Australia Visa RequirementsFor Hong Kong passport holders
HKSAR passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Australia, costing AUD 20 (approximately USD 13). The Australian ETA is linked electronically to your passport and allows multiple visits of up to 3 months each over a 12-month period.
Hong Kong passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Australia.
Apply via the Australian ETA app (App Store or Google Play) or through a registered travel agent. Fee: AUD 20 (service charge). Upload your HKSAR passport biographic page and take a selfie for facial recognition. Most applications are approved within minutes. Present your passport at Australian immigration; the ETA is checked automatically. Note: ETA does not permit working in Australia.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
HKSAR Passport
Valid HKSAR passport. The passport number is linked to the ETA; use the same passport when traveling.
Selfie Photo for ETA App
The Australian ETA app requires a selfie for facial recognition matching.
Credit or Debit Card
To pay the AUD 20 ETA service charge.
Required at Entry
HKSAR Passport
Present the same passport used for the ETA application at check-in and immigration.
Onward or Return Travel Ticket
Evidence of departure from Australia.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Evidence of financial means for your stay in Australia.
Current Travel Situation
Hong Kong to Australia: What You Need to Know
Australia requires an ETA for HKSAR passport holders. The ETA is not a visa stamp; it is stored electronically and linked to your passport number. It allows multiple entries over 12 months, with each stay up to 3 months, and covers tourism and some business activities. The Australian ETA app (available on iOS and Android) makes the process straightforward: upload your passport and pay the AUD 20 service charge. Approval is typically instant or within minutes.
How to Get There
New Zealand (ETA for HK) is the natural companion destination and is served by direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne. Fiji, Bali, and Singapore are popular add-ons on the return journey. Papua New Guinea is accessible from Brisbane or Cairns.
Money & Banking
Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). Australia is a moderately expensive destination. Budget AUD 150-250 per day for mid-range travel. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities. Regional Australia and the outback are more affordable. Tipping is not obligatory in Australia.
Practical Tips
Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD), Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), and Perth (PER) are the main international gateways from Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific and Qantas operate direct flights from Hong Kong (HKG) to Sydney and Melbourne. Virgin Australia and Jetstar operate domestically. The Indian Pacific and Ghan rail journeys offer iconic overland experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do HKSAR passport holders need a visa for Australia?
Yes. HKSAR passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travel. The ETA costs AUD 20 (approximately USD 13) and is applied for via the Australian ETA app.
How do I apply for an Australian ETA?
Download the Australian ETA app (available on iOS and Android). Upload your HKSAR passport biographic page, take a selfie, and pay AUD 20 by credit card. Most applications are approved within minutes. No printout is needed; the ETA is linked electronically to your passport.
How long can I stay in Australia on an ETA?
Up to 3 months per visit. The ETA is valid for multiple entries over 12 months from the date of grant. Each visit may not exceed 3 months.
Are there direct flights from Hong Kong to Australia?
Yes. Cathay Pacific and Qantas operate direct flights from Hong Kong (HKG) to Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL). Flight time is approximately 9-10 hours.
What is the best time to visit Australia?
Australia is a year-round destination. Northern Australia (Darwin, Cairns) is dry season May to October. Southern cities (Sydney, Melbourne) have their best weather September to April. The Great Barrier Reef is best June to October when visibility is highest.
What currency does Australia use?
Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). Australia is a moderately expensive destination, comparable to Western European cities.
What are the top experiences in Australia?
The Great Barrier Reef (Cairns), Sydney Harbour and Opera House, Melbourne's laneways and coffee culture, Uluru at sunrise/sunset, the Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island wildlife, the Daintree Rainforest, and Cradle Mountain in Tasmania.
Do I need travel insurance for Australia?
Not mandatory but strongly recommended. Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with some countries but not Hong Kong. Medical costs in Australia are high without insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical coverage is advisable.