To better serve Hong Kong-bound travelers and improve clearance efficiency, Shenzhen has expanded eligibility for its self-service immigration e-Channel and simplified the registration process starting Feb. 27.

Under the new arrangement, frequent visitors to Hong Kong — including travelers holding valid travel documents and multiple-entry visitor visas — may register for the free e-Channel service if they have entered Hong Kong via Hong Kong International Airport at least twice in the past 24 months and meet other requirements. After registration, users can use e-Channel lanes at immigration checkpoints for faster self-service entry and exit.

Registration has also been streamlined for eligible travelers with electronic travel documents. At designated registration counters, they only need to present the travel document used for entry, have their photo taken, and sign a consent form. Fingerprint collection is no longer required. The procedure for travelers using non-electronic travel documents remains unchanged.

When using e-Channel for entry, newly registered travelers place their travel document on the reader. Travelers with electronic travel documents complete facial recognition, while those with non-electronic travel documents verify their identity using a registered fingerprint.