ETIAS for Citizens of Hong Kong

Europe''s Travel Authorisation for Hong Kong Citizens

This website does not belong to, nor is it affiliated with, the EU. The official website of the European Union is europa.eu.

The European Travel Information Authorisation System will soon be implemented by the European Union. ETIAS will pre-screen Hong Kongese visitors, as well as all other visa-exempt non-EU nationals to better protect the Schengen Area from security risks.

Hongkongers can travel to the Schengen Area without applying for a visa. Visa-free entry to Europe is allowed for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or short-term studies.

The visa-exempt status that Hong Kong people now enjoy will involve an additional step once ETIAS is fully operational. From 2026 , citizens of Hong Kong will register online for an ETIAS visa waiver to enter the Schengen zone visa-free.

TRAVEL TO EUROPE FROM HONG KONG WITH ETIAS

ETIAS is not a visa. It is a new visa waiver for visa-exempt third-country nationals, including visitors from Hong Kong.

If you hold a passport issued by Hong Kong you can travel to European countries for:

  • Up to 90 days per 180-day period
  • Tourism, business, or short-term study
  • Multiple times during the ETIAS validity period

You must meet all the ETIAS requirements for Hong Kongers and register online.

ETIAS REQUIRED

Hong Kong passport holders need ETIAS to travel to the countries shown below:

  • EU Schengen
  • Non-EU Schengen States
  • Non-Schengen EU States
ETIAS Required

NON-EU MEMBER STATES:

MICRO-STATES DE FACTO PART OF SCHENGEN AREA:

  • Monaco
  • San Marino
  • Vatican City
ETIAS Required

NON-SCHENGEN EU STATES

HONG KONG PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR ETIAS APPLICATIONS

The ETIAS visa waiver is electronic. and linked to the Hong Kong passport used to apply for the travel authorisation. You need to travel with the passport used to apply since ETIAS cannot be transferred.

This also means Hong Kong people with dual citizenship must travel on the passport associated with the ETIAS and not their second passport.

To apply for ETIAS, the HKSAR passport must have a remaining validity of at least 3 months beyond the date you’ll exit the Schengen Area.

Every Hong Kong passport holder needs their own individual ETIAS to travel to Europe. You cannot submit a group application.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR ETIAS FROM HONG KONG

As well as a passport that meets the requirements above, to apply for ETIAS from Hong Kong you also need:

  • Email address: you’ll be notified by email once your ETIAS application has been approved
  • Debit or credit card: this is required to pay the ETIAS processing fees

In exceptional cases, travellers from Hong Kong may need to provide additional documentation or attend an interview. Interviews are expected for fewer than 0.1% of applications.

ETIAS APPLICATION DATA FOR CITIZENS OF HONG KONG

During the Europe visa waiver application process, Hong Kong registrants will complete an online form. They will need to fill out their:

  • Full name and surname
  • Sex
  • Nationality
  • Date and place of birth
  • Contact information
  • Education and occupation

For security and immigration purposes, you’ll also be required toprovide information about:

  • Previous travel to conflict areas
  • Previous European returns decisions

    HOW HONG KONGESE TRAVELLER INFORMATION IS USED BY ETIAS

    ETIAS approval process prescreens travellers before they enter the Schengen Area. Traveller data will be verified across numerous informational and criminal databases including, but not limited to:

    • SIS
    • VIS
    • EUROPOL DATA
    • SLTD (INTERPOL)
    • TDAWN (INTERPOL)
    • EURODAC

    These procedures will check to see whether applicants requesting an ETIAS visa waiver have any records of unlawful activity on the Europe-wide databases. It will help prevent serious criminal activity in the Schengen Area.

    ETIAS CHECKLIST FOR HONG KONGESE TRAVELLERS

    ETIAS is not live yet. Travellers from Hong Kong planning a trip to Europe from 2026 should:

    1. Check they meet the ETIAS requirements for Hong Kongese
    2. Make sure their passport meets the validity requirements (see above)
    3. Plan the visit so it does not exceed 90 days per 180-day period

    Travellers should stay up to date with the latest ETIAS news and updates.

    ARE THERE VISA WAIVER BILATERAL AGREEMENTS IN PLACE BETWEEN EUROPE AND HONG KONG?

    Hong Kong has negotiated bilateral agreements with several European countries. This means passport holders from Hong Kong may be able to extend their stays beyond the 90-day limit established by ETIAS when travelling to specific European nations.

    However, bilateral agreements are individual deals independent of each other. This means that Hongkongers can only visit one country under each agreement. If Hong Kong travellers wish to stay in the European country for longer than allowed by the bilateral agreement, they may need a relevant visa.

    LIST OF COUNTRIES THAT HAVE BILATERAL VISA WAIVER AGREEMENTS WITH HONG KONG

    All Hong Kong passports that meet the validity requirements can be used to travel visa-free to:

    • Liechtenstein (up to 3 extra months)
    • Switzerland (up to 3 extra months)

    Ordinary passports issued by the Hong Kong government and that meet the validity requirements are eligible to enter:

    • Latvia (up to 3 extra months)
    • Lithuania (up to 3 extra months)
    • Hungary (up to 3 extra months)

    Latvia can also be visited without a visa for up to 3 additional months by holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports.

    All these visa waiver bilateral treaties between EU countries and Hong Kong might be modified in the future according to new negotiations made between the two nationals involved. You must check the latest information and contact the relevant embassy if you wish to take advantage of any of these agreements.

    etias-visa-application-hong-kong

    ETIAS for Hongkongers - FAQ

    How long does the ETIAS application from Hong Kong take, and when should I apply? Toggle faqs

    It’s quick to apply for ETIAS. Travellers from Hong Kong just need to fill out the electronic application form with the basic details listed above.

    Most applications are approved right after automatic processing. If an alert is raised information will be reviewed manually by the ETIAS National Unit, in these cases, processing will take longer.

    You should apply starting 2025. Apply as soon as possible before your trip—ETIAS is valid for up to 3 years.

    If my ETIAS application is denied, what are the possible reasons and can I appeal? Toggle faqs

    If your ETIAS application is denied, it could be due to incomplete or incorrect information, a security concern, or other reasons.

    You'll receive an explanation for the denial and instructions on how to appeal the decision. As a Hong Kong passport holder, you cannot travel to Europe until you have received ETIAS approval.

    Are there additional requirements for Hong Kongers visiting Europe, such as travel insurance or vaccinations? Toggle faqs

    Hong Kongese visitors do not need to provide proof of travel insurance when travelling without a visa. Insurance is not an ETIAS requirement. However, comprehensive insurance that covers medical treatment and other emergencies is recommended.

    Before travelling from Hong Kong to Europe, visitors should speak with a medical professional about recommended vaccines. There are no vaccine requirements but travellers should be up-to-date with route jabs.