Australia entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Hong Kong passport holders need a visa to enter Australia in 2026. For short visits, the easiest option is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which you apply for online before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take a few days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisitor visa (subclass 651)You need to get this online visa before you fly; it's free and usually quick. Online application required | Hong Kong SAR passport holders must apply for an eVisitor visa online before travel. The visa is free and allows multiple visits for tourism or business purposes, with stays of up to 3 months per visit. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon after your trip. At least 6 months | Your Hong Kong passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of arrival in Australia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a flight out of Australia booked, just in case they ask. May be requested | Although not always required, Australian immigration may ask for evidence of a return or onward ticket to show you intend to leave before your visa expires. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's smart to carry proof that you have money to cover your trip. May be requested | While not a standard requirement, border officials may ask for evidence that you can support yourself during your stay. Having bank statements or a credit card available is advisable. | Recommended |
| Australian Travel DeclarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form. Not required | There is no arrival declaration required for entry into Australia for Hong Kong passport holders. | Not required |
Apply for your ETA early
While most ETAs are approved instantly, some take days. Don't wait until the night before your flight. Apply at least a week ahead to avoid stress.
Your ETA is electronic
No visa sticker or paper. It's linked to your passport number. When you check in, the airline will see it in the system. Just carry your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or use the official ETA app. Fill in your passport details, personal info, and answer a few questions. Pay the fee (AUD 20). Most applications are approved within minutes, but allow up to 3 days.
2
Check your ETA status
You'll receive an email confirmation. The ETA is linked to your passport number — no paper visa needed. Double-check that the name and passport number match exactly.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Save digital copies of your passport, ETA approval, return ticket, and first night accommodation on your phone. Print backups if you prefer.
4
Arrive at the airport and check in
At Hong Kong International Airport, the airline will verify your ETA before issuing a boarding pass. Have your passport and ETA confirmation ready.
5
Go through Australian immigration
On arrival in Australia (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), join the queue for non-citizens. Present your passport. The officer may ask about your trip, accommodation, and return plans. Answer honestly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 3 months.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Max stayUp to 12 months
ValidityUsually 12 months from grant date
CostAUD 190
For longer visits or if not eligible for ETA.
Business visitor visa (subclass 600)
Max stayUp to 3 months per visit
ValidityUsually 12 months
CostAUD 190
For business activities like meetings and conferences.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 650
For Hong Kong passport holders aged 18-30; limited places.
student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years (depending on course)
AUD 620 (~USD 410)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Requires enrolment, health insurance, and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Apply work visa
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Up to 4 years
AUD 1,265 (~USD 840) for short-term stream
For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. Requires relevant qualifications and work experience. Pathway to permanent residency.
Apply investor visa
Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
Up to 5 years, renewable
AUD 4,875 (~USD 3,250) for main applicant
For investors and business owners with significant assets. Requires state nomination and investment in Australia. Pathway to permanent residency.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 4,875 (~USD 3,250) for main applicant
For retirees aged 55+ with substantial assets and income. Requires designated investment in Australia. No work rights.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) application feePaid online via the Australian ETA app or website. | AUD 20 |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) application feeFor those not eligible for ETA or needing a longer stay. | AUD 190 |
| Visa extension (onshore) application feeFor extending a visitor visa while in Australia; conditions apply. | AUD 455 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Australia
No transit visa needed
Hong Kong passport holders transiting through Australia generally need an ETA or transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, the ETA is easy to obtain and covers transit.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you hold a valid Australian visa (e.g., ETA or visitor visa), you can transit without a separate transit visa.
- If you are an immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a transit visa on arrival.
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease found in rural and coastal areas; avoid mosquito bites.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne virus in northern regions; use repellent.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke; stay hydrated.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sydney
Department of Home Affairs – Sydney Office
26 Lee Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Appointments required for most services; check online for visa extensions.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa applications and inquiries; use ImmiAccount for extensions.
Practical information for HK travellers
Country basics
CapitalCanberra
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 3 months. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.45 AUD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h to +16h depending on state
vs Los Angeles+18h to +19h depending on state
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — unique Australian plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink everywhere in Australia.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Most ETAs are approved within minutes, but some take up to 3 days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is AUD 20.
No, the ETA is for short visits only. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa (like a Visitor Visa Subclass 600) before your ETA expires.
Rejections are rare for Hong Kong passport holders, but can happen if you have a criminal record or previous visa issues. You can apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) instead, which takes longer and costs more.
Yes, unless you're transiting for less than 8 hours and staying airside. For longer transits or if you need to clear immigration, you'll need an ETA or transit visa.
No. The ETA is for tourism, visiting family, or business activities like meetings. You cannot work or study. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa.
Your passport (with valid ETA), return ticket, and sometimes proof of accommodation. Have them ready in your hand, not buried in your bag.
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended. A simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars, and a serious emergency can run into tens of thousands. Get a policy that covers medical evacuation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.