Hengqin Port implements ‘smart immigration clearance’ with facial recognition

Authorities will enforce a new “smart immigration clearance” procedure at Hengqin Port starting tomorrow, November 5.

The new measure, in line with the central government’s initiative to further regional integration between Macau and Hengqin, aims to facilitate border crossings at the port by replacing “card scan” with a “face scan” system.

The new procedures will apply to 48 “joint inspection automated channels” at the Passenger Inspection Hall and 16 “joint inspection automated channels” at the Immigration Clearance Hall for Onboard Passengers of Hengqin Port.

According to the Public Security Police Force, the new system simplifies the procedure, improves the flow of people, and reduces processing time.

“Compared with the traditional immigration clearance using a ‘card scan,’ this new system simplifies operational steps. The clearance experience is significantly enhanced, making cross-boundary travel more convenient and efficient,” the statement added.

“It is expected that inspection capacity can increase by at least 65%, further improving immigration clearance efficiency.”

The measure applies to local residents holding a valid Mainland Travel Permit (including non-Chinese citizens) who have registered for the mainland’s automated immigration clearance service. Hong Kong permanent residents can also benefit from the measure under the same conditions.

Mainland residents holding a valid Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau with a multiple-entry endorsement for stay (D), visiting relatives (T), business visit (S), talents (R), or other purposes (Q), and who have authorized the Macau competent authorities to read their fingerprint data when applying for the travel document on the Mainland, can also use this new service.

Finally, the service also applies to Taiwan residents holding a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, valid for five years, who have registered for the automated immigration clearance service of both the mainland and Macau.