The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and the government of the Czech Republic on Monday announced a range of new measures to enhance travel convenience of Hong Kong residents and nationals of the Czech Republic.

The announcement was made following a meeting between Hong Kong's Secretary for Security Regina Ip and visiting Vice-Premier for Economic Policy of the Czech Republic Pavel Mertlik.

"Following a review by the HKSAR government, we have already decided to grant visa-free entry to holders of passports of the Czech Republic with effect from November 18, 2000," Ip said.

"With effect from November 21, the government of the Czech Republic would waive the visa fees for holders of the HKSAR passport, Hong Kong Certificate of Identity, and Hong Kong Document of Identity for a short-term stay of up to 90 days," Mertlik said.

The vice-premier also confirmed that simplified visa application procedures are applicable to HKSAR passport holders who wish to visit the Czech Republic.

Under the simplified visa application procedures, HKSAR passport holders generally are not required to produce any supporting documents upon visa application. Processing time for the issue of a visa does not normally exceed five working days.

(People’s Daily 11/20/2000)