New ETA requirement for travelers from Hong Kong to the UK starting Jan 8

Beginning January 8, Hong Kongers planning to travel to the United Kingdom will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before their journey.

Under the UK’s new entry regulations, individuals from 48 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, must apply for the ETA prior to traveling or transiting through the country.

According to the British government, the new regulation ensures that authorities have prior access to personal information, biometric data, and contact details of visitors, hence reducing potential security risks.

The new regulation exempts only individuals with visas that allow them to reside, work, or study in the UK, while all travelers, including infants and children, must apply for an ETA even for simple transit.

The ETA will be valid for two years, allowing multiple entries to the country, with a maximum stay of six months within its validity period. 

The application fee for the ETA is £10, and applicants can apply through an official mobile app or website, which is expected to take approximately 10 minutes. Applicants are required to provide contact and passport details, as well as a valid photo.

Approval notification will be sent via email within three working days, with the ETA linked to the applicant's passport.