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Hong Kong Visa Easing Boosts Vietnamese Travelers, Up 15 Times
The South China Morning Post reports a significant surge in Vietnamese visitors to Hong Kong. Since visa policies were relaxed in October 2023, nearly 5,000 multiple-entry visas have been issued to Vietnamese citizens.
This represents a staggering 15-fold increase compared to the 322 visas granted in the preceding five years.
Key Changes in Visa Policy:
- Applicable to citizens of select ASEAN nations: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar.
- Multiple-entry visa validity extended from 2 years to 3 years.
- Maximum stay per entry: 14 days.
- Prioritization for those with a "clean" travel history and adherence to laws on previous visits.
Visa Statistics (October 2023 - February 2025):
- Vietnam: 4,970 multiple-entry visas issued.
- Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar: increase from 50 to 110 visas.
Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, Chris Tang Ping-keung, highlighted that the policy has "enhanced exchanges between Hong Kong and ASEAN countries". It also aims to attract more potential visitors from Southeast Asia.
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