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United Kingdom Visa for Hong Kong Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Hong Kong SAR passport holders need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel, which once approved permits short visits of up to 6 months.

Guide last updated October 25, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • HKSAR passport valid for the intended travel dates
  • A smartphone to use the UK ETA app, or access to the gov.uk ETA online service
  • A digital photo (the app can capture this) and basic biographic details
  • Debit or credit card for the application fee
  • Email address to receive the ETA confirmation
  • No biometrics beyond the photo are required for the ETA itself

Visa types

  • The ETA is a single authorisation category (not a visa) covering tourism, short business trips, study of up to 6 months and transit. It does not cover long-term work, settlement, or study beyond 6 months, which require a separate UK visa applied for in advance through the standard visa application process.

How to apply online

  • Apply via the official UK ETA app or at gov.uk/eta before booking travel or at least before departure
  • Enter passport details, answer background questions, upload a photo, and pay the fee online
  • Most applications are decided within minutes, though UK guidance allows up to 3 working days
  • The approved ETA is linked electronically to your passport - no physical stamp or sticker is issued

Fees & processing time

  • The ETA fee is GBP 10 (approximately USD 13) per applicant, payable online by card. Processing is usually near-instant to a few hours, with the UK Home Office stating a maximum of 3 working days. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple visits of up to 6 months each.

Tips for Hong Kong travelers

  • Apply for the ETA well before booking flights, since airlines will check for it at check-in
  • Double check passport number and personal details match exactly - mismatches are a common cause of application errors
  • The ETA does not guarantee entry; UK Border Force still makes the final decision at the port of entry
  • The British Consulate-General in Hong Kong can be contacted for ETA or broader visa queries if issues arise

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.