Hong Kong citizens planning to travel to Saudi Arabia will soon be able to apply for a visa-on-arrival at designated ports, according to a recent announcement by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. Visitors can choose between a single-entry visa for a maximum stay of 30 days or a multiple-entry visa for up to 90 days. The Immigration Department also highlighted the extension of visas for Saudi passport holders in Hong Kong from 30 to 90 days, which will take effect on the same day as the new rule.
This development will allow Hong Kong passport holders to access visa-free or visa-on-arrival to the six member countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
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Saudi Arabia visa: What it means for Hong Kong citizens
A Hong Kong Immigration Department spokesman said, “Saudi Arabia is along the Belt and Road. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, the visa-on-arrival and eVisa arrangements will bring greater travel convenience to HKSAR passport holders visiting Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, these arrangements and the extension of the visa-free visit period for nationals of Saudi Arabia will enhance tourism and cultural and economic ties between the two places.”
The Hong Kong government has also announced plans to establish an Economic and Trade Office in Riyadh to foster economic and trade relations with GCC member states.
Currently, 172 countries and territories grant HKSAR passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. Currently, citizens must apply online for a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia from Hong Kong, and the multiple-entry visa remains valid for one year, permitting a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. HKSAR passport holders may also apply for an eVisa to visit Saudi Arabia. For more details, see the official website.
(Feature image credit: NEOM/Unsplash)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.