27 Aug 2014
The Immigration Department today (August 27) announced that, following a similar arrangement with the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong and the Federal Republic of Germany (Germany) will implement the mutual use of automated clearance services. With effect from September 1 this year, holders of a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) electronic passport will be able to enrol for the automated immigration clearance service in Germany on a trial basis. Holders of a German passport are expected to be able to enrol for the e-Channel service in Hong Kong when the arrangement for the mutual use of automated clearance services is fully implemented in November this year.
An Immigration Department spokesperson said that the implementation of mutual use of automated immigration clearance services would allow greater travel convenience for Hong Kong residents and German visitors, and would enhance trade, business and tourism links with Germany.
The spokesperson added that agreement had been reached with the German Federal Ministry of the Interior to the effect that Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above holding a valid HKSAR electronic passport with no adverse record in Germany may, with effect from September 1 this year, enrol for the service by submitting an application form at the enrolment office at Frankfurt Airport along with their HKSAR electronic passport, which must have at least 6 months' validity. Successful applicants will be able to use the automated immigration clearance system at Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport, Dusseldorf Airport and Hamburg Airport.
It is expected that in November this year holders of a German passport will be able to enrol for the e-Channel service in Hong Kong, and holders of a valid HKSAR electronic passport will also be able to enrol at Munich Airport, Dusseldorf Airport and Hamburg Airport. Details will be announced in due course.
Enrolment is on a voluntary basis and is free of charge. For detailed information, please visit the homepage of the Immigration Department at www.immd.gov.hk.