Hongkongers holding British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passports are no longer required to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before traveling to the United Kingdom.
The UK government updated its website on Thursday, expanding the initial ETA exemption that applied to BN(O) visa holders. The change follows confirmation from Migration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra, who announced the decision in a letter to David Alton, a member of the House of Lords.
Malhotra explained that the BN(O) passport, issued by the UK, provides greater identity assurance, and the decision reflects the close ties between the BN(O) community and the UK, along with historical commitments to them.
Since January, non-European nationals without a visa for short stays were required to obtain an ETA before entering the UK, which included BN(O) passport holders without a visa. However, as of April, this requirement will extend to Europeans as well.
The ETA, which costs £10 (approximately US$13), is valid for two years and allows multiple entries to the UK, with stays of up to six months. The ETA system, similar to those used in the United States and Australia, is designed to strengthen the UK’s border security and prevent potential threats.
