Speaking to the press on October 18, Secretary for Security Chris Tang urged cross-border travelers to enroll in Hong Kong’s automated e-Channel programs ahead of peak periods. Posting on social media after touring Huanggang Port, Tang said passengers who had pre-registered breezed through clearance even as others queued for up to 45 minutes during the afternoon rush. Tang highlighted that foreign passport holders can now access the latest visitor e-Channel lanes by completing online enrollment through the "Go Hong Kong" app and uploading biometric data in advance—a change designed to cut manual processing times. He also reminded residents that more land checkpoints will migrate to contactless facial-recognition channels in 2027, making early registration a smart move for frequent commuters and corporate shuttle drivers. Industry associations welcomed the call, noting that many expatriate employees remain unaware of their eligibility. HR managers are being advised to circulate enrollment guides and include e-Channel sign-ups in on-boarding packs for secondees. Automation, Tang added, is only part of the solution: travelers should still avoid peak departure slots and monitor live updates. His remarks signal the government’s push to blend tech and demand-management tools to keep Hong Kong’s critical talent and cargo links moving.
Source: RTHK
