Hong Kong Expands Smart e-Channel Registration to More Bridge Users
HK01 · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The Immigration Department announced on Thursday that Hong Kong permanent residents as young as 11 years old can now register for the Smart e-Channel (無感e-道) service at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, provided they have used the port at least six times in the past 90 days . This represents a significant expansion from the previous eligibility criteria, which had limited the service to a narrower group of frequent users. The pilot programme, which launched on June 25, 2026, has already garnered approximately 14,000 registered users with over 100,000 individual uses recorded .
Key Points
- Registration is now open to Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 and above who hold a valid smart identity card and have entered or exited through the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge at least six times within the past 90 days
- Minors aged 11 to 17 must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian through the Non-touch e-Channel mobile application before completing registration
- Adults aged 18 and above can register either via the Non-touch e-Channel app or directly at designated e-channels at the bridge port, with the system automatically prompting eligible users
- The Smart e-Channel uses facial recognition and artificial intelligence technology, allowing users to complete self-service clearance in approximately five seconds without presenting their identity card or a QR code
- The Immigration Department indicated it will study the feasibility of expanding the service to other border control points
Why It Matters
The expansion of Smart e-Channel eligibility addresses a key barrier for frequent cross-border travellers who previously could not access the service, particularly young people and occasional users. Faster immigration clearance at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge—already one of Hong Kong's busiest land border crossings—could significantly reduce queuing times and boost the appeal of using the cross-border infrastructure as the government seeks to strengthen regional connectivity.
The expansion of Smart e-Channel eligibility addresses a key barrier for frequent cross-border travellers who previously could not access the service, particularly young people and occasional users. Faster immigration clearance at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge—already one of Hong Kong's busiest land border crossings—could significantly reduce queuing times and boost the appeal of using the cross-border infrastructure as the government seeks to strengthen regional connectivity.