Hong Kong BN(O) passport holders exempt from needing ETA to travel to UK

Hongkongers holding British National (Overseas) passports no longer need to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) document before travelling to the United Kingdom.

The UK government updated its website on Thursday to reflect the development, expanding the original exemption that applied to BN(O) visa holders.

The change came after migration and citizenship minister Seema Malhotra confirmed the decision in a letter last week to David Alton, a member of the House of Lords.

She said the decision was based on the fact that the BN(O) passport was issued by the UK, thereby providing a greater level of assurance to the identity of the holder.

Malhotra added the move had been made on the basis of the close ties that the BN(O) community has with the UK and the historical commitments made to them.

Since January, non-European nationals who do not need a visa for short stays in the UK have had to obtain an ETA before arrival. This included Hongkongers who were BN(O) passport holders but did not have a visa.