dsgtc0408

You should be taking the second option. If I'm not mistaken, HK Immigration considers the e-channel validity to be linked to the validity of the underlying passport. Using the barcode from the old passport would create problems when you exit since you would be using the newly registered passport, not the old one.

FWIW I had to update my e-channel status a few months ago when I renewed my passport. The e-channel official made it a point to remove the barcode from my cancelled passport.

Shareholder

You're probably correct since I would have to return airside and at that point the passport discrepancy would be identified. Just hope it will be a quiet arrival period a 7a on a weekday. And I don't want to ruin my application for the Asian fast track card, nor impact GE/Nexus. Only wish one could make the passport change online (as with GE) and thus be able to use the new passport (e-chip'd) without having to go to the office. Thanks for the advice.

garykung

Well - a canceled passport is not a valid travel document.

You should never use your canceled passport except updating the e-channel enrollment.

What you intend to do can result an adverse record, which the Immigration Department can effectively terminate your enrollment if found.

LASNRT

Slightly hijacking the topic...

I have e-channel access through my frequent flyer program. If I no longer have the same status at the time my passport expires, would I be able to reapply/renew my e-channel access with my new passport based on previously having e-channel, or would I have to have the frequent flyer status at the time of renewal as well?

Thank you!

christep

From http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/..._visitors.html

"If there are any changes in the enrolment information, an enrolled passenger has to update the changes in person at the Enrolment Office before continuing to use the e-Channel. The updating service is free of charge."

My guess, just based on 20 years of HK bureaucracy, is that if you simply go in with the old passport with the echannel endorsement and the new passport then they will simply transfer it across without asking again for the FF card.

Rami Tamimi

+1

Add to that the fact that the airport office staff are very chill (unlike their Wanchai colleagues) and I am sure they would just transfer it across.

LASNRT

Fantastic! Thank you christep and Rami Tamimi for your quick replies!!!

Jitendra Kumar Sharma

BuildingMyBento

moondog

I transferred to my new pp in wanchai in less than 2 minutes.

mcgahat

I would imagine the airport process would be about as quick. The real problem is the indignity of having to go through the normal line to get it transferred.

Gongzuokuang

I had to renew my passport prior to one of my previous trips to HK. I carried both passports (old and new) because my Chinese VISA was still in the OLD. I was going to try to use the barcode on the old one to get through eChannel, and then renew. But I realized I couldn't get to the eChannel office if I used eChannel. :-) So... I did wait through the long, senseless line. I then walked down to the eChannel office, AND IT WAS PREMATURELY CLOSED! Grrrr....

Anyway, I went to WanChai later in the trip and it was just 2 minutes to transfer, no questions asked.

What is unclear to me is whether the eChannel ever expires. My USA passport is good for 10 years, but I thought eChannel needed to be renewed periodically. However, I've also read that eChannel is valid as long as your passport is valid.

I suppose if it ever expires then I'll just be unable to get through the doors and will figure it out then. :-)

garykung

You answered your own question only - the expiration of e-Channel access depends on the validity of your document.

Even e-Channel access with HKID expires as well.