Singapore to allow Hongkongers to use electronic check system at airport

Singapore is set to be the third country to allow Hongkongers to use its airport automated immigration clearance systems.

A mutual agreement on automated clearance is expected to be signed this week during a three-day visit by Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, which begins tomorrow.

A similar arrangement was launched with South Korea last year, and a deal with Germany is due to begin this month, to reduce immigration processing times for visitors.

Hong Kong residents holding a valid HKSAR electronic passport can enrol for the automated immigration clearance service. After registering, they can use electronic channels at the designated airports until their passports expire.

Visitors to Hong Kong from these countries can use the e-Channel system once they have registered.

Lee will meet Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa and business leaders during his trip, a source said. The focus will be on the latest situation in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta.