Hong Kong, Uzbekistan Discuss 30-Day Visa-Free Deal

Hong Kong and Uzbekistan have agreed to begin detailed work on a 30-day mutual visa-free arrangement, but the change is not yet in force.

What changed

During talks in Tashkent on June 3, the two sides exchanged verbal notes and said they would move ahead with the detailed implementation measures. That makes this a pending policy change, not a new rule travelers can use today.

Who is affected now

The current rules still apply. HKSAR passport holders can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 10 days only by air, and they need a return ticket or onward ticket to a third country; land-border entry still requires a tourist eVisa. Uzbek ordinary passport holders still need a visa to enter Hong Kong, while holders of Uzbek diplomatic and official passports may visit Hong Kong visa-free for up to 14 days.

When it takes effect

No implementation date has been announced yet. John Lee said both governments will advance the specific measures needed to bring the arrangement into effect as soon as possible.

What travelers should know

• If you are planning a Hong Kong trip now with an ordinary Uzbek passport, you should continue to apply for a visa first.
• If you are a HKSAR passport holder heading to Uzbekistan, check whether your trip is by air and whether you have the required onward or return ticket.
• Do not confuse this move with Uzbekistan’s 30-day visa-free agreement with mainland China. The Uzbek foreign ministry says that deal does not apply to Hong Kong or Macao.

Why this matters

If finalized, the new arrangement would make longer leisure, business and study trips easier for Hong Kong travellers and Uzbek citizens. For now, however, travelers should plan around the existing 10-day and visa-required rules, not the proposed 30-day stay.

Official guidance

Both immigration systems warn that entry rules can change with written notification or short-notice updates, so travelers should verify the latest status before booking.

Sources

• Visa-free access or visa-on-arrival for HKSAR Passport – immd.gov.hk
• Visit Visa / Entry Permit Requirements for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region – immd.gov.hk
• Visa to the Republic of Uzbekistan – gov.uz
• On the entry into force of the Agreement between Uzbekistan and China on mutual visa exemption – gov.uz
• Hong Kong, Uzbekistan move towards easing travel visa – news.rthk.hk