Uzbekistan and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China have exchanged notes expressing their intention to conclude a mutual visa-free travel agreement. The exchange took place during the visit of Hong Kong chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu to Tashkent.
Foreign minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov during the talks said the agreement would create new opportunities for business, tourism and humanitarian exchanges, and help strengthen ties between the two sides.
Photo: Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan.
The discussions covered cooperation in investment, finance, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, transport and logistics. Both sides also emphasized the importance of expanding interregional cooperation, strengthening direct business ties and promoting joint initiatives.
“Hong Kong’s experience and potential as a leading international financial and business center can play an important role in modernizing Uzbekistan’s economy and implementing advanced projects,” Saidov noted.
John Lee Ka-chiu wrote on Facebook that the planned visa-free travel would allow stays of up to 30 days. He added that both sides aimed to implement the agreement as soon as possible and expected it to develop tourism, education and business links, laying the foundation for long-term economic and trade exchanges.
Currently, Hong Kong residents can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 10 days, while citizens of Uzbekistan require a visa to enter Hong Kong. Holders of diplomatic and official passports are exempt from visas for stays of up to 14 days.
Photo: Press service of the president of Uzbekistan.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev also received John Lee Ka-chiu. They agreed to adopt a joint roadmap in priority areas of cooperation, as well as to establish a Business Council and introduce a visa-free regime with Hong Kong on a reciprocal basis in the near future.
A 30-day visa-free stay between Uzbekistan and China has been in effect since 1 June 2025, excluding work, study and media activities.
