Australia entry requirements for travellers from Hong Kong
Do Hong Kong passport holders need a visa for Australia?
Yes, in the form of an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601). Holders of a Hong Kong SAR passport are on the ETA list, so the process is a short application through the Australian ETA App with a service charge of AUD20.
This is a different and far simpler route than the one facing holders of a People’s Republic of China passport, who must apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600).
British National (Overseas) passport holders are also eligible for the ETA. They are specifically excluded from the free eVisitor visa, which is limited to citizens of the listed European countries, so the ETA is the route for BNO travellers as well.
How long can you stay in Australia?
The ETA allows up to three months on each entry and is valid for twelve months, with unlimited entries.
For a single longer stay, apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600), which can be granted for three, six or twelve months and costs from AUD250.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for the whole of your stay. Australia does not apply a six month validity rule, though airlines and transit countries may. The ETA is tied to your passport number, so a renewal means a new application.
If you hold both a Hong Kong SAR passport and a BNO passport, apply with the one you will travel on, and declare the other in the application.
Proof of funds
You must be able to support yourself during the visit and pay for your departure. No minimum figure is published.
Onward or return travel
A return ticket is not a formal requirement, though airlines sometimes ask on one way bookings.
Applying for your ETA
Use the Australian ETA App. Scan your passport chip, take a photograph, answer the questions and pay the AUD20 service charge. Most decisions come back immediately.
If you hold more than one passport you must declare this in the application. If you have a criminal conviction, or the app cannot read your passport, apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) through ImmiAccount instead.
Health requirements
No vaccinations are required for entry from Hong Kong. A yellow fever certificate is required only if you have been in a yellow fever risk country in the six days before arrival.
There is no reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and Hong Kong, so travel insurance is worth holding.
Other entry requirements
Complete the Incoming Passenger Card on the flight. Australian biosecurity is strict, and the items most often seized from travellers arriving from Hong Kong are dried seafood, preserved meats, herbal and traditional medicines, seeds and fresh fruit. Declare them all.
Cash of AUD10,000 or more, or the Hong Kong dollar equivalent, must be declared.
Frequently asked questions
Can BNO passport holders use the eVisitor?
No. The eVisitor excludes British National (Overseas) passports along with other non citizen British documents. BNO holders should apply for an Electronic Travel Authority instead.
Is the process different from mainland China?
Yes. Holders of a People’s Republic of China passport are not eligible for the ETA and must apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600), which costs from AUD250 and takes longer.
How long does the ETA take?
Most are decided immediately, though a minority take longer. Apply when you book.
Can I work on an ETA?
No. Tourism, family visits and business visitor activities such as meetings and conferences are permitted. Paid work is not.
Do children need their own ETA?
Yes, including infants.
I have two passports. Which do I use?
Apply with the passport you will travel on, and declare the other passport in the application as required.