Travel convenience for HKSAR passport holders enhanced
*******************************************************************

The Government of Hungary has taken new measures to enhance the travel convenience of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holders, a Government spokesman said today (November 13).

This was announced by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Hungary, Mr Ivan Baba, during a recent meeting with the Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip.

The Government of the Republic of Hungary has vested higher level of autonomy to the Consulate General of the Republic of Hungary to process visa applications from HKSAR passport holders.

Hong Kong government officials travelling on official duty and business missions of high importance holding HKSAR passports may be issued immediate and gratis visas by the Hungarian Consulate in Hong Kong.

Moreover, with effect from January 1, 2002, the Government of Hungary will lower visa fee for HKSAR passport holders to bring it on par with Schengen states.

"We believe that this will enhance travel convenience and contribute to the further development of bilateral relations between Hungary and Hong Kong," Mr Baba said.

"The current grant of visa on arrival to HKSAR passport holders at the Budapest Airport remains effective, although border control points have no authority to issue gratis visas," he continued.

"We welcome the new measures to enhance travel convenience of HKSAR passport holders," Mrs Ip said. "The new measures will boost tourism and investment between Hong Kong and Hungary."

Currently, a $310 visa fee is levied on HKSAR passport holders for a single-entry visa issued by the Consulate General of Hungary in Hong Kong. This will be brought down to approximately $200 which is the average rate levied by Schengen states on holders of HKSAR passports for single-entry visa.

Mrs Ip and Mr Baba also agreed at the meeting to co-operate in fighting against illegal immigration and in combatting organised crime.

End/Monday, November 13, 2000
NNNN



Return to Top