Immigration Clearance through e-Channels

• Automated Passenger Clearance System (Passenger e-Channel)
  • e-Channel for Hong Kong and Macao Residents
  • Pilot Scheme on Express e-Channel
  • Cross Boundary Student e-channel
  • Frequent Visitor e-Channel
  • Mainland Frequent Visitor e-Channel
• Automated Vehicle Clearance System (Vehicular e-Channel)
  • One Stop Customs and Immigration Clearance

All immigration control points in Hong Kong are installed with e-Channels. Here you can learn whether you are eligible to use a passenger e-Channel and a vehicular e-Channel for self-service immigration clearance.

Automated Passenger Clearance System (Passenger e-Channel)

You can perform self-service immigration clearance at a passenger e-Channel if you are:

• A Hong Kong permanent resident aged 11 or above (using a smart identity card)
• A Hong Kong resident aged 11 or above holding a Document of Identity for Visa Purposes (using a smart identity card and carrying a valid Document of Identity for Visa Purposes)
• A person aged 11 or above who has the right to land or is on unconditional stay in Hong Kong (using a smart identity card)
• A non-permanent resident issued with a notification label (using a smart identity card and carrying a valid travel document)
• A registered cross-boundary primary school student under the age of 11 (using the enrolled valid travel document)
• A registered frequent visitor aged 18 or above (using the enrolled valid travel document)
• A registered Macao permanent resident aged 11 or above (using a Macao permanent identity card)

Automated self-service immigration clearance through e-Channels is simple. You only need to insert your smart identity card into the card reader or place your enrolled travel document / Macao identity card onto the document reader. The e-Channel gate doors will open. After entering the e-Channel, you will need to place a thumb flat on the centre of the fingerprint scanner, as shown in the following illustration. If you have registered with a finger other than a thumb, that finger should be used for identity verification.

This procedure is illustrated in a workflow video that can be accessed through the following link.

Only one person is allowed to enter the e-Channel at any one time. While a person is performing fingerprint verification inside the e-Channel, the next person queuing in front of the e-Channel can insert his smart identity card into the reader or place his enrolled travel document / Macao permanent identity card onto the document reader.

e-Channel for Hong Kong and Macao Residents

To further enhance immigration facilitation to Hong Kong and Macao residents, both the Hong Kong Immigration Department and the Macao Public Security Police Force Immigration Department have introduced the e-Channel to Hong Kong and Macao residents since 10 December 2009.  Eligible Hong Kong residents and Macao permanent residents may use the automated self-service immigration clearance facilities at both places after successful enrolment.

Hong Kong Residents’ Enrolment for Macao e-Channel

Hong Kong residents aged 11 or above holding a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card or Hong Kong identity card containing ‘*’, ‘***’ or ‘R’ symbol may attend the designated offices at the Immigration Department Building of Macao, the Border Control Sub-division of the Exterior Harbour, Taipa Ferry Terminal or Border Gate to enrol for the service.  Eligible Hong Kong residents aged 11 to 17 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and produce the original copy of birth certificate of the applicant and the Hong Kong identity card of the accompanying father, mother or guardian for enrolment.  (If accompanied by a guardian, the original copy of the legal authorisation letter or court order should be provided.)  Once successfully enrolled, they may use the Macao e-Channel at the above-mentioned, Macao International Airport and Cotai Checkpoints.

Eligible residents aged 18 or above may also use the self-service enrolment kiosks at the immigration arrival and departure halls of Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, the immigration departure hall of China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, the immigration departure hall of Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal in Tuen Mun and the Information and Liaison Section on 2/F, Immigration Tower, Wanchai (please refer to the working hours). Upon enrolment, a registrant must give consent to the Director of Immigration to retrieve the personal data stored inside the chip of his/her identity card and capture his/her fingerprint templates for transmission to the Macao Public Security Police Force Immigration Department for processing his/her enrolment for the Macao e-Channel (Please refer to the Disclaimer). After successful completion of the enrolment process in Hong Kong, applicants may normally use the Macao e-Channel within three working days.  Re-enrolment is required if an enrolled Hong Kong resident has replaced his/her identity card.

Cancellation of enrolment

Enrolled Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above may apply for cancellation of the enrolment by completing an application form and hand it in person to a Macao Public Security Police Force Immigration Officer at any Border Control Subdivision in Macao.  For enrolled Hong Kong residents aged 11-17, their parent or guardian should approach any Border Control Sub-division in Macao in person to complete an application form, hand it to a Macao Public Security Police Force Immigration Officer and produce the Hong Kong identity card or passport together with the applicant’s original copy of birth certificate or the guardian’s proof of relationship for identity verification.

Working Hours 

Information and Liaison Section

Address	:	2nd Floor, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai
Working Hours	:	8:45am - 4:30pm (Mon - Fri) 9:00am - 11:30am (Sat) Closed on Sundays and public holidays

 

Macao Residents’ Enrolment for Hong Kong e-Channel: “Macao Resident e-Channel”

Macao permanent residents aged 11 or above holding a valid Macao identity card may attend the Enrolment Office at the immigration arrival hall of Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, the immigration arrival hall of China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui or the immigration duty office on the arrival and departure levels of Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal in Tuen Mun to enrol for the service. Once successfully enrolled, they may use the Macao Resident e-Channel in the following control points.

• Hong Kong International Airport
• Lo Wu
• Lok Ma Chau Spur Line
• Shenzhen Bay
• Macau Ferry Terminal
• China Ferry Terminal
• Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal

Macao permanent residents aged 18 or above may also perform self-service enrolment in Macao.  After successful completion of the enrolment process in Macao, applicants may normally use the Macao resident e-Channels within three working days.

Macao permanent residents aged between 11 and 17 are required to approach the Enrolment Office with their parent or guardian.  The applicant’s original copy of birth certificate and the Macao identity card of the accompanying father/mother or guardian should be provided for identity verification. (Note: If accompanied by a guardian, the original copy of legal authorisation letter or court order should be provided.  If the document is in Portuguese, it must be accompanied by a certified Chinese or English translation.)

Re-enrolment is required if an enrolled Macao resident has replaced his/her identity card (except the replacement is due to chip failure or expiry of identity card).

Workflow of e-Channel for Macao residents

Upon using the e-Channel, a successfully enrolled Macao permanent resident should place his/her enrolled identity card onto the document reader at the entrance of an e-Channel.  When the identity card reading process is finished, he/she will be able to enter the e-Channel to perform fingerprint verification.  After successful fingerprint verification, a landing slip containing the conditions and limit of stay will be printed upon arrival only for his/her safe custody.  After collecting the landing slip, the Macao resident can leave the e-Channel.

Cancellation of enrolment

Enrolled Macao residents aged 18 or above may apply for cancellation of the enrolment by completing the “Cancellation of Enrolment for Macao Resident e-Channel Service” application form and hand it in person to the immigration staff at any control point together with the Macao permanent identity card or passport for identity verification.  For cancellation of enrolment in respect of enrolled Macao residents aged 11-17, the parent or guardian of the applicant should complete the “Cancellation of Enrolment for Macao Resident e-Channel Service” application form, hand it in person to the immigration staff at any control point and produce his/her Macao identity card or passport together with the applicant’s original copy of birth certificate or the guardian’s proof of relationship for identity verification.

Express e-Channel at Lo Wu

A pilot scheme for the Express e-Channel has commenced at the Lo Wu Control Point to provide faster immigration clearance to enrolled Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above who are existing e-Channel users. If you want to take advantage of this service, you should proceed to the enrolment e-Channel upon arriving at or departing from the Lo Wu Control Point. When enrolling, you will be asked to give consent to the Director of Immigration for retrieval of your personal data from the chip of your identity card and storage of such data in a database for subsequent automated immigration clearance. Upon confirmation of enrolment, you will be able to enter the enrolment e-Channel for fingerprint verification to complete the self-service enrolment and immigration clearance.

There is also an enrolment office in the Eastern Arrival Hall of the Lo Wu Control Point to provide assistance if you cannot complete the self-service enrolment. 

    

The entrance of the Express e-Channel is installed with a document reader. You need only place the card face of your smart identity card onto the document reader and push it inward to the upper edge.  When prompted to take back the identity card, you can do so and enter the Express e-Channel for fingerprint verification.  After successful fingerprint verification, you can leave the Express e-Channel. 

Please note that you should remove the protective cover from your identity card before using the e-Channel. Your card should also be kept clean and in proper condition.  Damaged, defaced or bent identity cards may not work at Express e-Channels.  If you have applied for a new identity card, you will need to re-enrol when you receive the new card to continue using the Express e-Channel.

If you would like to enquire about and alter enrolled personal data, please contact the Duty Chief Immigration Officer at the Lo Wu Control Point. If you want to cancel the enrolment record, an application form is available through the following link. Please complete the form and submit it to an immigration staff at any Control Point.

Cross Boundary Student e-Channel

 

To provide more convenient immigration services for cross boundary primary school students, cross boundary student e-Channels are installed at the Lo Wu Control Point. To use these services, you must complete the enrolment process and should meet the following criteria:

• Be a cross boundary primary school student under the age of 11;
• Be at least 1.1 m tall; and
• Holding a valid travel document.

When using the cross boundary student e-Channels, you should place your enrolled valid travel document on the document reader, after which the gate will open. You should then place your finger for fingerprint verification in the centre of the fingerprint scanner.

  

If you need to change your enrolment details, especially after the replacement of a travel document, your parent or guardian should complete the form available at the Lo Wu Control Point and submit it to an immigration staff there. When you reach the age of 11 you should perform self-service immigration clearance at the e-Channels using your new smart identity card.

Further information can be obtained by telephone at 2294 2030, or by viewing the workflow video available through the following link.

Frequent Visitor e-Channel

You are eligible to enroll for use of the e-Channel service if you are:

1. Aged 18 or above;
2. Holding a valid travel document and where appropriate, valid multiple visit visa;
3. Holding one of the following documents:
   
   • HKSAR Travel Pass;
   • APEC Business Travel Card with ‘HKG’ printed on the reverse side;
   • Hong Kong International Airport Frequent Visitor Card
   • Frequent Flyer Programme membership card issued by airlines which have joined this scheme (please enquire with your airline).
     
4. For passengers not holding one of the documents mentioned in item 3:
   
   • Holding valid travel document which is not required to have entry visa /  permit for entering HKSAR;
   • Have made visits to the HKSAR by air via the Hong Kong International Airport for no less than 3 times in the past 12 months immediately before enrolment for the e-Channel service
     
5. No adverse record in the HKSAR

 

For enrolment, you will need to visit the enrolment office at the arrival hall in Terminal 1 upon your arrival.  You are required to sign an enrolment notice, have your fingerprints and photograph taken and have a bar-code sticker affixed to your travel document. You will be required to present your valid HKSAR Travel Pass, APEC Business Travel Card, HKIA Frequent Visitor Card or Frequent Flyer Programme Membership Card and your valid travel document and a multiple visit visa (if applicable).  Please notify us for re-enroll if there is change to the enrolled information such as replacement of travel document and/or residential status in the HKSAR.

Successfully enrolled visitors can use the Frequent Visitor e-Channels in the following control points.

• Hong Kong International Airport
• Lo Wu
• Lok Ma Chau Spur Line
• Shenzhen Bay
• Macau Ferry Terminal
• China Ferry Terminal

After successful enrolment, you will be able to use the Frequent Visitor e-Channel by placing your travel document in the document reader. When the reading process has finished, you will be able to enter the e-Channel to verify your fingerprint. After successful fingerprint verification, a landing slip containing the conditions and limit of stay will be printed upon arrival only for your safe custody. After collecting the landing slip, you can leave the e-Channel.

The procedure at the Frequent Visitor e-Channel is illustrated in a workflow video that can be accessed through the following link.

Mainland Frequent Visitor e-Channel

Mainland visitor who has fulfilled the following criteria and successfully enrolled can enjoy the e-Channel service from 3 January 2012 onwards.

1. aged 18 or above;
2. is the holder of a valid Exit-Entry Permit with valid one-year multiple exit endorsement including endorsement for visiting relatives (Tanqin), individual visit (Geren Luyou) or business visit (Shangwu);
3. has visited Hong Kong 3 times or more within the last 12 months immediate before the date of enrolment; and
4. has no adverse record in Hong Kong.

Enrol before use

Eligible Mainland visitors can enrol for the e-Channel service free of charge at Enrolment Offices located at the following control points with effect from 5 December 2011.

During the enrolment process, the eligible Mainland visitor is required to submit the travel document, sign an enrolment form, have the fingerprints and photograph taken, and have an enrolment sticker affixed to the Exit-Entry Permit.  If there are any changes in the enrolment information, for example, replacement of Exit-Entry Permit or exit endorsement, the enrolled visitor has to update the changes in person at any Enrolment Office.  The updating service is free.  To avoid delay during immigration clearance, the enrolled visitor should update the changes before continuing to use the e-Channel service.

Use of e-Channel service

The e-Channel service for Mainland visitors is now available at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, Lo Wu, Shenzhen Bay, China Ferry Terminal, Macau Ferry Terminal and Hong Kong International Airport Control Points.  Enrolment and e-Channel services for Mainland visitors will also be available at Man Kam To and Lok Ma Chau Control Points after respective improvement works are completed.

Cancellation of enrolment

Enrolled Mainland visitor who intends to opt out from the e-Channel service is required to complete the opt-out form, which can be downloaded from the link below or obtained in control points, and return it to immigration officers at any control points in person.  Upon submission of the opt-out form, he/she needs to produce relevant documents for verification of identity.  The cancellation of enrolment service is free.

Automated Vehicle Clearance System (Vehicular e-Channel)

All vehicular control points, including Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam To, Sha Tau Kok and Shenzhen Bay, have been installed with vehicular e-Channels. You can use your smart identity card to perform automated immigration clearance at these control points if you are a cross-boundary driver who has enrolled in the scheme and are also:

• A Hong Kong permanent resident;
• Hong Kong resident holding a Document of Identity for Visa Purposes;
• A person who has the right to land or is on unconditional stay in Hong Kong; or
• A non-permanent resident who has been issued with a notification label.

You must also carry your valid travel document when passing through the control points.

When enrolling in the scheme, you must give consent to the Director of Immigration to scrutinise and verify your personal particulars kept by the Registration of Persons Office. The consent form, containing details of submission methods, is available at Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam To, Sha Tau Kok and Shenzhen Bay Control Points. Besides, you may perform electronic authorization during the immigration clearance through the vehicular e-Channels at the above-mentioned control points.

 

To ensure smooth and fast clearance, the vehicular e-Channels are installed with both fingerprint verification technology and a face recognition system. When using the e-Channel you should stop your vehicle before the white line and wait for the green traffic light before driving into the channel. While you are driving into the e-Channel, sensors on both sides of the channel will move the checking station to a suitable height, enabling you to place your thumb flat on the fingerprint scanner and simultaneously look at the camera installed at the checking station. If you have registered your smart identity card with a finger other than your thumb, that finger should be used.

 

If you encounter problems during clearance, you can use the intercom to contact an immigration staff for assistance. Upon completion of the clearance, you can simply drive away.

To cancel your participation in the scheme, please contact the Department at 2294 2030.

One-stop Customs and Immigration clearance at Shenzhen Bay

If you are the driver of a goods vehicle passing through the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, you can enjoy one-stop customs and immigration clearance. The clearance procedures are outlined in the following illustrations.