Though Hong Kong is likely one of the UK’s visa-free areas, in keeping with the newest laws, if Hong Kong residents need to enter the UK, they have to apply for an Digital Journey Authorization (ETA) prematurely. This time, Kuai Er Bao will clarify to you the newest UK immigration laws, ETA software necessities, steps and precautions.
British Digital Journey Authorisation ETA｜BNO holders additionally want to use
From January 8, 2025, vacationers holding passports from a UK visa-free space who plan to enter the UK for language programs, tourism, enterprise visits or transit for lower than 6 months might want to get hold of an Digital Journey Authorisation (ETA) prematurely earlier than getting into the nation. Hong Kong residents getting into the nation with BNO passports additionally want to use; holders of BNO visas (“5+1 Scheme”) are exempt. If you have already got a neighborhood residence visa, you don’t want to use for an ETA individually.
What’s ETA? ETA charges, deadlines and relevant events
The UK Digital Journey Doc (ETA) is a digital doc introduced by the UK authorities for international visa-free vacationers, just like the US Digital Journey Authorization System (ESTA). Along with simplifying the pre-entry assessment course of for visa-free vacationers, this transfer can even permit native governments to determine potential dangers earlier than vacationers arrive, thereby strengthening entry channels and nationwide safety.
Utility payment: £10 (roughly HK$98) per software
Validity interval: 2 years (you may enter and exit a number of instances throughout this era, if you happen to change your passport, it’s essential to reapply)
Relevant to: Finding out within the UK for lower than 6 months (language programs), tourism, enterprise visits, and transit
Areas and exemptions that require ETA
ETA software is split into a number of phases. The nations and areas that at the moment want to use for ETA are:
- Asia: Hong Kong Particular Administrative Area (together with British Nationwide Abroad (BNO) passport holders), Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, and many others.
- Different areas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, New Zealand, the US, and many others.
From April 2, 2025, nations and areas that want to use for ETA to enter the UK:
- Residents of European Union (EU) and European Financial Space (EEA) nations, akin to Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Spain
Exempt individuals
- British or Irish passport holders
- Individuals who have been granted a legitimate UK visa, or have the precise to dwell, work or research within the UK
- Twin British or Irish residents
Learn how to apply for ETA | Required paperwork and steps for making use of for ETA
- Obtain the UK ETA app in your cellphone (iOS or Android) or go to the UK authorities ETA web site
- Take a photograph or add your passport web page as instructed
- Scan your face, add a photograph and reply questions
- Full fee
- ETA shall be issued inside 3 working days
UK ETA Situations
Though the UK ETA is legitimate for 2 years, the holder can’t keep within the UK for greater than 6 months at a time and can’t interact in paid or unpaid work with out permission. Guests are additionally unable to say public funds or advantages, nor can they reside within the UK on frequent or steady visits. Having an ETA doesn’t essentially imply that you could enter the UK. Native officers have the ultimate say on whether or not to permit or deny entry. Vacationers should additionally current the passport used for the ETA software upon arrival.
FAQ
What’s the UK Digital Journey Authorisation ETA?
The UK Digital Journey Doc (ETA) is a digital doc introduced by the UK authorities for international visa-free vacationers, just like the US Digital Journey Authorization System (ESTA). Along with simplifying the pre-entry assessment course of for visa-free vacationers, this transfer can even permit native governments to determine potential dangers earlier than vacationers arrive, thereby strengthening entry channels and nationwide safety.
Do I would like to use for an ETA to enter the UK with a BNO passport?
Hong Kong residents who solely maintain a BNO passport want to use for an ETA; holders of a BNO visa (i.e. the “5+1 Scheme”) are exempt. If you have already got a neighborhood residence visa, you don’t want to use for an ETA individually.
