Iris recognition system for automated border crossing available today for Hongkongers

Residents of the neighboring region of Hong Kong will be able to use the iris recognition system for immigration clearance in Macau, the Public Security Police Force (PSP) announced, effective today.

According to the statement, the measure aims to facilitate immigration clearance for travelers within the Greater Bay Area (GBA, as) “along with the accelerated development of the GBA, exchanges between Hong Kong and Macau residents are becoming increasingly frequent.”

This new measure was reportedly added to the previous one, which allowed for the mutual use of QR codes for identification purposes between Hong Kong and Macau for clearance purposes, established in August last year.

From today at noon, permanent residents of Hong Kong will be able to start using the iris recognition system to enter Macau through the automated immigration channels.

According to PSP, a total of 81 iris automated channels are located at the six checkpoints of Macau, including the Border Gate, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, and Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal.

Of those 81 channels, 71 are equipped with the second-generation recognition device, which features face tracking, enlarged screens, and enhanced voice functions.

The PSP noted that the iris recognition system not only addresses the issue of individuals who are unable to use automated immigration clearance due to unreadable fingerprints, but also facilitates fast and hygienic contactless immigration clearance using the My Border Crossing QR Code.

Data from the same force shows that as of the end of May 2025, some 300,000 local residents have registered their iris biometrics for immigration clearance. The use of this service has recorded over 15,780,000 utilizations.

The PSP also reported that the use of the service by locals has increased by 42% recently, demonstrating its efficiency.

Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 or above who have registered for the automated passenger clearance service in Macau may register their iris biometrics at the border checkpoints.

Those aged 18 or above may register their iris biometrics when using the “iris automated channels” equipped with the registration function for the first time; a procedure that generally takes about 25 seconds.

Those who are underage and those whose iris recognition system fails may register manually.