Hong Kong SAR passport holders need a travel authorisation before visiting Australia. For most short trips, that's the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601), a digital authorisation applied for entirely through a mobile app, costing an AUD 20 service charge, and typically approved within minutes to a few hours. It allows stays of up to three months per visit, with multiple visits possible over a 12-month period.
British National (Overseas), or BN(O), passport holders may also be eligible for Australia's Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601), according to the Department of Home Affairs. However, BN(O) passport holders are not eligible for the eVisitor (subclass 651). If you hold both a Hong Kong SAR passport and a BN(O) passport, you may use either eligible passport for the appropriate Australian visa application, but you should travel using the passport linked to your visa or ETA. The differences between the two passport types are explained further down this guide.
At a Glance: Australia Travel Authorisation for Hong Kong Passport Holders
Hong Kong SAR passport | BN(O) passport | |
|---|---|---|
Visa type | Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) | Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) — check current eligibility in the app before applying |
Where to apply | Australian ETA app (iOS/Android) | Australian ETA app (iOS/Android) |
Cost | AUD 20 service charge | AUD 20 service charge |
Typical processing time | Usually immediate; may take longer if further information is required | Usually immediate; may take longer if further information is required |
Length of stay per visit | Up to 3 months | Up to 3 months |
Validity | Multiple entries over 12 months from grant, or until passport expires, whichever is sooner | Multiple entries over 12 months from grant, or until passport expires, whichever is sooner |
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How to Apply for the Australia ETA (Subclass 601) From Hong Kong
The ETA can only be applied for through the official Australian ETA app; there is no website or desktop application option. The whole process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.
- Download the app. Search for "Australian ETA" on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and install it. Avoid third-party sites offering to lodge the application for a higher fee; the official service charge is AUD 20, and anything more is a red flag.
- Scan your passport. Hold your Hong Kong SAR passport's biodata page against your phone so the app can read the passport chip and pre-fill your name, date of birth, and passport number.
- Take a live photo. The app asks for a live selfie to confirm you match your passport photo. Use good lighting, look directly at the camera, and remove glasses or hats not shown in your passport photo.
- Answer the application questions. These cover health, character, and travel history declarations.
- Pay the AUD 20 service charge. Payment is by credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, inside the app.
- Wait for a decision. Most applicants receive a decision immediately, although some applications may take longer if further information is required.
The ETA links electronically to your passport number, so there's no stamp, sticker, or physical document to carry — just make sure you travel on the same passport that you used to apply.
Australia ETA (subclass 601) at a glance:
💰 Cost: AUD 20 service charge only
⏱ Processing: usually within minutes, up to 12 hours
🗓 Stay per visit: up to 3 months
📱 Apply via: Australian ETA app only
HKSAR vs BN(O) Passport: Which Australia Visa Do You Need?
Australia ETA App
Many Hong Kong travellers hold both a Hong Kong SAR passport and a BN(O) passport. According to the Department of Home Affairs' Hong Kong enquiry page, both passport types may be eligible for the ETA, so most travellers holding either one can skip the longer Visitor visa (subclass 600) process.
Hong Kong SAR passport | BN(O) passport | |
|---|---|---|
ETA (subclass 601) eligible? | Yes | Yes, confirm current eligibility in the Australian ETA app before applying. |
eVisitor (subclass 651) eligible? | No | No |
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) eligible? | Yes | Yes |
Recommended approach if you hold both | Either passport can be used for the ETA application — apply with whichever passport you intend to travel on | Same as Hong Kong SAR |
If you hold both passports, make sure the passport you scan in the Australian ETA app is the same one you present at check-in and immigration, since the ETA links electronically to that specific passport number.
⚠️ Important Note: Verify the current ETA-eligible passport list directly in the Australian ETA app or at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before travel, as eligibility settings are reviewed periodically.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) for Hong Kong Travellers
Hong Kong SAR passport holders (including those who also hold a BN(O) passport) are eligible for Australia's Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), which suits younger travellers who want to combine an extended trip with short-term work.
Who can apply
- Hong Kong SAR passport holders: generally 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) when applying.
- BN(O) passport holders: eligible under Australia's UK passport arrangements, which currently allow applicants up to age 35.
- You must meet the other subclass 417 eligibility requirements, including the requirement concerning dependent children accompanying you.
- Your application must be made using an eligible passport.
Stay duration and work conditions
- The Working Holiday visa generally allows a 12-month stay from the date you first enter Australia.
- You can generally work for up to 6 months with the same employer, subject to applicable exceptions.
- You can generally study or train for up to 4 months during the visa period.
This visa route is different from the ETA and Visitor visa in that it's designed for a working holiday rather than a short tourist trip, so the application, documentation, and cost are more involved.
Second and third Working Holiday visas
For Hong Kong SAR passport holders, the usual specified-work requirements apply: you generally need to complete 3 months of specified work to qualify for a second Working Holiday visa and 6 months to qualify for a third.
Different rules apply to British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passport holders. Under Australia's UK Working Holiday arrangements, BN(O) passport holders who apply using their BN(O) passport on or after 1 July 2024 do not need to meet the specified-work requirement for either a second or third Working Holiday visa. They can access up to three subclass 417 visas in total, subject to the other eligibility requirements.
When You Might Need a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Instead of the ETA
Aerial view of Sydney, Australia
Most Hong Kong SAR and BN(O) passport holders may not need the Visitor visa, since the ETA covers short trips for both passport types. It becomes relevant if:
- Your passport isn't currently on the ETA-eligible list. Check this in the Australian ETA app before applying, as eligibility settings can change.
- You want to stay in Australia for longer than 3 months on a single visit.
- Your ETA application is refused and you need an alternative pathway.
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is lodged online through ImmiAccount rather than the ETA app, generally costs more, and can take longer to process than an ETA.
FAQs: Australia ETA for Hong Kong Travellers
Can I fly to Australia without an ETA?
No. If you're travelling on a Hong Kong SAR or BN(O) passport, you need a valid ETA (or another eligible visa) before you board your flight. Airlines check for this at check-in, and you won't be allowed to board without it. There's no visa-on-arrival option for Hong Kong or BN(O) passport holders.
Is Australia visa free for HK passports?
Not entirely free, but close to it. Hong Kong SAR (and eligible BN(O)) passport holders don't need a traditional visa, instead, they apply for an ETA, which carries only an AUD 20 service charge rather than a visa application fee. This is far simpler and cheaper than the Visitor visa (subclass 600) process.
Does a HK passport need ETA?
Yes. A Hong Kong SAR passport is on the list of passports eligible for Australia's ETA (subclass 601), and holders need to apply for one before travelling, unless they qualify for and hold another valid Australian visa. BN(O) passport holders may also be ETA-eligible; check current eligibility in the Australian ETA app before applying.
How do I apply for an Australian ETA?
Download the official Australian ETA app on your phone, scan your passport's biodata page, take a live photo, answer the application questions, and pay the AUD 20 service charge by card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Most applications are approved within minutes.
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