Starting from 8 January 2025, visitors from a list of countries and territories that have visa-free access to the UK will need to pay an extra £10 (105 patacas) for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) that grants them access to the country. That’s according to a recent announcement from the UK government.
Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia and the United States are among the places whose passport holders will be affected by the new policy.
The ETA is valid for multiple entries over a period of two years, although those who obtain a new passport will be required to register for a new ETA.
ETA applications for non-European locations begin on 27 November 2024, while those for European countries and territories start from 5 March 2025.
Applications can take up to three days to process and can be made through the official webpage or via a dedicated app available on IOS or Android.
[See more: Here’s what to do if you lose your Macao passport while travelling]
According to the UK authorities, the measure is being implemented to make its country’s border and immigration system digital by the end of next year.
By introducing the scheme, the UK authorities hope to expedite the border entry process, as well as further enhance security by vetting a traveller’s background prior to their trip.
“Digitalisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK,” the minister for migration and citizenship Seema Malhotra said.
The UK is not the only country to be introducing such a scheme, as other nations, including Japan and Thailand, are implementing similar systems over the next year or so.
Macao passport holders are currently eligible to stay in the UK visa-free for a period of up to 6 months. As of July 2024, the SAR passport allows for visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 146 countries and territories.
