HK introduces Smart Departure e-channel
Oct 19, 2017, 1:58 am
#16
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 969
The government is going to be bringing in the Next Generation Smart ID System, with the card replacement running from 2018 to 2022, tentatively. Contractors are PCCW Solutions Ltd and Safran Identity & Security.
Oct 24, 2017, 1:57 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
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Posts: 8,697
I sought out the e-departure lanes on Sunday. Machine was a little finicky reading passport, but it worked on 3rd try, then I was right through, as facial camera was quick.
Nov 17, 2017, 7:03 am
#19
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Join Date: Oct 2001
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Dec 30, 2017, 2:00 pm
#21
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
It is not quite unrestricted but if you enter HKG 3-4 times in a year (I dont remember which) you can register for e-channel. We did that one year and the process was really simple, about 10 minutes at the airport between immigration and baggage. When we got new (US) passports we brought the old, and they re-registered the new passports. We use the same gates at HKG residents for arrival and departure.
Jan 19, 2018, 5:15 pm
#22
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,097
The "Smart Departure" channel is now available at most immigration control points, including Luo Hu and Shenzhen Bay crossings.
e-Channel Services for Visitors | Immigration Department
e-Channel Services for Visitors | Immigration Department
Jan 26, 2018, 10:02 am
#23
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,097
Yes, the passport-reading machines are indeed finicky. And you have to insert your passport with the data page face down very carefully because the slot seems to be set to the precise width of the passport. It'll catch if you don't do it just right. Took about four tries, including assistance at one point. But as said, the photo-recognition step seems quick and hassle-free.
It's as if that passport-reading machine was designed on paper, without getting a prototype first and running a 100 passport-laden passengers through it.
It's as if that passport-reading machine was designed on paper, without getting a prototype first and running a 100 passport-laden passengers through it.