Hong Kong’s Immigration Department has shaved months off the waiting time for Hong Kong residents who want to clear the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) more quickly. From 24 September, any permanent resident aged 11 or above who holds a smart ID card and has made at least six trips through the bridge’s passenger building in the past 90 days can enrol in the pilot “Seamless e-Channel” without paperwork. The threshold was previously 10 crossings and required pre-registration through a mobile app or counter. The Seamless e-Channel uses facial recognition and gait analysis to let travellers walk through immigration literally “on the move” without producing a document. Since the pilot started on 25 June, more than 14,000 residents have signed up and the automated lanes have handled over 100,000 passenger movements. Immigration officers say throughput is 40 % faster than conventional e-Channels and cuts peak-hour queues by up to 15 minutes. Under the new arrangement, eligible adults may also enrol simply by walking through designated lanes; the system flashes an on-screen prompt to obtain instant consent. Those aged 18 or above can still use the ‘Contactless e-Channel’ mobile app, giving frequent business travellers another fully digital option. For corporate mobility managers the change is significant. The HZMB is a major artery for executives shuttling between Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau production sites, and the Greater Bay Area now accounts for almost a quarter of cross-boundary business traffic. Faster clearance reduces door-to-door journey times and makes same-day trips more viable, helping firms control accommodation costs and maximise productivity. Officials say the pilot will be reviewed early next year, with a view to extending ‘seamless’ clearance to Hong Kong International Airport and the high-speed rail terminal. Companies are therefore advised to encourage eligible staff to enrol early and familiarise themselves with the technology before the year-end travel peak.
