🇭🇰HONG KONG

🇬🇧UNITED KINGDOMHK-GB

Do Hong Kong passport holders need a visa to visit United Kingdom?

Q: How much does the UK ETA cost?

£20 per person. The fee rose from £16 to £20 on 8 April 2026 and is non-refundable.

Q: How long is the ETA valid?

Up to 2 years, or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner). It allows multiple entries, each stay up to 6 months.

Q: How long does ETA approval take?

Most applicants get an automatic decision within minutes, but some cases take up to 3 working days. Apply early.

Q: Do BN(O) passport holders need an ETA?

No. Holders of a BN(O) passport or BN(O) visa are exempt from the ETA. This guide is for the HKSAR ordinary passport.

Q: Can I work in the UK with an ETA?

No. The ETA grants visitor status only — tourism, family visits, permitted business and short study. It does not allow employment.

Hong Kong SAR ordinary passport holders do not need a visitor visa for tourism in the UK, but since 8 January 2026 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) scheme reached full enforcement for Hong Kong travellers on 8 January 2026, so an approved ETA linked to your passport is now mandatory before boarding any flight, train or ferry to the UK. 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: holders of a BN(O) passport or BN(O) visa are exempt from the ETA — this guide covers the HKSAR ordinary passport.

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

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — no visa

Maximum stay

Up to 6 months per visit

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

£20

consular fee only

Processing time

Usually minutes; up to 3 working days

standard track

Validity

2 years or until passport expires

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm you need an ETA, not a visa

HKSAR ordinary passport holders are non-visa nationals for visits up to 6 months but must hold a valid ETA. (BN(O) passport/visa holders are exempt.)

· Visitor route· No visa required

/02

Prepare your documents

Have your HKSAR passport (valid for the trip), a recent digital photo or live face scan capability, and a payment card ready.

· HKSAR passport· Payment card

/03

Apply via the UK ETA app or GOV.UK

Download the official 'UK ETA' app (recommended) or apply online at GOV.UK. Scan your passport, take a photo, answer suitability questions and pay the £20 fee.

· UK ETA app· £20 fee

/04

Wait for the decision

Most applicants get an automatic approval within minutes; some cases need review of up to 3 working days. Apply well before booking-required travel.

· Minutes to 3 days

/05

Travel with your linked passport

The ETA is digitally linked to the passport you applied with. Carry that same passport — there is nothing to print. Carriers verify the ETA at check-in.

· Linked to passport

/06

Re-use within validity

Use the same ETA for further trips for up to 2 years (or until passport expiry), each visit up to 6 months. Reapply if you get a new passport.

· 2-year validity· Multiple entries

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

8 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 8 complete

HKSAR ordinary passport valid for your stay

required

Approved UK ETA linked to that passport

required

Payment card for the £20 ETA fee

required

Digital photo / device for live face scan

required

Return or onward travel ticket

recommended

Proof of accommodation (hotel/host details)

recommended

Evidence of sufficient funds for the visit

recommended

Confirm you are not using a BN(O) document (which is ETA-exempt)

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

UK ETA fee£20Per applicant; non-refundable. Raised from £16 on 8 April 2026.

Visitor visa£0Not required for short tourist visits on an HKSAR passport.

Biometric/photo£0Captured in-app at no extra cost.

Total estimate£20 — £20incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

UK ETA app

Usually minutes

Recommended fastest route; scan passport and face, pay £20, most decisions automatic within minutes.

GOV.UK online application

Minutes to 3 working days

Web alternative to the app; same fee and outcome. Apply at least 3 working days before travel in case of manual review.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Tourism and sightseeing

Short leisure visits of up to 6 months are permitted on an ETA.

High

/02

Visiting family or friends

Social visits to UK-based relatives or friends are covered by the visitor/ETA route.

High

/03

Business meetings

Permitted business activities such as meetings and conferences are allowed within the 6-month visitor scope.

Medium

/04

Transit through the UK

Passengers transiting via the UK generally need an ETA under the new scheme.

Medium

/05

Short courses or study

Study of up to 6 months can be undertaken as a visitor with an ETA.

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 United Kingdom route verified

Confirmed via GOV.UK and the April 2026 Home Office ETA factsheet that HKSAR ordinary passport holders remain visa-free for visits up to 6 months but must hold a UK ETA (mandatory since 8 January 2026). ETA fee verified at £20 following the 8 April 2026 increase; validity 2 years, multiple entry.

/09 — The questions