Help & support
Common questions, what the labels mean, and how to get in touch.
Using Hop
Is Hop free?
Yes. Everything in Hop is free to use right now, including a preview of Premium. A paid Premium option is planned. If it arrives, the app and this page will set out exactly what's free and what's included.
How do I join the beta?
On iPhone, install Apple's TestFlight app and open our TestFlight invite. The link is on the home page. The Android beta opens soon.
Does Hop work without internet?
Yes. Every destination, visa rule, guide and photo is inside the app. Only live exchange rates and advisory refreshes need a connection, and Hop uses its built-in values when there isn't one.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no sign-up and no login. Your passport choice, trips and favourites are kept on your device.
Is my data backed up?
No — and that's on purpose. Hop keeps your trips and settings only on your device, so deleting the app removes them for good. Hop has no copy to restore.
The information
Which passports are covered?
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. If you'd like another passport added, email us — requests help decide what comes next.
How current is the visa information?
Every entry shows the date it was last verified against the destination government's own published source. Rules can change without notice, so always confirm with the embassy or consulate, and your airline, before you book and again before you fly.
Why does an entry say “Not verified”?
Because Hop couldn't confirm it against an official source. Hop says so plainly rather than guessing.
How often are travel advisories updated?
Hop checks for new government advisory levels whenever you open it with a connection, so they stay current between app updates. Offline, it shows the last levels it had.
Is Hop an official government app?
No. Hop is independent and isn't affiliated with any government. It brings published government information together in one place and links back to the official sources.
Does Hop apply for visas or book travel?
No. Hop tells you what you need and links to official sources. Applications are always made directly with the government concerned — be wary of look-alike websites that charge extra fees.
What is Premium?
Premium adds deeper guide detail, extra airport gateways and a direct link to each destination's official visa or entry portal. Nothing can be bought yet — the Premium switch in Settings is a free preview.
Problems
How do I update Hop?
Hop updates through the App Store or Google Play like any other app. Keeping automatic updates on means you always have the latest entry rules and guides.
I found something wrong. How do I report it?
Email support@hoptravelapp.com with the destination, your passport and what looks wrong — a link to the official source helps. Corrections go into the next update.
How do I clear my data?
Delete the app. Hop keeps no other copy of your trips or settings anywhere.
What the entry types mean
- Visa-free
- You can enter without applying for anything in advance, usually for a set number of days.
- ETA
- An electronic travel authorisation. Not a visa, but you must apply online and be approved before you fly.
- eVisa
- A visa you apply for and receive online before you travel.
- Visa on arrival
- You get the visa at the airport or border when you arrive, often for a fee.
- Visa required
- You need to apply through an embassy or consulate before you travel.
- Permit
- Entry needs a special permit, such as for a restricted or protected territory.
Whatever the type, conditions such as passport validity, onward tickets or proof of funds can still apply — check the details for your destination.
Travel advisory levels
Hop shows each government's advice on a simple 1–4 scale:
- Level 1 · Normal
- Exercise normal safety precautions.
- Level 2 · Caution
- Take extra care.
- Level 3 · Reconsider
- Reconsider whether you need to travel.
- Level 4 · Do not travel
- The government advises against all travel.
The UK doesn't publish numbered levels, so Hop's UK level is its own reading of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's advice, applied by a fixed rule. Always read the full advice from your own government.
Where the information comes from
Visa and entry rules are checked against each destination government's own published sources. Travel advisories come from:
- Australia — Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Canada — Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories
- New Zealand — SafeTravel, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- United Kingdom — FCDO Foreign travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0)
- United States — U.S. Department of State, Travel Advisories
None of these organisations is affiliated with Hop or endorses it. Full credits and licences are in the app under Settings.
Still stuck? Get in touch
support@hoptravelapp.comHop is a small independent app based in Western Australia. Replies usually within 5 business days.