Interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements releases latest information on cross-boundary passenger traffic estimation and arrangements for National Day Golden Week of the Mainland
The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, released the following information today (September 28) on the latest situation and arrangements for the upcoming National Day Golden Week of the Mainland.
The Immigration Department, Photo source: reference image
The Immigration Department (ImmD) estimates that around 7.44 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong's sea, land and air control points during the upcoming National Day Golden Week of the Mainland (from October 1 to October 7). The ImmD, in consultation with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection and other Mainland authorities, estimates that around 6.31 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points (BCPs). The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land BCPs will be relatively higher on October 3 (Saturday) and October 4 (Sunday), with around 587 000 passengers and 586 000 passengers respectively.
The ImmD estimates that the passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point will be heavy, with a daily average forecast of about 220 000, 190 000 and 150 000 passengers respectively.
The ImmD, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation Limited will set up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point to make necessary arrangements. The ImmD will also establish close communication with Mainland authorities, including the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection. To ensure a smooth passenger traffic flow, passenger conditions will be closely monitored and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary.
To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during outbound and inbound peak hours, the ImmD will open additional counters, temporary counters and vehicle clearance kiosks in advance at land BCPs to strengthen its immigration clearance services. During the festive period, the ImmD has minimised leave for frontline officers for flexible deployment to divert passenger and vehicular flows. Additional security guards will also be deployed to provide crowd management support.
The ImmD advises all land boundary passengers to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. Residents and visitors may also visit "Easy Boundary" (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/bwt/status.html?type=outbound), a one-stop information platform on immigration clearance launched by the Security Bureau, to obtain useful information in one go, including the respective average waiting time for passengers and private cars at land BCPs, as well as for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) cross-boundary shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus), so as to plan their trips and save waiting time.
Photo source: ImmD
For travellers making journeys to the Mainland, the ImmD reminds them to carry their proof of identity and valid travel documents for crossing the boundary. Hong Kong residents should also check the validity of their Home Visit Permits. Non-permanent residents must carry their valid smart identity card as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel document.
Holders of the acknowledgement receipt issued due to reported loss or replacement of their Hong Kong identity cards, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.
About 800 e-Channels have been installed at various control points. To further enhance passenger experience and clearance efficiency, the ImmD has launched the Seamless e-Channel service at the departure hall of the HZMB Hong Kong Port. Enrolled eligible Hong Kong permanent residents are able to enjoy "on-the-move" self-service departure clearance seamlessly by employing AI and facial recognition technology without the need to present a Hong Kong identity card or an e-Channel QR code. Moreover, the ImmD has launched the "Go Hong Kong" mobile application, enabling eligible frequent visitors to Hong Kong to complete enrolment for the e-Channel service on their smartphones equipped with a camera, Near-Field Communication (i.e. NFC) functionality and internet connectivity prior to arrival in Hong Kong. Upon successful enrolment, visitors can use the e-Channel service upon arrival in Hong Kong. For details of the e-Channel services, please visit:www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/immigration_clearance.html
Hong Kong residents who require assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the ImmD at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD Mobile App, send a message to 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit the Online Assistance Request Form.
The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements is tasked with holistically co-ordinating and steering the preparatory work of various government departments for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the National Day Golden Week of the Mainland, as well as strengthening information dissemination to enable the public and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.
Tourists in Hong Kong, Photo source: reference image
