Hong Kong and Uzbekistan Exchange Notes on Mutual Visa-Free Arrangement

HKSAR Government and Government of Uzbekistan exchange notes on mutual visa-free arrangement

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Government of Uzbekistan exchanged notes today (June 3, Tashkent time), agreeing to discuss the implementation details of a mutual visa-free arrangement, which would allow a visa-free period of 30 days for visitors from both sides. Witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Mr Bakhtiyor Saidov, representatives from both governments exchanged notes today to confirm the establishment of a mutual visa-free arrangement. Following the exchange of notes, the governments of both places will immediately advance the discussions of the detailed arrangements to strive for early implementation.

Currently, HKSAR passport holders can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days. Holders of diplomatic and service passports from Uzbekistan can visit Hong Kong visa-free for 14 days, while holders of ordinary passports from Uzbekistan must apply for a visa to visit Hong Kong.

To build closer bilateral relations, the HKSAR Government and the Government of Uzbekistan are establishing a mutual visa-free arrangement. This will extend the visa-free period for HKSAR passport holders visiting Uzbekistan from the current 10 days to 30 days, while all passport holders from Uzbekistan will be able to visit Hong Kong visa-free for 30 days.

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government stated that following the relaxation of the application criteria for multiple-entry visas for business and travel to Hong Kong for nationals from Uzbekistan in September 2025, establishing a mutual visa-free arrangement with Uzbekistan will help further promote economic, trade, and tourism development between Hong Kong and Central Asia.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (fourth left), today (June 3, Tashkent time), met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Mr Bakhtiyor Saidov (third right), and witnessed exchange of notes between representatives of the two governments on mutual visa-free agreement. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second left), today (June 3, Tashkent time), met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Mr Bakhtiyor Saidov, and witnessed exchange of notes between representatives of the two governments on mutual visa-free agreement. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second left), today (June 3, Tashkent time), met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Mr Bakhtiyor Saidov (second right), and witnessed exchange of notes between representatives of the two governments on mutual visa-free agreement. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (left), today (June 3, Tashkent time), met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Mr Bakhtiyor Saidov (right), and witnessed exchange of notes between representatives of the two governments on mutual visa-free agreement. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Man sentenced to six months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products

A man was sentenced today (July 20) at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts to six months' imprisonment for illegally importing 36 200 alternative smoking products. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.

The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs on July 10 that 36 200 alternative smoking products had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid man arriving from Japan. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.

Since the amendments to theTobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors,took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 28 cases involving the importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Thirty persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from four weeks to eight months.

According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.

In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visitwww.livetobaccofree.hkfor information on quitting.

Source: AI-found images