Announced yesterday, this visa new update is welcome news for those regularly travelling between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.

This visa development, announced by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu, will significantly impact the travel landscape, lends itself to further strengthening the connections between the two cities: "These arrangements and the extension of the visa-free visit period for nationals of Saudi Arabia will enhance tourism, cultural and economic ties between the two places."

In late 2024, Cathay Pacific launched three weekly, direct flights between Riyadh and Hong Kong. This new direct air route, coupled with growing business and governmental ties between the two nations, has significantly fostered closer relations between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, with evident growth in both the leisure and business for both destinations.

Saudi Visa on Arrival for Hong Kongers

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Adding to the ease and fluidity of travel between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, now Hong Kong passport holders can access a visa-on-arrival at six controlled entry points across Saudi Arabia.

The new visa arrangement means that visitors to the Kingdom can apply for two types of visas: the first being a multiple-entry visa which will allow for stays for up to 90 days, or the second, being a single-entry visa for a maximum 30-day stay. Hong Kong passport holders are currently required to apply for visa online, and get approval ahead of their visit to Saudi Arabia. At present, more than 170 nations around the world offer Hong Konger passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival.

And in a reciprocal move, the Hong Kong Executive Council announced that the visa-free duration for Saudi nationals visiting Hong Kong would been extended from 30 days to 90 days, this visa agreement also begins on Wednesday January 15, 2025. Hong Kong is one of over 50 destinations offering visa-free travel for Saudi Arabian passport holders for up to 30 days.

Hong Kong Chief Executive, Mr Lee said: “[The new policy] means Hong Kong passport holders can benefit from the convenience of visa-on-arrival or visa-free treatments when visiting all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman.”

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Direct Flights with Cathay Pacific

Ideal for both business and leisure travellers seeking convenient connections between the Middle East and Asia, Cathay Pacific introduced this direct route between Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and Hong Kong on October 28 last year. The new, direct flights connecting the two cities, operate every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

This development bridges the two metropolitan cities, but more importantly reflects a shared commitment to global connectivity and growth.

Growing Hong Kong and Saudi Relations

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This landmark visa agreement signifies a transformative shift in Hong Kong-Saudi Arabia relations.

By prioritising convenience and accessibility, these new visa policies are poised to redefine travel experiences for millions of individuals and businesses, creating new avenues for collaboration in tourism, trade, and culture.

Following the announcement of the new Cathay Pacific direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee confirmed a number of measures designed to provide better support for Muslim visitors. For example, to enhance the visitor experience and inter-country relations, the plan includes providing information in Arabic at the airport and in taxis, establishing a central list of halal restaurants, and encouraging hotels to offer prayer rooms and other amenities that cater to Muslim travellers.

Visa-On-Arrival for Hong Kong Passport Holders Visiting Saudi Arabia Begins From Wednesday January 15, 2025
Visa-Free Travel for Saudis Visiting Hong Kong has been Extended From 30-days to 90-days Starting From Wednesday January 15, 2025
info.gov.hk

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