Hong Kong plans to expand contactless e-gates to HZMB arrival hall
Hong Kong's security chief says contactless e-gates are running smoothly, with plans to extend them to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge arrival hall. Over 79,000 people have registered for the service since its launch. The government will also explore the model at other border checkpoints, includin
Hong Kong's Security Minister Tang Ping-keung said the contactless e-gate service has been operating smoothly since its launch, and the Immigration Department is planning to extend it to the arrival hall of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) checkpoint.
In a written reply to a lawmaker's query, Tang said the government would continue to review the pilot service's performance and explore the feasibility of rolling it out at other suitable border checkpoints, such as the High Speed Rail West Kowloon station.
As of 8 November, more than 79,000 people had registered to use the contactless e-gates, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of those eligible, with total usage exceeding 200,000 trips, Tang said.
The minister added that when planning new or rebuilt checkpoints, the government would actively consider adopting innovative clearance models and technology to improve efficiency. Following the first use of the “co-operative inspection, one-time release” model at the Lok Ma Chau checkpoint, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have agreed to adopt the same model at the future rebuilt Sha Tau Kok checkpoint.
Regarding calls for 24-hour cargo clearance at the Lin Tak / Heung Yuen Wai checkpoint or other suitable locations, Tang said the matter required careful consideration by both Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities, including factors such as actual demand, resource allocation, staffing, and transport links. He noted that the Shenzhen Bay checkpoint already provides 24-hour cargo clearance, and together with the cargo inspection services at Lin Tak and Man Kam To checkpoints, the government would continue to monitor the needs of the cross-border freight industry and consult with mainland authorities as needed.