Hong Kong SAR Passport Holders Gain Visa-Free Access to Nicaragua & Solomon Islands – 178 Destinations Now Covered

Xavi

Jul 28

2 min read

Updated: Jul 28

Hong Kong SAR passport holders gain visa-free access to Nicaragua and Solomon Islands for up to 30 days. — Hong Kong SAR passport holders gain visa-free access to Nicaragua and Solomon Islands for up to 30 days

HONG KONG — July 28, 2026 — Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders can now visit Nicaragua and the Solomon Islands without a visa for up to 30 days, the Immigration Department announced today .

The new arrangements are reciprocal – nationals of both Nicaragua and the Solomon Islands can now visit Hong Kong visa-free for up to 30 days . While Nicaragua's visa-free access took effect immediately on July 27, the reciprocal arrangements for both countries will take effect from August 26, 2026 .

With this expansion, a total of 178 countries and territories now allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Hong Kong SAR passport holders .

Quick Facts: Hong Kong Visa-Free Expansion 2026

Feature	Details
New Destinations	Nicaragua, Solomon Islands
Stay Duration	Up to 30 days (both ways)
Effective Date (Nicaragua)	July 27, 2026
Effective Date (Solomon Islands)	August 26, 2026
Reciprocal Arrangement	Nationals of Nicaragua and Solomon Islands can visit Hong Kong visa-free for 30 days
Total Visa-Free Destinations	178 (Hong Kong SAR passport holders)
Context	Both countries are part of the Belt & Road Initiative

What This Means for Travelers

For Hong Kong SAR Passport Holders

Visa-free travel to Nicaragua for up to 30 days (effective immediately)
Visa-free travel to the Solomon Islands for up to 30 days (from August 26, 2026)
Easier access to Central America and the South Pacific
Total visa-free/visa-on-arrival destinations now 178

For Nationals of Nicaragua and Solomon Islands

Visa-free entry to Hong Kong SAR for up to 30 days (from August 26, 2026)
Easier access to Hong Kong's financial, tourism, and cultural hubs

Why This Matters

Strengthening Belt & Road Ties

Nicaragua and the Solomon Islands are included in the Belt & Road Initiative. A spokesperson from the Immigration Department mentioned that the new arrangements enhance travel convenience and strengthen Hong Kong's connections with these countries in tourism, culture, and economy.

"This visa-free agreement under the Belt and Road Initiative enhances travel convenience for visitors from Hong Kong, Nicaragua, and the Solomon Islands, thereby bolstering Hong Kong's tourism, cultural, and economic connections with these two countries." — Immigration Department Spokesman

Hong Kong's Passport Power

Hong Kong SAR passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 178 countries and territories . According to the Global Passport Index 2026, Hong Kong's mobility ranking has improved significantly, leaping from 46th place to 31st in a single year . This expansion further enhances global mobility for Hong Kong residents.