No barriers for 50,000 users of new ‘seamless’ e-channels at mega bridge

Facial recognition technology will allow people to clear immigration in five seconds using new e-channels at Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge

About 50,000 regular users of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge will soon be able to pass through new immigration e-channels without stopping or displaying their identity cards, as facial recognition will be used for clearance.

Or Chung-yuk, assistant director of information systems at the Immigration Department, said on Thursday that Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 or above who were regular users of the bridge could use two new “seamless” e-channels from June 25.

“Users will not need to stop or display their identity cards during the process, bringing a seamless experience to their crossing,” Or said.

Residents who have arrived at or departed from Hong Kong’s clearance building at the bridge at least 10 times over the past 90 days can register to use the new e-channels starting on Thursday.

Or estimated that around 50,000 local travellers, accounting for around 20 per cent of all bridge users, would be eligible.

Two seamless e-channels have been installed in the Hong Kong border crossing departure hall. Unlike other existing e-channels, the new version has an open-gate design and a 4.9-metre-long walkway, with passengers not required to stop or present their identity cards when crossing.