The UK government has decided to exempt Hong Kong residents holding British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passports from the newly implemented Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement. Initially introduced in January, the ETA policy required all non-British nationals, including those from Hong Kong, to apply for an electronic travel authorisation at a cost of £10.
Seema Malhotra, the UK Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, confirmed the exemption in a letter to House of Lords member David Alton. The decision was influenced by the strong historical ties between the BN(O) community and the UK, as well as commitments made to them. Malhotra noted that the UK government’s issuance of the BN(O) passport provides a “higher degree of certainty” regarding the identity of the individuals, making the ETA unnecessary for them.
The Home Office will amend immigration rules to formalize this change and will periodically review the exemption to ensure there is no evidence of misuse.
