Hong Kong and Uzbekistan Announce 30-Day Visa-Free Travel Agreement

Hong Kong and Uzbekistan Set to Launch 30-Day Visa-Free Travel

Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are on the verge of a significant travel agreement that will allow citizens of both regions to visit for up to 30 days without a visa. This development, confirmed through the exchange of diplomatic notes on June 3, 2026, aims to strengthen ties in tourism, trade, and education. The new arrangement is expected to replace the current, more restrictive entry rules and boost economic cooperation between Central Asia and the global financial hub of Hong Kong.

Key Changes to Travel Rules

The upcoming agreement marks a substantial upgrade from the existing travel policies. Currently, holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports can enter Uzbekistan for 10 days visa-free. This policy has been in place since March 2021. For Uzbek citizens, the situation is different: ordinary passport holders require a visa to enter Hong Kong, while those with diplomatic or service passports are granted 14 days of visa-free entry.

Under the new pact, these distinctions will be removed, establishing a uniform 30-day visa-free period for all travelers between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan. This change is particularly impactful for ordinary Uzbek citizens, who will gain visa-free access to Hong Kong for the first time under this new framework.

Boosting Economic and Cultural Exchange

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stated that the implementation of this visa-free arrangement will foster greater exchanges between the two places. He believes it will stimulate tourism, support educational pursuits, and encourage commercial cooperation. This move is also seen as a strategic step for Hong Kong to expand its reach into emerging markets within Central Asia.

Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakhtiyor Saidov, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the agreement supports Uzbekistan’s goals for economic modernization. He views Hong Kong’s position as a global financial center as vital for this development. The planned arrangement is not just about easier travel; it’s about building stronger economic and educational bridges.

Practical Implications for Travelers

While the political agreement is in place, the new 30-day visa-free travel arrangement has not yet officially taken effect. Both governments are working on the final implementation measures and detailed arrangements. Travelers are advised to wait for official confirmation before planning trips based on the new rules.

Once active, the longer stay period will accommodate more than just short visits. It is intended to support longer business tours and university exchange programs, which are often constrained by shorter visa limits. This extended period makes travel more practical for a wider range of purposes.

Broader Regional Connections

The agreement with Hong Kong is part of a larger trend in Uzbekistan’s approach to international travel. Recently, Uzbekistan also established a similar 30-day mutual visa exemption with Mainland China, which began on June 1, 2025. Furthermore, as of January 1, 2026, U.S. citizens can travel to Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days for business and tourism.

These policy shifts indicate Uzbekistan’s strategic effort to attract more international visitors and foster global connections. For Hong Kong, this agreement aligns with its strategy to deepen economic ties with regions beyond its traditional partners.

Future Air Travel

Adding to the ease of travel, direct flights between Hong Kong and Tashkent are slated to launch later in 2026. This planned air link is expected to complement the visa-free travel arrangement, supporting the anticipated increase in passenger traffic once the new entry rules are in force. The

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