Smart Pass Pilot at HZMB Hong Kong Port to Enable In-Vehicle Clearance from December
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The Immigration Department is set to roll out a pioneering Smart Pass pilot program at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port in December 2026, enabling cross-border private car passengers to clear immigration without leaving their vehicles. The initiative, expected to be announced in Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's Policy Address on September 16, leverages AI and facial recognition technology to automatically verify registered eligible Hong Kong permanent residents. The system addresses the longstanding inconvenience of passenger-vehicle separation that frequently causes traffic bottlenecks, particularly during holiday peaks.
Key Points
- Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will deliver the Policy Address on September 16, 2026, marking Hong Kong's first five-year plan
- The Immigration Department will launch the Smart Pass pilot at the HZMB Hong Kong Port in December 2026
- The system utilizes AI combined with facial recognition to identify registered eligible cross-border private car drivers and passengers
- Currently, passengers (except drivers) must disembark at the designated drop-off zone and walk to the accompanying personnel verification hall for clearance procedures
- The AI system employs multiple cameras for real-time tracking of in-vehicle facial features with high-speed search algorithms to verify all occupants simultaneously
- On June 25, 2026, Hong Kong's first contactless e-Channel pilot debuted at the bridge's departure hall with two dedicated lanes
- The contactless e-Channel allows registered Hong Kong permanent residents to complete departure checks in approximately 5 seconds without presenting ID or QR codes
- First-phase service targets eligible Hong Kong permanent residents, with further details pending official announcement from the Immigration Department
Why It Matters
The Smart Pass system represents a significant advancement in cross-border infrastructure efficiency, potentially transforming the travel experience for millions of commuters using the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. By eliminating the need for passengers to disembark and queue at verification halls, the initiative is expected to substantially reduce traffic congestion during peak periods while positioning Hong Kong as a leader in smart border control technology .
The Smart Pass system represents a significant advancement in cross-border infrastructure efficiency, potentially transforming the travel experience for millions of commuters using the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. By eliminating the need for passengers to disembark and queue at verification halls, the initiative is expected to substantially reduce traffic congestion during peak periods while positioning Hong Kong as a leader in smart border control technology .