Allow BN(O)s ETA-free entry

We urge the UK Government to maintain the current practice of allowing BN(O) passport holders to enter the UK without applying for an ETA. We think the ETA system WILL impose unjust restrictions and financial burdens, contradicting prior commitments to BN(O) Hongkongers.

Since BN(O) was created, it has allowed holders to visit the UK without a visa. We think BN(O) holders should be free to enter the UK just as other British Nationals, except for the requirement of immigration controls, consistent with their status and historical practice. We think the upcoming ETA requirement for BN(O) holders infringes human rights and creates disproportionate hurdles for BN(O) holders entering the UK. We call on Parliament to repeal ETA requirements for BN(O) holders.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme was launched on 25 October 2023, to secure our borders and make the UK safer, ensuring that everyone wishing to travel to the UK (except British and Irish citizens) must seek permission in advance of their journey. An ETA is a permission to travel, and not a visa.

The Government has decided to exceptionally exempt British National (Overseas) passport holders from requiring an ETA when travelling to the UK as we have greater assurance about who they are as we are responsible for issuing them with their passports. British National (Overseas) passport holders will demonstrate their eligibility to travel to the UK to their carrier simply through their BNO passport and will continue to enjoy visa-free access to the UK as a visitor for up to six months. Individuals who already have a UK immigration status, including a British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa, have never required an ETA to travel to the UK, and this will continue to be the case.

We will keep this exceptional exemption under review.

Home Office