Ten million border crossings are expected in Hong Kong during the National Day Holiday. Photo: Dickson LeeHong Kong is anticipating over 10 million border crossings during the National Day holiday, with land crossings to mainland China expected to be particularly congested. Authorities have advised travellers to plan ahead and avoid peak periods.
The Immigration Department said on Tuesday that about 10.03 million people, including residents and tourists, would pass through the city’s sea, land and air crossings from Saturday to October 7.
About 85 per cent of travellers are expected to use land crossings to Macau or neighbouring mainland cities.
Authorities said numbers were set to peak on National Day on October 1 – the start of the seven-day “golden week” break on the mainland – with about 523,000 outbound trips and 632,000 inbound.
“To avoid congestion and a longer than usual waiting time for immigration clearance, the [Immigration Department] advises all land boundary passengers to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points,” a department spokeswoman said.
Non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents allowed travel permits to mainland
She said the department’s website and app would keep travellers up to date with expected busy periods and estimated waiting times.
The Lo Wu border crossing is likely to be among the busiest, with a forecast daily average of around 208,000 trips.
The Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and Shenzhen Bay crossings will also see significant crowds, with about 185,000 and 118,000 trips per day.
Extra frontline officers will be deployed to operate clearance counters and kiosks, as well as manage passenger flow.
The department also said it would stay in close contact with its mainland counterparts during the busy holiday period.
Hong Kong residents will have one day off for National Day on October 1.