Originally Posted by
ESpen36
That is not possible. Once you renew your passport, your previous one becomes invalid, even if it is not yet expired. Assuming we are talking about a US passport, yes, the Passport Agency mails it back to you as a keepsake, but it is stamped "CANCELED" and the MRZ has holes punched in it. The airlines will no longer swipe it to issue boarding passes. It would cause BIG problems if you were to try to enter HK using an expired passort, even if the barcode were still attached to the back.
I think the best option is to do what Fred suggests--wait in line the first time, get processed manually with the new passport, and then go to the eChannel enrollment centre. Perhaps bring the old expired passport as proof that you are simply renewing eChannel membership.
This is interesting as I too just needed to renew my USA passport.
The old one (as always) was returned. The front cover and the ID page are punched. The back cover -- including the eChannel barcode -- are intact.
After reading your post, I am now wondering what would happen. Would the first set of doors not even open... thereby forcing you to go through the normal immigration? Or would they open... then "trap you" after your fingerprint scan requiring staff intervention (and potential repercussions)? Or... would they just let you though as normal (thereby allowing you to then proceed to the enrollment center to renew?)
By the way... someone earlier was concerned about the hours. The South Hall office is open until 11:00PM.
Immigration Headquarters
e-Channel Enrolment Office
7/F, Immigration Tower,
7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai
Monday to Friday:
8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays
and public holidays
Hong Kong International Airport
Terminal 1
Arrival North Hall (after arrival counters)
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Arrival South Hall (after arrival counters)
7:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m
http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/..._visitors.html