Do I Need a Hong Kong Visa for Transit?

Hey folks, so here’s the deal – I’ve got this flight plan that involves hopping from Tokyo to Hong Kong to Da Nang, all courtesy of Hong Kong Express. And yep, I’ve got one of those trusty checked bags in tow. Now, after a good bit of digging on the booking site’s rules, it seems I’m gonna have to make a pit stop at HKG, grab my luggage, and then check it in again for the next leg. Cue the worry bells – do I need a visa for Hong Kong or not?

Here’s the lowdown: I’m not planning on straying from the transit zone. But since I might have to venture out to snag my bag, does that still count as me being in transit? I know that with fancier airlines like Cathay Pacific, they usually handle the luggage hustle for you, so this whole situation wouldn’t even be a blip on the radar. But with Hong Kong Express being a budget carrier, things might get a bit stickier.

So, has anyone out there gone through a similar song and dance with Hong Kong Express? Or perhaps you’ve had to play the baggage relay game at HKG on a self-transfer journey? And the eternal visa question – do I need to bother with one in this scenario?

I’ve scoured the internet for answers, but it’s been slim pickings, especially when it comes to the Hong Kong Express experience. Any recent tales from the transit trenches or nuggets of wisdom would be more than welcome. Thanks a ton in advance, y’all!