Hongkongers visiting the UK will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) document next year as part of Britain’s plan to tighten border controls.
But a travel sector representative from Hong Kong said on Wednesday the move was unlikely to have much impact on visitors from the city.
Travellers from 83 jurisdictions will need to obtain the permits before entering the country, with the fee for each application costing £10 (US$13.1).
The British government said on Tuesday the implementation of the scheme was part of its efforts to digitise its border and immigration system.
“Digitisation 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 who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year,” said Seema Malhotra, the country’s minister for migration and citizenship.