E-channels for quicker entry to HK and Macau ready next month
Hong Kong and Macau residents travelling between the two cities will be able to use e-channels for immigration clearance from next month. They will no longer have to fill in arrival/departure cards and will only need to use their identity cards to clear immigration.
A memorandum signed between the two cities yesterday marked efforts to streamline immigration procedures and make travel easier. The new measures will be introduced on December 10.
Helen Chan Wing-mui, Hong Kong assistant director of immigration, said they had installed eight e-channels for Macau residents at ferry piers in Sheung Wan and Tsim Sha Tsui. More than 10 autogates - the Macau version of e-channels - will be available for Hongkongers at the harbour control point. To enter Macau in just 12 seconds, all Hong Kong residents aged 18 or over have to do is register at self-service kiosks before boarding ferries. Their personal details, including identity card particulars and fingerprints, will be sent to the Macau authorities.
Applications would take five days to process, the Immigration Department said, adding that Hongkongers could also choose to register at immigration counters upon arrival in Macau.
Chan said: 'The data will be encrypted and sent to Macau authorities by a dedicated network, with a digital signature to ensure data safety.'
Similar arrangements will be available to Macau residents.
