No visas for Chinese, Hong Kong visitors
Wednesday August 15, 2007

Tourist numbers from the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong are expected to increase in Fiji following approval of the passports (visa exemption) (amendment) order yesterday.

The order currently exempts Chinese and Hong Kong citizens from obtaining visas to enter Fiji.

This follows a submission by the interim Prime Minister, presented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau to Cabinet yesterday.

Ratu Epeli says that currently, citizens of a total of 103 countries are exempted from obtaining a visa prior to entering Fiji.

"These include countries such as India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, and Russia."

However, he said that citizens of PRC, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Hong Kong and most of the Arabian countries are not listed in the Order and therefore require a pre-entry visa before travelling to Fiji.

He said that the visa exemption status accorded to PRC nationals will attract more visitors from China and Hong Kong.

"This will create additional employment to the local population in the hotel industry.

"Benefits will also trickle down to rural communities with their involvement in eco-tourism and other related activities to cater for the needs of PRC and Hong Kong visitors."

Ratu Epeli emphasised that PRC and Hong Kong citizens would need to adhere to the entry requirements of the Order which are applicable to citizens of all countries who qualify for visa exemption.

"Citizens will be issued visitors permit upon arrival provided they meet the entry requirements such as having a return ticket, evidence of enough money to sustain the visitor during the period of stay and not being watch listed.

"These visitors do not pay any fee unless they extend their stay within the maximum 6 months period when they will be required to pay a fee of $F93."

He said that those that do not meet these entry requirements will be refused entry and returned to their original destinations.