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The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) announced today (April 6) that confirmation had been received that Norway and Iceland had joined the European Union (EU) in granting visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders.

"We warmly welcome this confirmation by the Governments of Norway and Iceland," a government spokesman said.

"Like that of the EU, the VFA grant by Norway and Iceland will take effect from April 10, 2001. Hong Kong people may visit their countries for a stay of up to three months without a visa," he added.

This development means that the Council Regulation adopted by the Justice and Home Affairs Council of the EU on March 15, 2001 to grant visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders will apply to all parties to the Schengen Agreement irrespective of whether they are members of the EU. Norway and Iceland are not members of the EU but they are parties to the Schengen Agreement based on the Nordic passport union.

The enlarged visa-free treatment, when implemented, will bring to 89 the total number of countries/territories granting visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders.

At present, nationals of Norway and Iceland can visit Hong Kong visa-free for up to 3 months and 1 month respectively. As a parallel development, with effect from April 10, 2001, the Government of the HKSAR will extend the visa-free period for visits of nationals of Iceland from one month to three months.

End/ Friday April, 6 2001

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