Key facts
- New 'seamless' e-channels will launch at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge on June 25.
- Facial recognition technology will be used for immigration clearance.
- Eligible users will not need to stop or present identity cards.
- Around 50,000 frequent travelers are expected to use the new system.
- The service is currently a pilot program for Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 and above.
The Hong Kong Immigration Department is set to introduce new 'seamless' e-channels at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge on June 25, aiming to streamline immigration clearance for frequent travelers. Approximately 50,000 eligible users will be able to pass through using facial recognition technology, eliminating the need to stop or present identity cards. This pilot program is designed to offer a faster and more convenient crossing experience.
According to Or Chung-yuk, assistant director of information systems at the Immigration Department, permanent residents aged 11 or older who have used the bridge at least 10 times in the past 90 days can register for the service starting Thursday. These eligible travelers account for about 20 percent of all bridge users. The new channels feature an open-gate design and a 4.9-meter-long walkway, allowing passengers to walk through without interruption.
The initiative is expected to significantly ease passenger flow and enhance clearance efficiency at the border. The department will monitor the pilot program's performance and gather data to assess the possibility of extending the seamless e-channel service to other border control points and opening it up to a wider range of travelers in the future.