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The UK Home Office has announced that British National (Overseas) [BN(O)] passport holders will no longer be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK. This decision expands the existing exemption, which previously applied only to BN(O) visa holders.
In a letter dated March 3, Migration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra confirmed the change, stating that the UK government had reconsidered the ETA requirement for BN(O) passport holders after reviewing the available evidence.
“This decision has been made on the basis of the close ties that the BN(O) community has with the UK, the historical commitments made to them and, critically, the fact that just like for British citizens with passports, it is the UK issuing their travel documents,” Malhotra wrote to David Alton, a member of the House of Lords.
She further emphasized that since the UK issues BN(O) passports, there is a higher degree of certainty regarding the identity of the passport holders, making additional travel authorization unnecessary.
Malhotra stated that the Home Office would amend the immigration rules “at the earliest opportunity” to reflect the updated policy. However, she also noted that the exemption would be kept under review to ensure it is not misused.
Prior to this exemption, since January 2024, all eligible non-European nationals, including most Hongkongers, were required to obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK, unless they already held UK immigration status, such as a BN(O) visa.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permit introduced to enhance UK border security. Key details include:
Cost: £10
Validity: 2 years, allowing multiple entries
Maximum Stay: Up to 6 months per visit
From April 2025, European visitors will also be required to obtain an ETA before entering the UK.
This exemption marks a positive step in recognising the historical and political ties between the UK and BN(O) passport holders, many of whom fled Hong Kong following political uncertainty. The move is expected to simplify travel procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for BN(O) passport holders who wish to visit the UK.
For the latest updates on UK immigration rules and travel authorisations, stay informed with Worldwide Immigration. If you have questions regarding ETA applications or UK entry requirements, contact our experts today!
