The government of the Hong Kong SAR announced Tuesday that confirmation had been received from the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation of Saint Lucia to grant visa-free access for HKSAR passport holders for a stay up to28 days with immediate effect.

They, however, must possess a passport with 6 months validity, a return ticket and sufficient funds to maintain themselves for the duration of the stay.

"We warmly welcome this confirmation by the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation of Saint Lucia," a government spokesman said.

The availability of visa-free access to Saint Lucia has broughtto 121 the total number of countries/regions agreeing to grant visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders.

Currently, nationals of Saint Lucia may visit Hong Kong visa-free for a stay up to three months.

(Xinhua News Agency October 16, 2002)