GOVERMENT HOUSE HONG KONG.
BLA
AUG 92 09:46
CONFIDENTALS
SPEAKING NOTE
VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENTS
FG.03
1. The Joint Declaration envisages that the Hong Kong SAR Government will have its own visa abolition agreements with
Kong.
states or regions. Ease of travel offers clear benefits to Hong
Visa-free travel, especially foroverseas visitors coming to Hong Kong, facilitates trade; economic development and tourism and thus contributes significantly to Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. It is also desirable that the convenience of visa- free travel should be extended to as many Hong Kong residents as
possible, both before and after 1997.
I.
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2.
At present, 75 countries and territories allow visa-frce entry to certain categories of Hong Kong residents, namely
Most countries do so on the holders of BN (0) and BDTC passports basis of long standing arrangements not covered by any formal agreement. 10 countries do so by virtue of Visa Abolition Agreements (VAAS) with the United Kingdom which also apply to Hong Kong. In three cases, the Hong Kong Government has negotiated visa waiver arrangements through an exchange of notes. The nationals of these Details are set out on the attached list.
75 countries and territories are allowed visa-free visits to Hong Kong by the Director of Immigration under Section 61(2) of the
Immigration Ordinance.
CONFIDENTIAL
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Private notes are available after approval.