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Oscar Liu

Travellers from 83 jurisdictions including Hong Kong will need to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) document before entering the United Kingdom from early next year.
The application will take no longer than three working days and cost £10 (US$13.1).
Here, the Post looks at what other countries require an ETA for Hong Kong travellers and the steps applicants must take.
1. What is an ETA?
An ETA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals and also a type of registration electronically linked to a traveller’s passport. It allows the destination or transit country to screen travellers before they arrive, hence increasing visibility and security.
The British government said the worldwide expansion of the ETA showed its “commitment to enhancing security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system”.


2. When will it take effect?
Individuals from 49 places or countries outside Europe, such as Hong Kong and holders of British National (Overseas) passports, can apply for an ETA starting on November 27.
The authorisation will be mandatory for travel to the UK from January 8 next year.
Hongkongers with BN (O) visas will not need an ETA to enter Britain, but BN (O) passport holders who do not have the corresponding visa will.
Residents of European Union nations will also need an ETA from April 2 in 2025.
3. How long does the ETA last?
The permit is valid for two years and holders can travel to the UK as many times as they want during the period. Visitors can apply through an official mobile app or website.
Applicants are required to provide contact and passport details, as well as a valid photo.
4. Which countries are expanding their ETA scheme?
The EU earlier introduced the European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS), requiring travellers from 60 visa-exempt places, including Hong Kong, to obtain permission before entering 30 European countries. The system will commence in mid-2025.
Those authorised will be allowed to stay in the EU for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
An ETIAS authorisation will cost €7 (US$7.5), but the charge is waived for those aged under 18 and over 70.

5. What other places require an ETA for Hongkongers?
Hong Kong passport holders are also required to obtain an ETA before visiting Canada, Kenya, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan.
Canada mandated the authorisation for travellers in November 2016 in a bid to improve public safety, adding it was a simple, inexpensive online process that took just minutes to complete.
A single application for an ETA costs C$7 (US$5.1). The ETA is valid for five years or until a traveller’s passport expires.
6. Are there any exemptions?
The ETA requirement for travellers has become a global trend, with few exceptions.
Nationals from most countries including those from Singapore, Japan and the EU are required to apply for an ETA to enter the UK, except Irish nationals and eligible residents and some countries such as Jordan.
To visit Canada, an exemption is given to US citizens who must carry proper identification such as a valid American passport.
Australian citizens travelling to New Zealand with Australian passports do not need an ETA.
For travellers to the EU, exemption is only given to a national of a European country requiring an ETIAS; UK citizens who had been living in an EU country before January 2021; and those from Ireland and the Vatican.


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Hongkongers will soon need to pay to enter the UK. What should you know about the ETA system?

Arrivals at Heathrow Airport in London. The ETA will be mandatory for travel to the UK from January 8 next year. Photo: EPA-EFE

Tourists on Westminster Bridge in London. Travellers from 83 jurisdictions will need to obtain the permits before entering the country. Photo: Reuters 

Hongkongers will need to pay to enter UK next year with electronic travel permit

Visitors can apply for the electronic travel permit through an official mobile app or via a website. Photo: AFP

Visitors soak up the sights in London. Europeans will also need an ETA from April 2 next year. Photo: Bloomberg

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The Post breaks down electronic travel authorisation (ETA) documents and the places where they are used


The Post breaks down electronic travel authorisation (ETA) documents and the places where they are used.


Britain

Explainers

Provide background, definition and detail of a specific topic, helping the reader understand how something works or what has happened in the past.  (Eg. What is Nafta? US and Mexico are on the verge of revising trade deal.)


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Explainer | Hongkongers will soon need to pay to enter the UK. What should you know about the ETA system?

The Post breaks down electronic travel authorisation (ETA) documents and the places where they are used

1. What is an ETA?

2. When will it take effect?