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Written question asked by Anneliese Dodds (Labour) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Jo White (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Electronic Travel Authorisations: Hong Kong

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether criminal convictions given to Hong Kongers in Hong Kong courts under the National Security Act can result in denied Electronic Travel Authorisation to the UK.

Answer

An application for an ETA must be refused where the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or overseas for which they have received a custodial or suspended sentence of 12 months or more, or has been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or overseas unless more than 12 months have passed since the date of conviction.

Applicants whose ETA is refused are still free to apply for a visit visa, which will allow for a more thorough consideration of their circumstances by a decision-maker. Refusal of an ETA will not necessarily result in a subsequent visa application being refused; this will depend on individual circumstances and vary on a case-by-case basis.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
21367
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Convictions Hong Kong Electronic travel authorisations
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk