With effect from Jan. 16, nationals of the Republic of Congo will require visas to visit Hong Kong, whatever the purpose, including air passengers in transit, Hong Kong's Immigration Department said Wednesday.

The department reminded Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders to check with the local Consulate of the Republic of Congo on the visa requirements before visiting the country.

At present, nationals of the Republic of Congo may visit Hong Kong without a visa for a period not exceeding 14 days.

The department said Hong Kong adopted a liberal visa policy under which nationals of about 170 countries and regions may visit Hong Kong without a visa and stay for a duration of between seven and 180 days.

The visa policies will be regularly reviewed, taking into account factors such as the social, economic and political situation of countries and regions concerned, the department said, adding the policy objective was to facilitate genuine visitors while maintaining effective immigration control.

(Xinhua News Agency January 5, 2006)