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

DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 19) reminded members of the public to take appropriate precautions against heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, during very hot weather.

In a high-temperature environment, excessive sweating and difficulty in heat dissipation can cause stress to the body. Members of the public should take the following precautions:

• Hydrate in a timely manner to prevent dehydration;
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing to minimise heat absorption and facilitate perspiration and heat dissipation;
• Keep indoor areas well ventilated and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, e.g. by opening windows or using a fan or air-conditioning;
• Avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged activities such as hiking or trekking;
• Arrange outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible, and bring enough water; and
• Avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic beverages, which may speed up water loss through the urinary system.

In addition, infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, overweight people and outdoor/manual workers are more susceptible to heat stroke. These groups should pay special attention to the following:

• Infants and young children: Avoid going outside when the temperature is high. If they must go outside, adults should ensure they stay in places with moderate temperatures and good ventilation or air-conditioning. Infants and young children should never be left unattended in a confined space such as a vehicle;
• The elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses and overweight people: Pay close attention to health conditions and seek help as soon as possible if experiencing any abnormalities in health indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc or if there are fluctuations in health conditions. Avoid going out when the temperature is high. Make sure there is good ventilation, or turn on a fan or air-conditioner to keep an appropriate temperature indoors. High temperatures can also worsen the condition of people with chronic illnesses (such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases). Therefore, they should have an ample supply of their usual medication and keep in contact with family members, neighbours and the community. People should seek immediate help if they feel unwell.
• Outdoor/manual workers: Reschedule work to cooler hours as far as feasible. If working in a hot environment is unavoidable, provide shade where practicable and use ventilation and heat dissipation equipment. Once work has begun, gradually adjust the pace of work and take breaks in the shade to regain strength.

The DH reminded the public that heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner.

Members of the public are also advised to pay attention to the latest weather, as well as the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above), the public should note the following:

• Avoid direct sunlight exposure to the skin and the eyes;
• Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen liberally, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher, when participating in outdoor activities. Reapply every two hours if staying outdoors for long periods, or after swimming, sweating or towelling off;
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen before insect repellent;
• Seek shade;
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Wear loose-fitting clothing with long-sleeves; and
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.

If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

For more health information, the public may visit theCHP's heat strokepage andUV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in force.

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