Hong Kong immigration bans BN(O) starting today

Local airlines are reminding passengers that they can no longer use British National (Overseas) passports to enter Hong Kong starting today.

Both Hong Kong Airlines and Cathay Pacific wrote on their websites that BN(O) passports cannot be used for immigration clearance and identification in Hong Kong.

The airlines said residents need HKSAR passports or permanent identity cards for entering or departing the city. 

“Our Airport team will request passengers to present valid documents before boarding their flight.”  

The airlines added Hong Kong permanent residents without other valid travel documents may apply to the Immigration Department for an international travel purpose visa. 

Starting from today, the Hong Kong government will no longer recognize the British National Overseas passport as a valid travel document or identification.

The ban was in retaliation to the British government opening a new visa for Hong Kong BN(O) status holders allowing them and their family members to live and work in the UK, and apply for settlement after spending five years in the country. They can get?British citizenship after a further 12 months.

The new visa arrangement will launch at 5pm today.