Japan grants visa-free access to Hong Kong visitors

The Japanese government is to grant visa-free access for Hong Kong SAR passport holders from April 1.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, announced the decision today (February 4) during a visit to Tokyo.

Under the new arrangement, Hong Kong citizens holding HKSAR passports will be allowed to visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa.

Mr Tsang made his announcement following meetings with Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Yoriko Kawaguchi; the Minister of Justice, Mr Daizo Nozawa, who is responsible for immigration; and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Mr Nobuteru Ishihara, who is responsible for tourism.

"This is a landmark arrangement that will produce significant benefits for both Japan and Hong Kong by strengthening our economic and cultural links," Mr Tsang said.

"It also demonstrates the Japanese government's confidence in Hong Kong's immigration controls under 'One Country, Two Systems'. Hong Kong travellers are law abiding and are trouble-free money-spenders."

Mr Tsang said visa-free access was the result of several years of discussions between Hong Kong and Japanese officials.

"Since 1997, our officials have been lobbying diligently to achieve this visa-free arrangement. I am grateful to all those in Japan and Hong Kong who have worked so hard to conclude this breakthrough," he said.

Including Japan, 129 countries and territories have now agreed to grant HKSAR passport holders visa-free access.

Last year about 480,000 Hong Kong residents visited Japan, making Hong Kong one of the top five sources of visitors to the country. At present, HKSAR passport holders require visas to enter Japan, while Japanese nationals can enter Hong Kong without a visa for up to 90 days.

Mr Tsang returns to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (February 5).

Ends/Wednesday, February 4, 2004