Hong Kong, Macau Use QR Codes and Biometrics to Speed Cross-border Travel

Hong Kong and Macau have launched a new joint initiative that allows permanent residents to use QR codes and biometrics for border crossings, aimed at simplifying immigration and clearance procedures.

Starting on July 19, the new system will eliminate the need for physical documentation by using QR codes along with fingerprint and facial recognition technologies, an initiative that is expected to enhance convenience and efficiency for travelers between the two regions.

At the launch ceremony, officials emphasized the benefits of the new system.

Benson Kwok, director of Immigration for Hong Kong, reported that nearly 2.5 million Hong Kong residents have registered for Macau’s self-service channels.

Ng Wai Han, director of the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau in Macau, noted that the 300,000 Macau residents who have already registered for Hong Kong’s e-channel services can now update their accounts via the Macau One Account app to generate QR codes for border crossings.

The introduction of digital identification to the Macau One Account app last year allowed residents to verify their identity at immigration points between Zhuhai and Macau, while this new feature will be available in the ‘My border crossing’ section of the app.

Future plans include potentially extending the QR code system to non-permanent residents, as in its initial format upon launch only permanent residents aged 11 or older can register for e-channel services in Macau, Hengqin, or Hong Kong.

“At this stage, it is difficult to predict the number of potential applicants,” Ng said in an address to the media on Thursday. “However, both the Hong Kong and Macau systems have undergone thorough stress tests,”

Registrations can be completed at self-service machines located at various government service centers, and registered individuals can use their ID card or QR code for e-channel services within three hours of successful registration.

Source: Macau Business

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July 18, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith