Rest During the Holiday

A common misunderstanding is that a holiday means continuous work.

Even during travel:

• The domestic worker is entitled to rest time

• Working hours should remain reasonable

• The worker should have privacy and proper accommodation

Clear expectations before the trip help avoid misunderstandings and maintain a respectful working relationship.

Important Things Employers Often Overlook

Before travelling, employers should double-check:

• Passport validity (many countries require at least 6 months)

• Whether transit visas are needed

• Re-entry requirements for Hong Kong

• Travel insurance coverage for the domestic worker

Failing to meet visa conditions can result in denied boarding or entry, even if flights are already booked.

Talking It Through Before You Travel

Open communication is essential.

Before planning a domestic worker holiday:

• Confirm whether the worker is willing to travel

• Discuss duties, rest days, and accommodation

• Explain the itinerary clearly

• Allow time for visa processing

Not all domestic workers may feel comfortable travelling, and consent matters.

How HelperChoice Supports Ethical Employment

At HelperChoice, we encourage employers to make informed and fair decisions when travelling with a domestic worker. Ethical employment includes respecting immigration rules, covering required costs, and ensuring the worker’s well-being throughout the trip.

A well-planned holiday can strengthen trust and create a positive experience for everyone involved—when done transparently and responsibly.