Frequent Visitors to HK Now Get Easier e-Channel Access: No More Fingerprints for Eligible Travellers

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The Immigration Department announced yesterday (February 26) a major relaxation of its e-Channel service for frequent visitors, set to take effect today (February 27). The move aims to streamline clearance and enhance the travel experience for millions of visitors.

Under the new scheme, eligibility criteria have been broadened. Frequent visitors who have entered Hong Kong via the Hong Kong International Airport at least twice in the past 24 months can now enroll for the self-service e-Channel free of charge. This applies to those holding valid travel documents and multiple-entry visas who meet all other relevant criteria.

Simplified enrolment, no fingerprints for e-docs

In a significant procedural change, the enrolment process has been simplified. Eligible visitors holding valid electronic travel documents now only need to present their passport, have a photo taken, and sign a consent form at designated enrolment offices. Fingerprint collection is no longer required for this group. The procedure remains unchanged for visitors using non-electronic travel documents.

Upon successful enrolment, travellers can use the e-Channel at all immigration control points across Hong Kong.

How to use the e-Channel

For arrival clearance, newly enrolled visitors should place their travel document on the e-Channel reader.

．For electronic documents: Enter the gate and look at the camera for facial recognition.

．For non-electronic documents: Enter the gate and place the enrolled finger flat on the scanner for fingerprint verification.

After successful identity verification, a landing slip will be issued upon arrival. The departure procedure is similar but no slip is issued.

Enrolment locations

Enrolment can be done at designated offices:

．Immigration Headquarters (Tseung Kwan O): Mon-Fri, 8:45 am – 5 pm.

．Hong Kong International Airport (Arrival Halls North & South): Daily, 10 am – 6 pm & 7:30 am – 11 pm.

．Macao Ferry Terminal (Arrival Hall): Daily, 10 am – 6 pm.