Hong Kong and Uzbekistan Agree on 30-Day Mutual Visa-Free Travel Arrangement

HKSAR Government and Government of Uzbekistan exchange notes on mutual visa-free arrangement

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Government of Uzbekistan exchanged notes today (June 3, Tashkent time), agreeing to discuss the implementation details of a mutual visa-free arrangement, which would allow a visa-free period of 30 days for visitors from both sides. Witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Mr Bakhtiyor Saidov, representatives from both governments exchanged notes today to confirm the establishment of a mutual visa-free arrangement. Following the exchange of notes, the governments of both places will immediately advance the discussions of the detailed arrangements to strive for early implementation.

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HKSAR Government and Government of Uzbekistan exchange notes on mutual visa-free arrangement Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSAR Government and Government of Uzbekistan exchange notes on mutual visa-free arrangement Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSAR Government and Government of Uzbekistan exchange notes on mutual visa-free arrangement Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSAR Government and Government of Uzbekistan exchange notes on mutual visa-free arrangement Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Currently, HKSAR passport holders can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days. Holders of diplomatic and service passports from Uzbekistan can visit Hong Kong visa-free for 14 days, while holders of ordinary passports from Uzbekistan must apply for a visa to visit Hong Kong.

To build closer bilateral relations, the HKSAR Government and the Government of Uzbekistan are establishing a mutual visa-free arrangement. This will extend the visa-free period for HKSAR passport holders visiting Uzbekistan from the current 10 days to 30 days, while all passport holders from Uzbekistan will be able to visit Hong Kong visa-free for 30 days.

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government stated that following the relaxation of the application criteria for multiple-entry visas for business and travel to Hong Kong for nationals from Uzbekistan in September 2025, establishing a mutual visa-free arrangement with Uzbekistan will help further promote economic, trade, and tourism development between Hong Kong and Central Asia.

Man sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for operating unlicensed slaughterhouse, illegally slaughtering food animals and selling prohibited food

A man pleaded guilty at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts today (June 3) to charges of operating an unlicensed slaughterhouse, illegally slaughtering food animals, and selling prohibited food at a goat farm in Kam Tin, Yuen Long, in breach of the Slaughterhouses Regulation and the Food Business Regulation. He was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for each of the three charges by the Court, with the sentences to run concurrently.

The spokeman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said that the FEHD conducted a blitz operation with the Police on April 16 this year, successfully cracked down on illegal goat slaughtering activities and the sale of prohibited food at the goat farm, and arrested and charged the man.

Under the Slaughterhouses Regulation and the Food Business Regulation, operating an unlicensed slaughterhouse, illegally slaughtering food animals, or sale of prohibited food are serious offences. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment up to six months.

The spokesman emphasised the FEHD’s deep concern and strong commitment to combating the illegal slaughtering of food animals and the sale of prohibited food through stringent enforcement actions against violations. Anyone who discovers suspected illegal slaughtering activities or has doubts about the origin of meat being sold by retailers can report it by calling 1823.