Visa-free access to Russia for HKSAR passport holders

The Immigration Department announced today (June 3) that with effect from July 1, 2009, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holders may visit Russia visa-free for a stay of up to 14 days. Likewise, Russian nationals will also enjoy 14 days' visa-free access to Hong Kong.

The HKSAR Government and the Russian Government signed the Agreement on Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements in April this year. Confirmation was recently received from the Russian authorities that they had completed the domestic procedures required for the entry into force of the Agreement. In accordance with its terms, the Agreement will come into effect on July 1, 2009.