New Era of Cross-Border Travel Begins
Starting November 5, 2025, the Hengqin Port will introduce a new 'Smart Immigration Clearance' system, leveraging advanced facial recognition technology to revolutionize cross-border travel between Macao and Hengqin. This initiative is designed to simplify immigration procedures, reduce waiting times, and significantly enhance the efficiency of passenger flow. The system will replace the traditional 'card scan' method with a 'face scan,' marking a significant step towards smart port construction and regional integration.
Technological Advancements and Operational Details
The 'Smart Immigration Clearance' system will initially be available at 48 'joint inspection automated channels' in the Passenger Inspection Hall and 16 'joint inspection automated channels' in the Immigration Clearance Hall for On-board Passengers at Hengqin Port. This upgrade is a collaborative effort by authorities from Macao and Zhuhai, including the Public Security Police Force, the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau, the Zhuhai General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, and the Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. Officials anticipate that the new system will increase inspection capacity by at least 65%, thereby improving the overall travel experience. The procedure involves passengers facing a screen camera at the first gate for facial feature collection and identification, eliminating the need to present physical documents for clearance.
Eligibility and Future Expansion
The new document-free clearance service is open to specific groups of travelers aged 14 and above. This includes Macao residents, Hong Kong permanent residents, eligible Mainland Chinese citizens holding multiple-entry permits, and Taiwan residents who have registered for automated immigration clearance in both the Mainland and Macao. Minors aged 14 to 17 require parental consent for registration. Authorities have stated that they will closely monitor the implementation of the 'Smart Immigration Clearance' and may consider expanding eligibility to a broader range of visitors in the future. Plans are also in place to equip the departure and arrival halls of Hengqin Port with an additional 46 'joint inspection automated channels' next year to further enhance clearance efficiency.
Regional Integration and Broader Context
The introduction of 'Smart Immigration Clearance' at Hengqin Port aligns with the central government's broader initiative to foster deeper regional integration between Macao and Hengqin. It reflects President Xi Jinping's emphasis on 'bringing the integration of Hengqin and Macao to a higher level.' This development is part of a wider set of immigration reforms in China, which also includes extending facial recognition intelligent exit-entry clearance functions to several other ports across the country, such as Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and various ports in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, effective November 5, 2025.
5 Comments
paracelsus
The efficiency gains are undeniable and will benefit many commuters. However, the widespread use of facial recognition raises legitimate questions about data security and individual privacy rights.
anubis
No more long queues! This facial recognition system is going to save so much time.
paracelsus
Introducing smart clearance definitely speeds up the process for eligible travelers. But we need to seriously consider the ethical implications of a system that relies so heavily on biometric data and its potential for misuse.
anubis
Just another way for the government to track everyone. Big Brother is watching.
paracelsus
Modernizing our borders is essential. This makes Macao-Hengqin travel effortless.