With effect from January 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 the visit.
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)
