The United Kingdom’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) regime moved from pilot to full enforcement at 00:01 GMT on 8 January. All nationals who previously enjoyed visa-free entry—including Hong Kong SAR and British National (Overseas) passport holders—must apply for and receive the £16 digital permit before boarding any flight, train or ferry to the UK. (visahq.com)
Applications are submitted via a smartphone app that captures biometrics and answers to security questions. Most approvals are issued in minutes, but the Home Office warns that up to 72 hours may be required for secondary checks. Carriers face fines for transporting passengers without valid ETAs, meaning Hong Kong travellers will be turned away at check-in if the QR-code approval is missing.
VisaHQ’s Hong Kong branch can take the legwork out of these new requirements. By starting an application through https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/ travellers and mobility managers get an intuitive dashboard that tracks ETA progress in real time, flags missing documents and sends automated renewal reminders—helping teams avoid costly last-minute cancellations and keeping compliance effortless.
![UK Electronic Travel Authorisation now compulsory for HKSAR and BN(O) passport holders]()
For mobility managers, the operational repercussions are immediate. The ETA grants visitor status only; staff performing remunerated work must still secure a Skilled-Worker, Global Business Mobility or Permitted-Paid-Engagement visa. Corporate travel teams should embed ETA prompts in online-booking tools and store authorisation numbers in traveller profiles for seamless renewals.
Cost comparisons are favourable—£16 is cheaper than the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA—but the fee adds an extra administrative step. Several budget airlines are already marketing “seat + ETA” bundles, which could create confusion over responsibility for compliance. HR departments may wish to reimburse the fee to maintain parity with forthcoming Schengen ETIAS reimbursements (expected late 2026).
BN(O) status-holders should note that the ETA does not affect their separate five-year BN(O) visa pathway, although dependants without UK status must obtain an ETA for short visits. Frequent business travellers are urged to apply at least three days before departure until the system beds in.
Applications are submitted via a smartphone app that captures biometrics and answers to security questions. Most approvals are issued in minutes, but the Home Office warns that up to 72 hours may be required for secondary checks. Carriers face fines for transporting passengers without valid ETAs, meaning Hong Kong travellers will be turned away at check-in if the QR-code approval is missing.
VisaHQ’s Hong Kong branch can take the legwork out of these new requirements. By starting an application through https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/ travellers and mobility managers get an intuitive dashboard that tracks ETA progress in real time, flags missing documents and sends automated renewal reminders—helping teams avoid costly last-minute cancellations and keeping compliance effortless.
For mobility managers, the operational repercussions are immediate. The ETA grants visitor status only; staff performing remunerated work must still secure a Skilled-Worker, Global Business Mobility or Permitted-Paid-Engagement visa. Corporate travel teams should embed ETA prompts in online-booking tools and store authorisation numbers in traveller profiles for seamless renewals.
Cost comparisons are favourable—£16 is cheaper than the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA—but the fee adds an extra administrative step. Several budget airlines are already marketing “seat + ETA” bundles, which could create confusion over responsibility for compliance. HR departments may wish to reimburse the fee to maintain parity with forthcoming Schengen ETIAS reimbursements (expected late 2026).
BN(O) status-holders should note that the ETA does not affect their separate five-year BN(O) visa pathway, although dependants without UK status must obtain an ETA for short visits. Frequent business travellers are urged to apply at least three days before departure until the system beds in.
