Effective immediately, holders of Hong Kong SAR passports can enjoy 30 days of visa-free travel to Qatar, while Qatari citizens enjoy the same privilege when visiting Hong Kong. Chief Executive John Lee announced this on May 12, 2025, during a luncheon speech in Doha.
The visa-free arrangement aims to strengthen the ties between the two destinations, promoting trade and tourism and facilitating long-term collaboration. This new arrangement replaces Qatar’s previous visa-on-arrival system for Hong Kong citizens.
Check out our story on the best things to do in Qatar before you plan your trip.
Hong Kong and Qatar’s visa-free deal: Key details
Chief Executive #JohnLee says 35 memoranda of understanding and agreements have been signed during his visit to Qatar https://t.co/WFj5FhwWdj
— Hong Kong SAR Government News (@newsgovhk) May 12, 2025
Hong Kong’s visa-free travel deal is part of several agreements signed between Qatar and Hong Kong. These agreements encompass 35 deliverables across various sectors, including tourism, technology, trade, and investment promotion.
While not many details about the agreements were disclosed, one of them reportedly aims to facilitate the clearance of goods by the customs departments of both regions. In addition to the visa-free travel agreement between Hong Kong and Qatar, agreements were reportedly made between companies in Mainland China and Qatar to enhance support for high-end manufacturing and financial services.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee highlighted to the media the potential for expanded economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as investment agreement negotiations progress. According to a Radio Television Hong Kong report, the CE noted that Hong Kong’s existing network of investment and double taxation avoidance agreements could soon cover most GCC nations. This development coincides with signing a letter of intent between Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Qatar, signalling collaborative efforts in cutting-edge financial technologies like artificial intelligence and Web 3.0.
Hong Kong is a major tourist and global transportation hub, offering visitors a wealth of cultural and modern marvels. Some of the best places to visit in Hong Kong include Ngong Ping 360, Tian Tan Buddha, Ocean Park, Hong Kong Disneyland, Victoria Harbour, Na Lian Garden, Lantau Island, and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery.
Qatar is home to a diverse range of attractions, from museums to modern landmarks, entertainment centres and more. Some of the most popular attractions in Qatar include the Pearl Island, Lusail, the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, the Mesaieed Desert and beach, Zekreet, and Al Khor Zoo.
(Feature image credit: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Related | What To Eat In Hong Kong: A Culinary Guide For First-Time Visitors
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
