Hong Kong Residents to Require ETA for UK Entry from 2025

BN(O) Visa Holders Exempt, But Confusion Surrounds ETA Policy

The British Home Office has announced the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program, requiring tourists from over 80 countries, including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, to apply for an ETA before entering the UK from early next year. The fee for the ETA is 10 pounds (approximately HKD 102), valid for two years.

Hong Kong residents, regardless of whether they hold a SAR passport or a BN(O) passport, will be required to apply for an ETA. However, BN(O) visa holders will not be affected by the new policy. Despite this exemption, some Hong Kong residents in the UK have expressed concerns that the arrangements announced by the Home Office are not clear enough.

ETA Expansion to be Implemented in Two Phases

The Ministry of Interior announced that the ETA expansion will be divided into two phases, starting next year. In the first phase, travelers holding passports from about 50 countries or regions, including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, will be required to hold an ETA when entering the UK from January 8, 2025. Applications will be accepted from November 27, 2024.

In the second phase, travelers holding passports from European countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain will be required to hold an ETA to enter the UK from April 2, 2025. Applications will be accepted from March 5, 2025.

Passengers Without a Valid ETA May Be Denied Boarding

The ETA application fee is 10 pounds and can be applied online or through a mobile application. The result will be available in about 3 working days. There is no limit to the number of times you can enter and exit the UK during the two-year validity period of the ETA. However, if you get a new passport during this period, you must apply again.

If a passenger does not hold a valid ETA, the airline reserves the right to refuse to allow the passenger to board the aircraft during check-in.

BN(O) Passport Holders and the ETA Policy

The British government website states that those who hold a valid visa, a British or Irish passport, a British Overseas Territories citizen passport, and those who have been approved to live, work or study in the UK do not need to apply for an ETA. This includes about 200,000 BN(O) visa holders.

However, the website also states that Hong Kong passport holders, including BN(O) passport holders, must apply for an ETA in advance if they want to enter the UK. This has caused confusion among some Hong Kong residents in the UK, who have written to the Home Secretary to express their concerns.

Concerns Over the ETA Policy’s Impact on Hong Kong Immigrants

Some Hong Kong residents in the UK have expressed concerns that the ETA policy may weaken Hong Kongers’ confidence in the UK. They have proposed that the government consider including the E-Gate for entry to cover BN(O) passports, at least for visa holders after entering the UK.

The Hong Kong Tourism Industry Council has also issued a notice to members regarding the new ETA policy, which may affect Hong Kong travelers holding SAR passports.

Tags: BN(O) passport, BNO visa, ETA, SAR passport, Hong Kong immigrants to the UK, UK, electronic tourist visa