************************************************************
The Government of the HKSAR today receives formal notification from the Consulate General of Brazil in Hong Kong that the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil needs a little more time to complete some outstanding formalities for the entry into force of the Agreement signed between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil on Exemption of Visa Requirements on 20 October 2005. The Agreement provides, among other things, HKSAR passport holders with 90-day visa-free visits to Brazil. In other words, HKSAR passport holders still require a visa to enter Brazil.
To help address any possible confusion arising from the above, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has secured the agreement of the Consulate General of Brazil in Hong Kong to put in place some special interim arrangements. HKSAR passport holders who have already departed for Brazil will be allowed to enter Brazil without a visa. However, those who will depart for Brazil on or after 13 November 2008 will require a visa.
¡§The Government of the HKSAR will continue to work closely with the Consulate General of Brazil in Hong Kong, with a view to facilitating the entry into force of the said Agreement on Exemption of Visa Requirements, so that HKSAR passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to Brazil as soon as possible.¡¨ A Hong Kong Government Spokesman said.
Ends/Friday, November 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:58
NNNN
