🇭🇰HONG KONG

🇦🇺AUSTRALIAHK-AU

Do Hong Kong passport holders need a visa to visit Australia?

Q: How much does the ETA cost?

There is no Visa Application Charge, but a AUD20 service fee applies for using the official AustralianETA app.

Q: How long can I stay with an ETA?

Up to 3 months on each entry, with multiple entries allowed during the ETA's 12-month validity.

Q: How do I apply for the ETA?

Only through the free AustralianETA app on iOS or Android. You scan your passport chip, verify your face, enter details and pay the fee.

Q: What if I want to stay longer than 3 months?

You would need to apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600, Tourist stream) instead of an ETA.

Q: Does the ETA appear in my passport?

No. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport, so no label or printout is needed; just travel on the same passport.

Hong Kong SAR passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) to visit Australia for tourism. It is applied for online via the free AustralianETA app, with an AUD20 service fee, and allows stays of up to 3 months per visit. A Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) ordinary passport is an ETA-eligible passport for Australia. Travelers cannot simply turn up visa-free; they must obtain a subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority before departure. The ETA is electronically linked to the passport, carries no Visa Application Charge but a AUD20 service fee for using the official AustralianETA app, is valid for 12 months (or until passport expiry, whichever is sooner), permits multiple entries, and allows a stay of up to 3 months on each visit for tourism or business visitor purposes. For stays longer than 3 months or other purposes, a Visitor visa (subclass 600) is required instead.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

Hong Kong (PR)Living in Hong Kong as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

ETA (subclass 601) - Electronic Travel Authority

Maximum stay

Up to 3 months per entry

per entry

Entries

Multiple entries within validity

from issue date

Visa fee

AUD 20 service fee (no Visa Application Charge)

consular fee only

Processing time

Usually minutes to a few days

standard track

Validity

12 months from grant, or until passport expiry (whichever is sooner)

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm passport eligibility

Ensure you hold a Hong Kong SAR ordinary passport with at least 3 months of validity beyond your intended stay. The HKSAR passport is on Australia's ETA-eligible list.

· HKSAR passport· 3+ months validity

/02

Download the AustralianETA app

Get the free official AustralianETA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. ETAs can only be applied for through this app, not at a paper office.

· iOS / Android· Official app only

/03

Scan passport and verify identity

Use the app to scan the photo page and the chip of your passport, then complete the in-app facial verification to confirm your identity.

· Chip scan· Face verification

/04

Complete the application and pay

Enter your personal details and declare health and character information, then pay the AUD20 service fee by card within the app.

· AUD20· Card payment

/05

Receive ETA grant

Wait for the grant notification. Most ETAs are approved within minutes, though some may take up to a few days if referred for checks.

· Minutes-days· Email/app notice

/06

Travel to Australia

The ETA is digitally linked to your passport, so no label or printout is required. Carry the same passport used to apply when you fly.

· No label· Same passport

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

9 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 9 complete

Hong Kong SAR ordinary passport valid 3+ months

required

AustralianETA app installed on your phone

required

Working phone camera for passport chip and face scan

required

Credit or debit card for the AUD20 service fee

required

Valid email address for the grant notification

required

Genuine tourist intent and proof of sufficient funds

required

Return or onward travel booking

recommended

No health or character issues that affect eligibility

required

Accommodation details for your stay

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

ETA service feeAUD 20Charged for using the AustralianETA app; not a visa charge

Visa Application Charge (VAC)AUD 0No VAC applies to the subclass 601 ETA

Visitor visa (subclass 600) - alternativeFrom AUD 200Only if stay exceeds 3 months or ETA is unsuitable

Total estimateAUD 20 — AUD 20incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

AustralianETA app (standard)

Minutes to a few days

The only official channel; most grants are near-instant after submission.

Referred for further checks

Up to several days

Some applications are manually reviewed before a decision is issued.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Tourism and holidays

Sightseeing, leisure travel and short holidays in Australia.

High

/02

Visiting family and friends

Short social visits to relatives or friends residing in Australia.

High

/03

Business visitor activities

Attending meetings, conferences or negotiations (no employment).

Medium

/04

Transit through Australia

Short stopovers en route to another destination.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

Hong Kong to Australia route verified

Confirmed via the Australian Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong that HKSAR passport holders require a subclass 601 ETA, applied through the AustralianETA app with a AUD20 service fee, allowing up to 3 months per stay and multiple entries over 12 months.

/09 — The questions