Visa-free initiative welcomed

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomed the National Immigration Administration’s announcement on the implementation of Hainan's 144-hour visa-free stay policy for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macau that took effect today.

According to the announcement, citizens of countries that have established diplomatic relations with China and holding ordinary passports can travel to Hainan visa-free and stay there for not more than 144 hours if they enter as a tour group, with at least two people, organised by a travel agent registered in Hong Kong or Macau.

Those with mutual visa exemption agreements signed with China or other visa exemption policies of the Chinese Government may follow the relevant requirements, the announcement further stated.

The entry ports include all those established by the country in Hainan that are open externally. The tour groups must enter and exit collectively and their activities are limited to the administrative area of the province. The stay time starts from the day following their entry.

The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that the visa-free stay policy will further promote the integration of the tourism markets of Hong Kong and Hainan and inject new vitality into the tourism co-operation between the two places.

It added that it will communicate and co-ordinate with the relevant authorities of Hainan to ensure the smooth implementation of the policy.