Hong Kong and Uzbekistan governments reached an agreement on June 3 to establish a reciprocal visa-free arrangement enabling visitors from both territories to stay up to 30 days without a visa [1, 2, 3]. The agreement was formalized during an exchange of notes witnessed by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov [1, 2, 3].
Before the new deal, Hong Kong passport holders could enter Uzbekistan without a visa for 10 days. Under the arrangement, this period will be extended to 30 days [1, 2, 3]. Conversely, Uzbek holders of diplomatic and official passports currently enjoy 14-day visa-free access to Hong Kong. Ordinary Uzbek passport holders previously required visas, but the new agreement grants them 30-day visa-free access as well [1, 2, 3].
Hong Kong officials said the mutual visa exemption will promote tourism, education, business cooperation, and strengthen long-term economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Central Asia [1, 2]. Chief Executive John Lee, leading a delegation in Central Asia, stated that the governments will "immediately advance the discussions of the detailed arrangements to strive for early implementation" following the note exchange [2]. He also said in Cantonese that implementing the visa arrangement will foster exchanges between the two places and serve as a good foundation for long-term economic and trade cooperation, while helping Hong Kong expand into emerging Central Asian markets [1].
Alongside the visa agreement, John Lee revealed plans to relaunch direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty, Kazakhstan, in early 2027, aiming to boost regional connectivity [2].
The reciprocal visa-free arrangement marks a significant increase in the visit time allowed for travelers from both sides. It is expected to facilitate greater people-to-people contact and business opportunities starting soon after the agreement’s implementation [1, 2, 3].
