Hong Kong Launches Seamless e-Channel for "On-the-Move" Self-Service Departure Clearance

Immigration Department to introduce Seamless e-Channel service

In the 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive proposed establishing Hong Kong's first "seamless clearance" pilot scheme at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing (HKZMB Hong Kong Boundary Crossing) in the second quarter of 2026. The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (June 11) that a Seamless e-Channel service will be launched on June 25. From that date, enrolled eligible Hong Kong permanent residents will be able to enjoy "on-the-move" self-service departure clearance seamlessly by employing AI and facial recognition technology at the departure hall of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port without the need to present a Hong Kong identity card or an e-Channel QR code.

Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 or above holding a valid smart identity card and have arrived in or departed from Hong Kong via the Passenger Clearance Building of the HZMB Hong Kong Port 10 times or more in the past 90 days are eligible to enrol in the Seamless e-Channel service. Starting from today (June 11), eligible Hong Kong residents can use a smartphone with biometric authentication to download the ImmD's Contactless e-Channel mobile application for enrolment. Eligible Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 to 17 must enrol with the consent of their parent or legal guardian.

When performing departure clearance, upon entering the Seamless e-Channel, enrolled Hong Kong permanent residents only need to face forwards, pass through the Seamless e-Channel at a normal walking pace and maintain an appropriate distance from other users. The departure process is completed without the need to stop or present any travel document or e-Channel QR code.

The ImmD reminds that enrolled Hong Kong permanent residents must still carry a valid Hong Kong identity card when using the Seamless e-Channel Service. Moreover, residents can continue to use other e-Channels or traditional counters for immigration clearance.

For details of the Seamless e-Channel service, please visit the ImmD's website atwww.immd.gov.hk/sec. For enquiries, please call the enquiry hotline at 2824 6111, fax to 2877 7711 or send an email at enquiry@immd.gov.hk.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Photo source: reference image

Major Sports Events Committee awards "M" Mark status to Hong Kong Football Festival 2026

The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:

The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded "M" Mark status to the Hong Kong Football Festival 2026: The Asahi Super Dry Trophy, Manchester City vs FC Internazionale Milano (August 1) and The Herbalgy Trophy, Chelsea FC vs Juventus (August 5).

The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (July 27), "We are delighted to award the 'M' Mark status to these two prestigious football exhibition matches. In early August, a lineup of top European football clubs will showcase their skills at Kai Tak Stadium of the Kai Tak Sports Park. The excitement kicks off on August 1 with The Asahi Super Dry Trophy featuring Manchester City against Internazionale Milano, bringing two European giants together on the Hong Kong stage. This will be followed on August 5 by The Herbalgy Trophy, a highly anticipated clash between Chelsea FC and Juventus. These two spectacular football showdowns will not only bring thrilling, world-class viewing experiences to local fans and visitors, but also fully demonstrate Hong Kong's unique charm as an international capital for sports events."

The "M" Mark System aims to encourage and help local national sports associations and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be considered for "M" Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events. The "M" Mark System aims to promote the development of major sports events, cultivate a sustainable sporting culture, enhance Hong Kong's image as a centre for major international sports events and bring tangible economic benefits to the community.

For details of "M" Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk.

Source: AI-found images