eChannel using passports
Oct 21, 2016, 11:00 pm
#16
Join Date: Oct 2016
Programs: United Rewards Program
Posts: 2
which US Passport page to have scanned?
I attempted to enroll in the Echannel program. The employee just tried to scan the picture page and it did not work. Can anyone confirm which page on a new US passport has the chip that needs to be scanned?
Nov 7, 2016, 2:57 am
#19
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,934
Entered China through CAN airport using the automatic gate yesterday and it worked OK, but had problems with the staff there insisting that the gates were only for Chinese and physically trying to block me from going to the auto gates.
In the end they let me through and were shocked (as in literally gasping with surprise) when the gates opened for me.
Moral: don't let the staff at the airports see the passport you're carrying, just take it out once you get to the auto gate.
In the end they let me through and were shocked (as in literally gasping with surprise) when the gates opened for me.
Moral: don't let the staff at the airports see the passport you're carrying, just take it out once you get to the auto gate.
Nov 8, 2016, 8:18 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,224
Entered China through CAN airport using the automatic gate yesterday and it worked OK, but had problems with the staff there insisting that the gates were only for Chinese and physically trying to block me from going to the auto gates.
In the end they let me through and were shocked (as in literally gasping with surprise) when the gates opened for me.
Moral: don't let the staff at the airports see the passport you're carrying, just take it out once you get to the auto gate.
In the end they let me through and were shocked (as in literally gasping with surprise) when the gates opened for me.
Moral: don't let the staff at the airports see the passport you're carrying, just take it out once you get to the auto gate.
Anyhow, I was finally able to use the gates at PVG with absolutely no problems yesterday. Made it through in about 10 seconds. Even though I had to register 2 times and I'll no doubt have to do it again in a few months when I renew my visa and passport, that 10 second journey through PVG immigration whilst there was a huge line for foreigners made it all worth while!
Nov 22, 2016, 9:23 am
#21
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: PVG
Programs: MU Platinum, HH Diamond
Posts: 827
- a foreign national holding an electronic passport
- a residence permit valid for more than 6 months
- 7 years old and more
- a residence permit valid for more than 6 months
- 7 years old and more
Nov 22, 2016, 2:02 pm
#22
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
RP's used to be separate booklet, but since 2005 are in the passport. This is what takes the place of the Z visa after you enter China and go through the hoops to get fully registered. The Z is cancelled. The "Residence Permit for Foreigners" takes its place.
Dec 6, 2016, 8:07 pm
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,224
Mine has worked a few times coming into PVG but I tried to use it at PEK the other day and it didn't work. I asked the guard there what was up and he told me "Maybe your's only works in Shanghai, go to the normal line". Basically gave me the old, "I don't want to deal with it so I'll make up an excuse".
So the system still has bugs. I'll see if it works when I next enter at PVG. Supposedly they are instituting it for exits now as well although we'll see if that comes about.
So the system still has bugs. I'll see if it works when I next enter at PVG. Supposedly they are instituting it for exits now as well although we'll see if that comes about.
Feb 8, 2017, 8:46 am
#26
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: HRB
Programs: OZ Diamond
Posts: 130
Got registered for this in January at PVG. Pretty smooth process for me. Only delay was that I had a family of four in front of me getting registered, so it took a while as the officer did their applications one by one. Could use the eChannel gates straight away and it worked first time.
I haven't seen a clear answer on this either. Since they use the chip in your passport to store the fingerprint information, I'm hoping that it should last as long as your passport (assuming you also have a valid qualifying visa, of course). It'd be pretty disappointing/pointless if you had to re-register every 12 months.
Auto gates worked for me today when I came into GZ from HK 
One thing that hasn't been mentioned so far though, is how long the validity period of the auto gate registration is. I suppose it's linked to the expiry date of the visa you have, but that wasn't brought up by staff when I did my registration.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned so far though, is how long the validity period of the auto gate registration is. I suppose it's linked to the expiry date of the visa you have, but that wasn't brought up by staff when I did my registration.
May 8, 2017, 8:40 am
#27
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,934
Update on validity of registration, it seems like the use of auto gates is linked to the expiry date of the visa you have when you do your registration.
I tried entering using the auto gates a few days back, just after the expiry date shown on my previous visa (but having a new and valid visa), and the gates wouldn't open for me. Same thing happened to a friend under the same circumstances. I'll go about doing the registration again next time I come back from some trip overseas.
I tried entering using the auto gates a few days back, just after the expiry date shown on my previous visa (but having a new and valid visa), and the gates wouldn't open for me. Same thing happened to a friend under the same circumstances. I'll go about doing the registration again next time I come back from some trip overseas.
May 9, 2017, 8:47 am
#28
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: HRB
Programs: OZ Diamond
Posts: 130
Update on validity of registration, it seems like the use of auto gates is linked to the expiry date of the visa you have when you do your registration.
I tried entering using the auto gates a few days back, just after the expiry date shown on my previous visa (but having a new and valid visa), and the gates wouldn't open for me. Same thing happened to a friend under the same circumstances. I'll go about doing the registration again next time I come back from some trip overseas.
I tried entering using the auto gates a few days back, just after the expiry date shown on my previous visa (but having a new and valid visa), and the gates wouldn't open for me. Same thing happened to a friend under the same circumstances. I'll go about doing the registration again next time I come back from some trip overseas.
A potentially great idea ruined by the execution.
May 10, 2017, 4:47 am
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,224
That's ridiculous. Makes the whole thing a waste of time for many who could use it. Why couldn't the PSB just update the passport chip when the visa gets renewed? Indeed, they could just do it automatically for all Z/qualified visas without messing about registering people at the airport.
A potentially great idea ruined by the execution.
A potentially great idea ruined by the execution.
May 11, 2017, 6:26 am
#30
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: HRB
Programs: OZ Diamond
Posts: 130
Like I said, they should just do the registration process as part of the visa renewal process at the PSB. Basically just automate the process. No airport registration required. Much better.