Hong Kong will launch its first Seamless e-Channel service at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) control point on Thursday in a move to enhance smart border clearance.

The Immigration Department said two contactless e-channels will initially be available for registered Hong Kong permanent residents, enabling them to complete departure procedures in about five seconds without stopping or presenting travel documents or QR codes.

Users can pass through the channel at a normal pace while facing forward, as the system automatically verifies identities using facial recognition and artificial intelligence-based image analysis.

The department said the recognition accuracy exceeds 99 percent based on testing.

ALSO READ: HZMB handles over 100m passenger trips since opening

The new system shortens processing time from around eight seconds under the current arrangement to about five seconds and is expected to benefit about 50,000 frequent travelers.

Local Chinese media reported that the measure will help divert passenger flow and improve overall clearance efficiency, particularly during peak hours at checkpoints on holidays and at weekends.

Eligible applicants must be Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 or above who have used the HZMB control point at least 10 times in the past 90 days. Registration can be completed via the Immigration Department’s mobile application using a smartphone with biometric authentication. Applicants aged between 11 and 17 must obtain parental or guardian consent.

The initiative was proposed in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address. Authorities said data collected during the pilot, including clearance speed and accuracy, will be used to consider extending the service to other control points and relaxing eligibility requirements.