Hong Kong residents granted visa-free travel to two more countries including Kyrgyzstan

CHINA – Individuals holding a passport from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) can now enter the Republic of Angola and the Kyrgyz Republic for up to 30 days without a visa, the Immigration Department stated on Thursday.

The Department mentioned that the government of Angola has informed the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) that individuals holding SAR passports can travel to Angola without a Visa. This Visa-Free arrangement allows them to stay in Angola for up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days within a year. This notification reflects a diplomatic understanding between the two regions, facilitating the easiest travel for Hong Kong SAR Passport holders to visit Angola for specified durations.

Meanwhile, the Kyrgyzstan Government has officially stated that individuals with passports from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) can enter the country through Manas International Airport in Bishkek.

As long as they have return Tickets, they are allowed to stay in Kyrgyzstan for a maximum of 30 days and can re-enter after 30 days from the date of departure from Kyrgyzstan, making it more convenient for SAR Passport holders to visit the country. This decision aims to facilitate the easiest traveling and foster closer ties between Hong Kong SAR and Kyrgyzstan.

A spokesperson from the department mentioned that both Kyrgyzstan and Angola are involved in the Belt & Road Initiative. The visa-free agreements are designed to make traveling more convenient and easier between both Kyrgyzstan and Angola. This is expected to strengthen connections in tourism, culture, and the economy.

The citizens of Hong Kong can now visit over 170 countries with the facility of visa-free travel or on-arrival visas and the Henley Passport Index also rates Hong Kong’s Passport in the top 20 in terms of freedom to visit other countries.

The visa-free travel relaxation is being offered by multiple countries across the world to revive the economy as the social distancing protocols have been lifted.

Starting from December 1 of this year, Malaysia has also decided that people from China and India can visit the country without needing a visa for up to 30 days. This new rule will be in place until December 31, 2024. The visa relaxation means that citizens from China and India can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days without going through the process of getting a visa.