The UK has removed the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for Hong Kong British National (Overseas), also known as BNO, passport holders. This change, an expansion of the previous exemption for BNO visa holders, means BNO passport holders no longer need an ETA to travel to the UK.
The decision to exempt BNO passport holders stems from the UK’s strong ties to the community and the fact that the UK authorities issue these travel documents. This essentially means that the UK has determined that BNO passport holders should be treated similarly to British citizens with passports. The UK Home Office has pledged to amend the immigration rules to reflect this change as soon as possible.
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ETA, exemption, and other key details for Hong Kong BNO passport holders
According to current immigration rules, Hong Kong BNO passport holders who do not hold British Citizenship or a valid BNO visa must apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK, similar to travellers from several other countries. The ETA exemption is anticipated to simplify travel procedures and reduce bureaucratic obstacles for BNO passport holders wishing to visit the UK.
On March 9, 2023, the UK announced its plan to replace the Electronic Visa Waiver Scheme with the ETA. Implementation of this new scheme is underway, with US citizens required to obtain an ETA starting January 8, 2025, and citizens of several European countries needing one from April 2, 2025. For more information on the UK’s ETA policy, please visit their official website.
The UK is one of the most popular countries to visit in Europe, offering myriad attractions, from historic sites to natural wonders to modern marvels. Some of the most popular places to visit in the UK include London, the Isle of Wight, Somerset, Bath, Leeds, the Cotswolds, Worcester, and Canterbury, where visitors can enjoy the old-world charms of the yesteryears.
(Feature image credit: David McKelvey/Flickr)
Related | From Oxford To Bath: Discover England By Train With These Day Trips From London
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
