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Australia Visa for Hong Kong Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Hong Kong SAR passport holders travelling to Australia for tourism or business apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) online, valid for 1 year with stays of up to 3 months per visit.

Guide last updated September 19, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the intended travel period
  • Smartphone to use the Australian ETA app for eligible passport holders, or apply via a registered travel agent
  • A valid credit or debit card to pay the service fee
  • Facial photo capture within the ETA app during the application process
  • No biometrics required beyond the in-app photo; no in-person appointment needed
  • Travel/health insurance recommended though not mandatory for ETA holders

Visa types

  • ETA (subclass 601): tourism or business visitor visa, multiple entries, valid 12 months, maximum stay of 3 months per visit
  • eVisitor and standard Visitor visa (subclass 600) exist for other passport types but are not applicable to Hong Kong SAR passport holders, who use the ETA

How to apply online

  • Download the official Australian ETA app from the Australian Government (Department of Home Affairs)
  • Enter passport details, answer eligibility questions, and submit a facial photo through the app
  • Pay the AUD 20 service fee by card
  • Most applications are approved within minutes to a few hours; some are referred for manual processing which can take several business days
  • Approval is linked electronically to the passport number - no visa label or sticker is issued, and no physical document needs to be carried

Fees & processing time

  • ETA service fee: AUD 20 (approximately USD 13)
  • No separate VFS/BLS fee since the ETA app is used directly
  • Total cost estimate: AUD 20 plus any card processing fee
  • Standard processing: instant to a few hours for most applicants; up to several business days if referred for manual review
  • No express/priority service is offered; applying well before travel avoids risk from manual review delays

Tips for Hong Kong travelers

  • Apply for the ETA at least a few days before departure in case of manual review delays
  • Common issues include app compatibility problems on older phones - use a recent iOS or Android device
  • Ensure passport details entered exactly match the passport to avoid rejection
  • The ETA allows multiple entries for 12 months, so frequent visitors do not need to reapply for each trip within that period
  • If the ETA is not approved instantly, avoid booking non-refundable flights until confirmation is received

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.