The Hong Kong Immigration Department has rolled out “Go Hong Kong”, a mobile application that lets frequent visitors complete e-Channel enrolment on their smartphones before they board a flight. Announced at 19:25 HKT on 16 September, the app uses passport chip reading and facial recognition to verify identity, eliminating the need to line up at airport enrolment counters. Eligible travellers—those aged 18 or above who hold an electronic passport and have entered Hong Kong via the airport at least twice in the past 24 months—can upload passport data, capture a live selfie and receive approval within hours. Successful applicants can then swipe their passport at automated gates on arrival, cutting clearance time to 20 seconds. For corporate mobility managers, the change simplifies VIP travel management. Firms can pre-register road-warrior executives and clients, reducing dwell time after long-haul flights and minimising exposure to potential queue disruptions during peak periods such as the upcoming Golden Week. The app is currently available in English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese on iOS and Android. The Immigration Department said NFC-less handsets are not supported but pledged a kiosk backup service. Travel-risk teams should update employee travel handbooks and encourage frequent visitors to enrol at least 24 hours before departure.
Source: HKSAR Government Press Release
