Hong Kong’s Immigration Department has quietly widened access to its automated immigration clearance system, commonly known as e-Channel. A circular published on 2 March 2026 confirms that, with immediate effect, any traveller—regardless of nationality—who has used Hong Kong International Airport at least twice in the previous 24 months may now register for the service, provided they hold a valid multiple-entry visa or visa-exempt status and a machine-readable travel document. Previously, e-Channel enrolment for visitors was confined to passport holders from 38 designated economies or to members of airline frequent-flyer programmes. The new criteria scrap the nationality list altogether and reduce the amount of biographic data collected at enrolment. Applicants using an e-passport simply present the document, have their photograph taken and sign a consent form—no fingerprints are required. Those travelling on non-electronic passports follow the legacy process that still captures one fingerprint. The change is more than cosmetic. Automated clearance reduces the per-passenger processing time from about 45 seconds at a staffed booth to just 20 seconds at an e-gate. At peak periods—such as the coming Easter and “Golden Week” holidays—Immigration projects that the policy will free up the equivalent of 25 traditional counters each hour, cutting queue lengths for both residents and visitors. For global-mobility managers the news means faster cross-border trips and fewer missed connections for short-haul executives who use Hong Kong as a hub. Companies running regional headquarters in the city are already updating travel policies to brief staff on the simplified sign-up procedure, while relocation advisors suggest adding an e-Channel registration stop to arrival-orientation programmes. Practical tip: registration desks are located landside at the airport (Arrivals Hall A) and at six downtown Immigration offices; no appointment is necessary and approval is instant. Travellers should bring the passport they used to enter Hong Kong and, if applicable, a copy of their multiple-entry visa.
Source: Traicy Global
