Hong Kong and Uzbekistan Set to Offer 30-Day Visa-Free Travel

Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are nearing a significant travel agreement that will allow citizens of both regions to visit for up to 30 days without a visa. This move is expected to boost tourism, trade, and educational exchanges between Central Asia and the major financial hub of Hong Kong. The agreement was signaled through the exchange of diplomatic notes in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on June 3, 2026, during a visit by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.

This new arrangement will replace the current, more limited entry rules. Currently, holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports can enter Uzbekistan for 10 days visa-free. For Uzbek citizens, the rules are different: ordinary passport holders require a visa to enter Hong Kong, while those with diplomatic or service passports can enter visa-free for 14 days. The proposed change aims to standardize this to a 30-day visa-free period for all travelers, offering greater access to Uzbek citizens.

Expanding Travel Opportunities

The planned 30-day visa-free travel arrangement between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan is a key step in strengthening ties between the two regions. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stated that the agreement will help increase exchanges, encourage tourism, support educational pursuits, and foster commercial cooperation. He believes this will also assist Hong Kong in developing its presence in emerging markets within Central Asia.

Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakhtiyor Saidov, highlighted that the exchange of diplomatic notes shows a shared commitment to finalizing a formal agreement. He noted that Hong Kong’s position as a global financial center is important for Uzbekistan’s efforts in economic modernization. While the diplomatic notes confirm political agreement, travelers will need to wait for the official implementation measures to be finalized before they can take advantage of the new 30-day visa-free window.

Current Travel Rules and Future Changes

Under the existing rules, Hong Kong passport holders can stay in Uzbekistan for 10 days without a visa. This policy has been in place since March 2021. For Uzbek citizens traveling to Hong Kong, ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa. However, Uzbek citizens holding diplomatic or service passports currently enjoy 14 days of visa-free entry into Hong Kong.

The upcoming agreement will change these rules significantly. Both Hong Kong and Uzbek citizens with ordinary passports will be able to travel between the two destinations for up to 30 days without needing a visa. This is a notable expansion, especially for Uzbek citizens who will gain visa-free access to Hong Kong for extended stays, moving beyond the current limitations for officials and diplomats.

Boosting Economic and Cultural Links

The agreement is seen as more than just a travel convenience; it’s a strategic move to foster economic growth and cultural understanding. The longer stay period is intended to support more substantial activities, such as university exchange programs and longer business trips, which are not easily accommodated within a 10-day limit. This aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to attract foreign visitors and investment.

The planned introduction of direct flights between Hong Kong and Tashkent later in 2026 is also expected to complement the visa-free travel arrangement. This new air link is anticipated to handle the increased passenger traffic that will likely result from the easier entry rules. By combining simplified travel with direct transportation, both regions aim to create a more accessible and attractive environment for visitors and businesses.

Broader Regional Travel Trends

The agreement between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan is part of a wider trend of Uzbekistan opening up its borders to international travelers. For instance, a similar 30-day mutual visa exemption between Uzbekistan and Mainland China began on June 1, 2025. Additionally, as of January 1, 2026, U.S. citizens can travel to Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days for business and tourism purposes. These changes reflect Uzbekistan’s strategy to boost its economy through increased tourism and international commerce.