Last Updated: June 2026
Yes — starting in late 2026, Hong Kong passport holders will need ETIAS (€20) to visit Europe. As of June 2026, ETIAS is on track to launch in Q4 2026. The authorization costs €20 per person (European Commission, July 17, 2025) and covers all 30 ETIAS countries for 3 years. Here’s exactly what it means for you — the process is straightforward and takes about 10 minutes online.
⚡ Quick Reference for Hong Kong Passport Holders
| What | ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) |
| When | Launches Q4 2026 (October–December) |
| Cost | €20 (~HK$170) per application — increased from €7 on July 17, 2025 |
| Valid for | 3 years or until your passport expires |
| Processing | Most approved in minutes |
| Covers | 30 European countries |
| Do you need it? | Yes, if you’re traveling on a HKSAR passport |
🛂 Visiting the UK Too? You’ll Need a Separate UK ETA
Many Hong Kong travellers visiting Europe also stop in the UK — and since January 2025, HKSAR passport holders need a UK ETA (£20, valid 2 years) to enter Britain. It’s a separate system from ETIAS. iVisa handles UK ETA applications end-to-end, plus Hong Kong passport services, expedited processing, and any other travel document you need for your trip.
When ETIAS launches in late 2026, iVisa will handle ETIAS applications too.
Apply for UK ETA with iVisa →Do Hong Kong Passport Holders Need a Visa for Europe in 2026?
No — and that isn’t changing. Holders of a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport do not need a visa for short stays in Europe, and ETIAS does not change that.
This page is specifically for holders of the Hong Kong SAR passport (issued by the Immigration Department of Hong Kong). This is a separate document from the Chinese mainland passport — mainland Chinese citizens require a full Schengen visa and should see our Europe Visa for Chinese Citizens guide instead.
ETIAS is a new pre-travel screening step that applies to all visa-exempt nationalities. Your access to Europe as an HKSAR passport holder stays exactly the same.
What Exactly Is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a pre-travel screening system that the European Union is introducing for citizens of countries and territories that currently enjoy visa-free access to Europe — and that includes HKSAR passport holders.
The system cross-checks your passport details and basic personal information against security databases before you travel. It’s designed to enhance border security while keeping travel easy for low-risk visitors. The EU has been developing it since 2016, and it’s now expected to go live in the final quarter of 2026 (European Commission, July 17, 2025).
ETIAS is NOT a visa. The differences matter:
| ETIAS | Schengen Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Visa-exempt passport holders (HKSAR, Japan, Singapore, etc.) | Citizens of countries that require a visa (incl. mainland China) |
| Application | Online only, ~10 minutes | Embassy/consulate appointment, weeks of processing |
| Cost | €20 | €80+ |
| Documents needed | Passport + basic info | Bank statements, hotel bookings, invitation letters, insurance proof |
| Interview | None | Sometimes required |
| Processing time | Minutes to hours (up to 30 days in rare cases) | 15–45 days |
| Valid for | 3 years | Usually 90 days to 1 year |
For a deeper comparison, see our full guide on Schengen Visa vs. ETIAS.
How to Apply for ETIAS with a Hong Kong Passport
The system isn’t accepting applications yet — it will open when ETIAS officially launches in Q4 2026. When it does, here’s the process:
What You’ll Need
- Your HKSAR passport (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Europe)
- An email address
- A credit or debit card for the €20 fee
- About 10 minutes
Step-by-Step Process
Which Countries Require ETIAS?
ETIAS covers 30 European countries — all 29 Schengen Area members plus Cyprus. One application covers all 30 countries.
The full list: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
ETIAS and the 90/180-Day Rule
ETIAS does not change the existing stay limits. As an HKSAR passport holder, you can still visit ETIAS countries for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. This is the same Schengen 90/180-day rule that already applies.
- All 29 Schengen countries share ONE clock. Days in France, Germany, and Spain all count toward the same 90-day total.
- It’s a rolling window, not a calendar reset. Use our Schengen Calculator to track your days precisely.
- Non-Schengen countries don’t count. Time in the UK, Turkey, or the Balkans does NOT use up your 90 Schengen days.
Check Your Passport Now
For ETIAS travel, your HKSAR passport must be:
- Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Europe
- Less than 10 years old on your entry date
HKSAR passports are valid for 10 years for adults (5 years for those under 11). If your passport is approaching expiry, renew before booking — your ETIAS is tied to your passport number and a new passport means a new ETIAS application.
🛡️ Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Your Europe Trip
ETIAS authorises your entry, but it doesn’t cover a medical emergency abroad. SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation across 180+ countries — with no long-term commitment required.
Get a Quote from SafetyWing →ETIAS and Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES)
Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) — a biometric border system that replaces passport stamps with digital fingerprint and facial scans — has been fully operational since April 2026. When you arrive at a European border, you scan your fingerprints and face at an automated gate, and the system automatically tracks your 90/180 days.
When ETIAS launches in Q4 2026, the two systems will work together: ETIAS is your pre-travel authorization, EES tracks your entry and exit. Neither changes your right to visit visa-free.
There’s More to Plan Than ETIAS
You’ve got the ETIAS picture — now sort the rest. The free Europe Travel Planner builds one personalized briefing for your passport and route: entry requirements, your 90/180 stay limit, local currencies, plug adapters, eSIM data, and driving rules across 45+ countries. No signup.
Build My Free Travel Briefing →Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hong Kong passport holders need ETIAS?
Yes. Holders of an HKSAR passport will need an approved ETIAS authorization before traveling to any of the 30 ETIAS countries in Europe starting late 2026. ETIAS costs €20 (~HK$170), takes about 10 minutes online, and is valid for 3 years. Note: this applies to HKSAR passport holders only — mainland Chinese passport holders require a full Schengen visa.
When does ETIAS start for Hong Kong travelers?
ETIAS is expected to launch in Q4 2026 (October–December). The EU has not announced an exact date yet. We’ll update this page as soon as a specific date is confirmed.
How much does ETIAS cost for Hong Kong passport holders?
€20 (~HK$170) per application. The fee was increased from €7 on July 17, 2025 (European Commission). Valid for 3 years or until your passport expires. Travelers under 18 and over 70 are exempt from the fee.
I hold both an HKSAR passport and a mainland Chinese passport. Which do I use?
Use your HKSAR passport and apply for ETIAS. If you travel on your mainland Chinese passport instead, you will need a full Schengen visa. Whichever passport you present at the European border must match your ETIAS or visa.
Do Hong Kong passport holders need anything for the UK?
The UK is not part of the ETIAS system — but it has its own requirement. Since January 2025, HKSAR passport holders need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — £20, valid 2 years — for short visits to Britain. A trip combining the UK and continental Europe will need both a UK ETA and (once it launches) an ETIAS.
Do children need ETIAS too?
Yes — every traveler needs their own ETIAS, including children. However, travelers under 18 and over 70 are exempt from the €20 fee.
What if my passport expires during my ETIAS validity?
Your ETIAS becomes invalid when your HKSAR passport expires, even if the 3-year period hasn’t ended. You’ll need to apply for a new ETIAS with your new passport.
Can I work in Europe with ETIAS?
No. ETIAS is for short-term tourism and business visits only — up to 90 days. To work in Europe, you need a work visa or residence permit from the specific country.
📚 Related Articles
- ETIAS 2026: Complete Guide
- ETIAS Countries: Full List of 30 European Nations
- ETIAS Cost & Fees Explained
- Europe Visa for Chinese Citizens — For mainland Chinese passport holders
- ETIAS for Singaporeans
- ETIAS for Taiwanese Citizens
- Schengen 90/180 Day Rule Explained
- Free Schengen Calculator
- Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Best eSIMs for Europe in 2026
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