Solomon Islands and Hong Kong SAR Implement Reciprocal Visa-Free Travel Arrangement
What changed
From 26 August 2026, Solomon Islands and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will start a visa-free travel agreement. Under this agreement, people from Solomon Islands with valid passports and permanent residents of HKSAR with valid HKSAR passports will not need a visa. They can enter, leave, transit, and stay temporarily in the other territory. Visitors can stay for up to 30 days during each visit without a visa. This agreement followed an exchange of diplomatic Notes between the two areas.
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Policy history
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Hong Kong SAR Passport Holders Granted Visa-Free Access to Nicaragua and Solomon Islands, Reciprocal Arrangements for Thgoborda provides monitoring and explanation of publicly available policy information. It is not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration professional before acting.
Related changes
Hong Kong SAR Passport Holders Granted Visa-Free Access to Nicaragua and Solomon Islands, Reciprocal Arrangements for Their Nationals Visiting Hong Kong
What changed
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government announced new visa-free travel rules with Nicaragua and the Solomon Islands. From 26 August 2026, people holding HKSAR passports can visit Nicaragua and the Solomon Islands without a visa. They can stay for up to 30 days. At the same time, people from Nicaragua and the Solomon Islands can visit Hong Kong without a visa. They can also stay for up to 30 days. This shared arrangement aims to make travel easier. It also strengthens links in tourism, culture, and business.
Published 27 Jul 2026Effective 26 Aug 2026Immigration Department, Hong Kong
ETIAS travel authorisation confirmed for late 2026 with a six-month transitional period
What changed
The European Union (EU) will start a new electronic travel authorisation. It is called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). People who do not need a visa to travel to Europe will need an ETIAS. They must travel to one of 30 European countries for a short visit. ETIAS is expected to start working in the last three months of 2026. The EU has confirmed when it will start. However, the official EU website says the exact start date is not yet announced. Once ETIAS starts, people who do not need a visa will generally need an approved ETIAS before they travel. The authorisation is linked to the traveller's passport. It lets them stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. ETIAS is not a visa. It does not allow people to work, study, or live in Europe. The system will have a six-month transition period. After this, there will be a six-month grace period. During the transition, travellers can enter without an ETIAS. They must still meet other entry rules. During the grace period, travellers will usually need an ETIAS. However, first-time travellers during this time may be able to enter without one. They must meet all other entry rules.
Published 13 Apr 2026Effective 1 Nov 2026European Commission — Migration and Home Affairs