Uzbekistan and Hong Kong Drive Ambitious Tourism Growth and Strategic Visa Free Travel Agreements for Stronger Ties

Published on December 14, 2024

Uzbekistan and Hong Kong diplomats meet in Beijing to discuss advancing consular cooperation, visa policies, and boosting tourism and bilateral ties.

Diplomats from the Embassy of Uzbekistan met with officials from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Beijing.

In a key discussion with between official both parties explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in consular and legal matters, as well as opportunities to enhance tourism exchange between the two regions.

The talks also delved into Hong Kong’s visa policies, the safeguarding of citizens’ rights, and the expansion of the legal framework governing these areas.

One significant development mentioned was Uzbekistan’s implementation of a visa-free regime for Chinese citizens, including those from Hong Kong and Macau, since March 1, 2021. This allows for stays of up to 10 days. Furthermore, on December 1, 2024, Uzbekistan and China signed an agreement establishing a mutual visa-free regime in Chengdu, with the legal formalities for its implementation currently underway.

Uzbekistan expressed its goal to establish a similar visa-free arrangement with Hong Kong for its citizens.

The Hong Kong delegation expressed strong admiration for Uzbekistan’s political and economic reforms, particularly in tourism development and its business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs and foreign investors. They also highlighted Hong Kong’s interest in furthering bilateral relations with Uzbekistan, especially in expanding citizen exchanges and boosting the tourism sector.

Introduction: City Guide

Registan
Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Asia

The Registan is the crown jewel of Samarkand, a mesmerizing collection of medressas adorned with vibrant azure mosaics and intricate tilework. These stunning structures—among the oldest preserved in the world—are a testament to Central Asia’s architectural grandeur. The three medressas here represent the height of Islamic architecture, with only those destroyed by Chinggis Khan predating them.

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Asia

The Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum is a striking example of Timurid architecture, with its soaring, fluted azure dome and beautifully intricate tilework. It marks the resting place of Timur (Tamerlane) and his descendants, including his grandson Ulugh Beg. Despite its impressive exterior, the mausoleum is unexpectedly modest, as Timur had not planned to be buried here. Visiting at night when the building is illuminated is highly recommended for a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Shah-i-Zinda
Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Asia

Samarkand’s most revered site, Shah-i-Zinda, is an avenue lined with mausoleums showcasing some of the most intricate tilework in the Islamic world. The name translates to “Tomb of the Living King,” referring to the shrine believed to house the grave of Qusam ibn-Abbas, who is credited with bringing Islam to this region. The complex, with its peaceful ambiance, is a prime example of Timurid-era craftsmanship from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Ark
Bukhara, Uzbekistan, Asia

The Ark in Bukhara is a fortress-like structure that once served as a royal residence, holding a central place in the city’s history from the 5th century until its destruction in 1920 by the Red Army. A town within a town, it was home to Bukhara’s emirs for centuries and remains one of the most iconic historical sites in Central Asia.

Savitsky Museum
Nukus,Uzbekistan,Asia

The Savitsky Museum houses one of the most remarkable art collections in the former Soviet Union. About half of the paintings were brought here in Soviet times by artist and ethnographer Igor Savitsky, who managed to preserve an entire generation of avant-garde work that was proscribed and destroyed elsewhere in the country for not conforming to the socialist realism of the times.

Uzbekistan Hotels

• Hotel Uzbekistan
• Hotel Globus
• Arda Plaza Hotel
• Arda Palace Hotel
• Malika Hotel

Peak Tram
Hong Kong, China, Asia

The Peak Tram is a historic cable-hauled funicular railway that has been ascending the 396-meter climb to Hong Kong Island’s highest point since 1888. This iconic ride offers breathtaking views of the city as you make your way up the steep mountainside, making it a quintessential Hong Kong experience. The tram’s popularity led to a major upgrade in 2021, with larger trams and an expanded lower terminus to accommodate the growing number of visitors.

Victoria Peak
Hong Kong, China, Asia

At 552 meters, Victoria Peak is the tallest point on Hong Kong Island, offering panoramic views of the city. It’s one of the most visited attractions, and for good reason. A short eight-minute ride from Central on the 125-year-old Peak Tram delivers you to the summit, where you can enjoy lush greenery and scenic walking trails. While the area has been commercialized with restaurants and shopping malls, there’s still a sense of magic in the air—if you can look past the crowds.

Man Mo Temple
Hong Kong, China, Asia

Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kong’s oldest temples and a designated monument, is dedicated to the gods of literature (Man) and war (Mo). Built in 1847 during the Qing dynasty by affluent Chinese merchants, this atmospheric temple once served as a place of worship and a court for resolving disputes between the Chinese community and colonialists. Today, it remains a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

HSBC Building
Hong Kong, China, Asia

Designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster and completed in 1985, the HSBC Building remains an architectural marvel. Once the world’s most expensive building, it revolutionized bank architecture with its innovative design. Even after more than three decades, it continues to captivate visitors in Central. The ground floor features an open two-story public space, where you can explore exhibitions and experience the building’s impressive engineering.

Hong Kong Hotels

• Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour
• InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, an IHG Hotel
• Harbour Grand Kowloon
• Page148, Page Hotels
• B P International

As of December 2024, Uzbekistan offers visa-free travel to an extensive list of countries, facilitating easy entry for travelers worldwide. This includes South Korea, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, Ireland, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Hungary, Slovenia, and Brunei. Additional countries benefiting from visa-free access include Japan, Andorra, Sweden, Malta, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Canada, Chile, Czechia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, Croatia, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Malaysia, Barbados, and the Bahamas.

Several Caribbean and Central American nations, such as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Lucia, are also included. Other countries from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Bulgaria, Romania, Argentina, Macao (SAR China), Qatar, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Vatican City, Guatemala, El Salvador, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Montenegro, Belarus, Armenia, Moldova, China, Türkiye, and the Russian Federation, are part of the list.

Additionally, nations such as the Dominican Republic, Belize, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Indonesia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Cuba enjoy visa-free privileges, reflecting Uzbekistan’s open and welcoming policies towards international visitors.