Hong Kong (SAR China) to United Kingdom visa requirements

Hong Kong SAR ordinary passport holders do not need a visitor visa for tourism in the UK, but they must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. It costs £20, is valid 2 years for multiple entries, and permits stays of up to 6 months per visit. HKSAR ordinary passport holders are non-visa nationals for short visits to the United Kingdom and may stay up to 6 months for tourism, business, family visits or transit without a visa. However, the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement applies to HKSAR passport holders for travel from 8 January 2025, and GOV.UK's no-permission-no-travel enforcement began on 25 February 2026, so an approved ETA linked to your passport is now mandatory before boarding any flight, train or ferry to the UK unless you are exempt. The ETA costs £20 (raised from £16 on 8 April 2026), is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, allows multiple entries, and grants up to 6 months per stay. Apply via the free UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website; most decisions arrive within minutes, but apply at least 3 working days ahead in case of manual review. Note: BN(O) passport holders do not need an ETA, and people with a valid BN(O) visa or other UK immigration permission are also exempt — this guide covers the HKSAR ordinary passport.