Hong Kong Bridge Port to Launch AI-Powered Seamless Clearance in December
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu unveiled on Wednesday the first Five-Year Plan alongside the Policy Address 2026, announcing that the Immigration Department will launch the Smart Pass pilot programme at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Hong Kong port in December. The initiative harnesses AI and facial recognition technology to enable seamless in-vehicle clearance, potentially reducing processing time from two minutes to just 20 seconds. The administration also unveiled plans to establish the bridge as a key economic and trade corridor to bolster Hong Kong's position as an international logistics and trade hub.
Key Points
- Immigration Department to debut Smart Pass at HK-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Hong Kong port in December using AI and facial recognition for seamless in-vehicle clearance
- Current in-vehicle inspection averages two minutes; the new system targets a sixfold reduction to just 20 seconds for registered eligible cross-border private vehicle users
- If the pilot runs smoothly, the programme will be extended to other border control points across Hong Kong
- The government will actively promote construction of the HK-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Economic and Trade New Corridor to ensure smooth logistics operations among Greater Bay Area cities
- Expansion of the single declaration for two reports system and smart upgrades aim to significantly reduce enterprise logistics costs
- The reconstructed Huanggang Port will adopt a new cooperative inspection, one-time release clearance model
- Authorities will continue optimising Hong Kong vehicles northbound and Guangdong vehicles southbound schemes while promoting EV charging infrastructure interconnection
Why It Matters
The seamless clearance system addresses a longstanding bottleneck in cross-border travel, with the 20-second target representing a transformative improvement in passenger experience and traffic flow efficiency. By positioning the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge as a central logistics artery through infrastructure upgrades and streamlined customs procedures, Hong Kong aims to solidify its competitive edge as a regional trade and supply chain hub, particularly in perishables and high-value goods where processing speed directly impacts business viability .
The seamless clearance system addresses a longstanding bottleneck in cross-border travel, with the 20-second target representing a transformative improvement in passenger experience and traffic flow efficiency. By positioning the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge as a central logistics artery through infrastructure upgrades and streamlined customs procedures, Hong Kong aims to solidify its competitive edge as a regional trade and supply chain hub, particularly in perishables and high-value goods where processing speed directly impacts business viability .