Hongkongers can use QR codes, facial recognition to enter Macau from Friday
- Residents who have registered for ‘contactless e-channel’ service can pass through checkpoints with their QR code
Hong Kong residents can use QR codes issued by immigration authorities with fingerprint and facial recognition screenings to enter Macau starting on Friday.
Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung said on Thursday the city’s “contactless e-channel” mobile app could be used at Macau’s immigration checkpoints under a joint QR code clearance service.
“The new QR code clearance service between Hong Kong and Macau will further improve the quality of immigration clearance services on both sides to integrate into the important national strategy of the Greater Bay Area,” Kwok said during a launch event in Macau.
Authorities said travellers would be able to save about one to two seconds compared with another automatic system already in operation at crossings between the two cities.
Hong Kong residents who have registered for the “contactless e-channel” service on the mobile app, as well as automated immigration clearance at Macau checkpoints, can pass through crossings on either side with their QR code from Friday.
After scanning their code, travellers will then look at a camera for facial verification and have their fingerprints taken to complete the process.
