The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and
the government of the Czech Republic on Monday announced a range of
new measures to enhance travel convenience of Hong Kong residents
and nationals of the Czech Republic.
The announcement was made following a meeting between Hong Kong's
Secretary for Security Regina Ip and visiting Vice-Premier for
Economic Policy of the Czech Republic Pavel Mertlik.
"Following a review by the HKSAR government, we have already
decided to grant visa-free entry to holders of passports of the
Czech Republic with effect from November 18, 2000," Ip said.
"With effect from November 21, the government of the Czech Republic
would waive the visa fees for holders of the HKSAR passport, Hong
Kong Certificate of Identity, and Hong Kong Document of Identity
for a short-term stay of up to 90 days," Mertlik said.
The vice-premier also confirmed that simplified visa application
procedures are applicable to HKSAR passport holders who wish to
visit the Czech Republic.
Under the simplified visa application procedures, HKSAR passport
holders generally are not required to produce any supporting
documents upon visa application. Processing time for the issue of a
visa does not normally exceed five working days.
(People’s Daily 11/20/2000)