Enrollment for using the Hong Kong Automated Passenger Clearance System (e-Channel)

1. Which of the Macao SAR residents can enjoy the Hong Kong e-Channel service to enter and exit Hong Kong?

Eligible Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card holders, aged 11 or above, may lodge a prior enrolment application for using the Hong Kong e-Channels for immigration clearance with their valid Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card.
Whereas for Macao SAR non-permanent residents, aged 11 or above, who hold a Macao SAR Non-Permanent Resident Identity Card and a “Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR”, both with validity of not less than one month, should complete a prior enrolment in Hong Kong before they can enter and exit Hong Kong via e-Channels with their valid and enrolled “Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR”.

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2. For eligible Macao SAR Permanent Residents Identity Card holders aged 18 or above, what are the prior enrolment formalities for the Hong Kong e-Channel service?

-Enrolment in Macao
Eligible Macao SAR permanent residents, aged 18 or above, may lodge a prior enrolment application at the self-service document application kiosks available in the 24-hour Government Self-Service Centres. After successful enrolment, it generally takes around 3 hours before applicants can use the e-Channels to enter and exit Hong Kong. Besides, they may also lodge a prior enrolment application at the self-service kiosks for “Easy Macao Identification Services” available at the Government Affairs Service Centre in the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
For locations of the self-service document application kiosks, please visit themed page of the 24-hour Government Self-Service Centres.
For tutorial video on the self-service prior enrolment, please visit the tutorial video.

-Enrolment in Hong Kong
Eligible Macao SAR permanent residents, aged 18 or above, may enrol at the e-Channel Enrolment Offices in Hong Kong. Applicants can enter and exit Hong Kong via e-Channels in around 3 hours after successful enrolment.
For enrolment formalities of the Hong Kong e-Channel service, please visit Hong Kong Immigration Department’s website.

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3. For eligible Macao SAR Permanent Residents Identity Card holders aged from 11 to 17, what are the prior enrolment formalities for the Hong Kong e-Channel service?

Eligible Macao SAR permanent residents aged from 11 to 17 are required to enrol in person with their parent or guardian at the e-Channel Enrolment Offices in Hong Kong and provide the required documents. Applicants can enter and exit Hong Kong via e-Channels in around 3 hours after successful enrolment.
For enrolment formalities of the Hong Kong e-Channel service, please visit Hong Kong Immigration Department’s website.

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4. Can Macao SAR non-permanent residents use the Hong Kong e-Channel service to enter or exit Hong Kong?

Macao SAR non-permanent residents aged 11 or above, who hold a Macao SAR Non-Permanent Resident Identity Card and a “Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR”, both with validity of not less than one month, are required to enrol in person at the e-Channel Enrolment Offices in Hong Kong and provide the required documents. In around 3 hours after successful enrolment, applicants can enter and exit Hong Kong via e-Channels with their valid and enrolled “Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR”.
For enrolment formalities of the Hong Kong e-Channel service, please visit Hong Kong Immigration Department’s website.

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5. After successful enrolment, how long does it take before Macao SAR residents can enter or exit Hong Kong via e-Channels?

1. In general cases, for enrolment applications completed at the self-service document application kiosks in the 24-hour Government Self-Service Centres, or at the self-service kiosks for “Easy Macao Identification Services” at the Government Affairs Service Centre in the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, applicants can use the e-Channels to enter and exit Hong Kong in around 3 hours after successful enrolment.
2. For enrolment applications took place at the e-Channel Enrolment Offices of the Hong Kong Immigration Department, applicants can enter and exit Hong Kong via e-Channels in around 3 hours after successful enrolment.

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6. Under what circumstances do Macao SAR residents need to re-enrol for the Hong Kong e-Channel service?

Macao SAR permanent residents are not required to re-enrol for the Hong Kong e-Channel service after renewal of their identity card due to expiry of validity period. However, under the following circumstances, re-enrolment is required after renewal:

1. The identity card is renewed due to loss;
2. The identity card is renewed due to modification of identity card information (e.g. name, date of birth, etc.);
3. Successful enrolment at the e-Channel Enrolment Offices in Hong Kong, but have not agreed on or authorised the transfer of data to the Hong Kong Immigration Department after renewal of the identity card.

Under the following circumstances, Macao SAR non-permanent residents are required to re-enrol before they can continue to use the Hong Kong e-Channel service:

1. Expiry of the enrolment validity specified on the enrolment notice;
2. Modification of information (e.g. personal data) provided during previous enrolment for the e-Channel service;
3. Renewal of the Macao SAR Non-Permanent Resident Identity Card or the “Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR”;
4. Macao SAR Permanent Resident Card is obtained.

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7. How can Macao SAR residents cancel the enrolment for the Hong Kong e-Channel service?

Residents are required to lodge an application for cancelling the enrolment in person at the e-Channel enrolment Offices in Hong Kong.

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8. How do Macao SAR residents re-enrol for the Hong Kong e-Channel service after the cancellation of enrolment?

Eligible Macao SAR permanent residents, aged 18 or above, may lodge a new enrolment application at the self-service document application kiosks in the 24-hour Government Self-Service Centres, or the self-service kiosks for “Easy Macao Identification Services” at the Government Affairs Service Centre in the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, or proceed to the e-Channel Enrolment Offices in Hong Kong (please visit Hong Kong SAR Immigration Department’s website).For eligible Macao SAR residents, aged from 11 to 17, they are required to lodge a new application in person with their parent or guardian at the e-Channel Enrolment Offices in Hong Kong and provide the required documents.

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9. For successful enrolees of the Hong Kong e-Channel service, can they still complete immigration clearance at traditional counters?

Yes, they can. Individuals who have successfully enrolled for the Hong Kong e-Channel service may choose to use traditional counters labelled with “Macao SAR Residents” by presenting their physical identity card, or proceed via e-Channels with either their physical identity card or the “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” for immigration clearance.

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10. After successfully enrolled for the Hong Kong e-Channel service, which immigration control points can be used?

For locations provided with e-Channel service, please visit Hong Kong SAR Immigration Department’s website .

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11. Under what circumstances Macao SAR residents would not be allowed to use the e-Channels to enter or exit Hong Kong?

Under the following circumstances, Macao SAR residents are not allowed to use e-Channels to enter or exit Hong Kong,

1. The validity period of the Macao SAR Resident Identity Card expires;
2. A visa is required for entry into the Hong Kong SAR due to change of nationality, but prior authorisation from the Hong Kong SAR Government has not been obtained;
3. Fingerprint recognition failure;
4. Pursuant to the decision of the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

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12. For residents holding a damaged Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card (e.g. the chip of the identity card flakes off) along with a valid Macao SAR Passport, can they enter Hong Kong?

Residents are not allowed to enter Hong Kong with a damaged Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card (e.g. the chip of the identity card flakes off), even if they present a valid Macao SAR Passport. Instead, they should replace their Macao SAR Resident Identity Card at the Identification Services Bureau as soon as possible, and enter Hong Kong with their new identity card. On the other hand, for residents who need to travel to Hong Kong before their identity card is renewed, they may apply for a “Visit Permit for Residents of the Macao SAR to the Hong Kong SAR” at the Identification Services Bureau.

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13. For successful enrolees of the Hong Kong e-Channel service, can they use any of their fingerprints for identity verification at e-Channels?

When passing through the e-Channels, enrolees must use the same fingerprint that has been enrolled for the e-Channel service for immigration clearance to enter and exit Hong Kong.

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14. If successful enrolees of the Hong Kong e-Channel service cannot verify their fingerprint at e-Channels, what should they do?

They may seek assistance from the duty officer of the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

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15. For eligible Macao SAR permanent residents who are renewing their identity card, can they use the Automated Passenger Clearance System in Macao or the e-Channel service in Hong Kong?

If the original identity card is still valid during the renewal period, residents may use the original identity card or the “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” for the Automated Passenger Clearance System in Macao or the e-Channel service in Hong Kong.

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16. For eligible Macao SAR permanent residents who have renewed their identity card due to expiry, can they use the Hong Kong e-Channel service immediately after they collect their new identity card?

Since the Identification Services Bureau will automate an update on the data collected for the Hong Kong e-Channel service (except for card renewal due to loss or modification of identity data), the e-Channel service shall be available in around 3 hours after the new identity card has been collected. Meanwhile, residents may use the traditional counters of the Hong Kong Immigration Department for immigration clearance.

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17. In case of expiry or loss of Macao SAR Permanent Identity Card, can residents use the Automated Passenger Clearance System in Macao or the e-Channel service in Hong Kong?

If the Macao SAR Permanent Identity Card has expired, residents may proceed to the traditional counters with the application receipt as well as the original identity card to enter and exit Macao. In case of loss of identity card, residents may also use the traditional counters with the application receipt to enter and exit Macao.
For both of the above-mentioned situations, residents are not allowed to travel to Hong Kong during the renewal of identity card. If necessary, they may apply for a “Visit Permit for Residents of the Macao SAR to the Hong Kong SAR”.

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18. For eligible Macao SAR Resident Identity Card holders, how long is the maximum period of stay in Hong Kong as visitors?

Eligible Macao SAR permanent residents can enter Hong Kong with a valid Macao SAR Permanent Identity Card or a “Visit Permit for Residents of the Macao SAR to the Hong Kong SAR”, and stay as visitors for a maximum of 180 days; whereas Macao SAR non-permanent residents can enter Hong Kong with a “Visit Permit for Residents of the Macao SAR to the Hong Kong SAR” and stay as visitors for a maximum of 30 days.

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19. Which of the Macao SAR residents is eligible for the “Mutual Use of QR Code between Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service”?

Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card holders, aged 11 or above, who have enrolled for the Hong Kong e-Channel service, and have bound their “Electronic Identity” on “Macao One Account” mobile application.

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20. For eligible Macao SAR permanent residents, how shall they go through the immigration clearance process using the “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” (the “QR Code”)?

For Macao SAR permanent residents who are eligible to use the “Mutual Use of QR Code between Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service”, they only need to update the “Macao One Account” to the latest version, go to the “My Border Crossing” page through “Macao One Account” and the “QR Code” will be generated, which can be used for immigration clearance by scanning the “QR Code” and verifying their identity when passing through the Automated Passenger Clearance System in Macao and the e-Channel service in Hong Kong. For tutorial on generating the “QR Code” through “Macao One Account”, please refer to the infographics via the link. For individuals who are not eligible for the “Mutual Use of QR Code between Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service”, the QR code generated through “My Border Crossing” on “Macao One Account” can only be used for the Automated Passenger Clearance System in Macao.

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21. Why would eligible Macao SAR permanent residents fail to generate the “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” (the “QR Code”)?

The “QR Code” cannot be generated if the “Macao One Account” is not updated to the latest version. The “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” feature has been added to the latest version of “Macao One Account” at midnight of 19 July 2024. Residents may press the “Enquiry” button to find out more on the specific reason for not being able to generate the “QR Code”. For details, please visit clearance code status.

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22. Which of the Hong Kong immigration control points is provided with the “Mutual Use of QR Code between Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service”?

The “Mutual Use of QR Code between Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service” is applicable at the e-Channels in the Arrival and Departure Halls of all Hong Kong immigration control points. However, a valid Macao Permanent Resident Identity Card or “Visit Permit for Residents of the Macao SAR to the Hong Kong SAR” is still required for immigration clearance via traditional counters.

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23. Is the “Mutual Use of QR Code between Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service” applicable at the vehicle channels of the Hong Kong immigration control points?

The “Mutual Use of QR Code between Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service” is only applicable at the e-Channels in the Arrival and Departure Halls of the Hong Kong immigration control points.

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24. If the “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” (the “QR Code”) of a minor is bound to the mobile phone of his/her parent, how should they do when going together for immigration clearance?

If the “Electronic Identity” of the minor is bound to the same mobile phone as his/her parent, the parent should first generate and scan the “QR Code” of the minor before the first gate of the e-Channel. After the minor completes the immigration clearance process, the parent may generate their own “QR Code” and scan it for immigration clearance.
The e-Channel can only be used by one person at a time. Thus, the minor and the parent shall go through the immigration clearance process separately.
Note: Parent should check carefully the “QR Code” before letting their child enter the e-Channel, so as to avoid data error which might affect the clearance process.

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25. Once the “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” (the “QR Code”) is generated, can residents take a screenshot and use it for immigration clearance?

The “QR Code” updates automatically and the previous “QR Code” will become invalid. Thus, the screenshot image cannot be used for immigration clearance.

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26. What are the consequences of using a forged “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” (the “QR Code”), or the “QR Code” of another person for immigration clearance?

Anyone who uses a forged “QR Code”, or one that relates to another person might constitute criminal liabilities.
In Macao: it may constitute an offence of forgery of documents or related crimes of using another person’s documents, as well as an offence under Law No. 11/2009, “Law on Combating Computer Crimes”.
In Hong Kong: it may constitute an offence concerning the use or possession of forged or false documents under Chapter 115 of the Laws of Hong Kong, Immigration Ordinance.

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27. Can other people access my identity data via the “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” (the “QR Code”)?

The “QR Code” is encrypted, and thus, the identity data of the holder of the “QR Code” cannot not be accessed by others directly from the “QR Code”.

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28. Can other people access my movement records via the “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” (the “QR Code”)?

None of the movement records would be stored in the “QR Code” nor “Macao One Account”.

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29. Under what circumstances does the “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” (the “QR Code”) become invalid?

The “QR Code” becomes invalid for immigration clearance in the event of expiry, loss or cancellation of the Macao SAR Resident Identity Card.

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30. Can residents present only the “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” (the “QR Code”) shown on the mobile phone without bringing their physical resident identity card for immigration clearance?

Although Macao SAR residents can use the “QR Code” for immigration clearance via e-Channels, they are required to carry their physical Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card, or “Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR” with them, which is valid for entering or exiting Hong Kong.

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31. Can the “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” (the “QR Code”) be used for immigration clearance in the event of no network on the mobile phone?

As to ensure the immigration clearance process from being affected by mobile network, the “QR Code” can be accessed through “Macao One Account” and used for immigration clearance via the Hong Kong e-Channels even if there is no network on the mobile phone.

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32. If an individual loses his/her physical identity card when crossing the border, while at the same time is unable to present the “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” (the “QR Code”) given his/her mobile phone is not working, what should he/she do?

While using the “QR Code” for immigration clearance via the Hong Kong e-Channels, Macao SAR permanent residents must carry their valid Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card or “Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR”. If the above-mentioned identity documents are found lost while crossing the border, the mechanism in force shall be applicable. For instance, if the Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card or “Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR” is lost when crossing the border, residents might be rejected from entering into Hong Kong.

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33. Will the use of the “QR Code for Hong Kong and Macao Clearance Service” (the “QR Code”) for immigration clearance be affected after the renewal of identity card?

After the renewal of identity card, Macao SAR residents only need to access and view their “Electronic Identity” through “Macao One Account”, and the “QR Code” will be updated instantly. Besides, since the Identification Services Bureau will automate an update on the data collected for the Hong Kong e-Channel service, the e-Channel service shall be available in around 3 hours after the collection of new identity card, given the renewal is due to expiry only. Meanwhile, residents may use the traditional counters of the Hong Kong Immigration Department for immigration clearance. For information on using the “QR Code” for immigration clearance in Macao, please visit the Public Security Police Force’s website.

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34. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, are the Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card holders issued with any documents certifying their entry?

From 10 December 2009 onwards, eligible Macao SAR permanent residents will be issued with a landing slip upon entry into the Hong Kong SAR, regardless of whether they use the traditional counters labelled with “Macao SAR Residents” or the e-Channels for immigration clearance. Residents are advised to keep the landing slip properly and present it upon the request of law enforcement officials of the Hong Kong SAR.

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35. What should we do if the landing slip is lost?

If visitors lose their landing slip, they can proceed to the Immigration Headquarters of the Hong Kong SAR for a reprint of it.
Immigration Headquarters of the Hong Kong SAR
Address: 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories, Hong Kong
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45 to 16:30
Saturday, 9:00 to 11:30 (closed on Sundays and public holidays)
Enquiry hotline: (852) 2824 6111

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