Publications and Press Releases

17 Sept 2014

The Immigration Department (ImmD) today (September 17) announced that following similar arrangements made with the Republic of Korea and the Federal Republic of Germany, Hong Kong and the Republic of Singapore (Singapore) will implement the mutual use of automated clearance services. With effect from September 22 this year, holders of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport will be able to enrol for the automated immigration clearance services, known as the enhanced-Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS), in Singapore. At the same time, holders of the Singapore passport will be able to enrol for the e-Channel services in Hong Kong.

An ImmD spokesperson said that the implementation of mutual use of automated immigration clearance services would allow greater travel convenience for Hong Kong residents and Singapore visitors, and would enhance trade, business and tourism links between the two places.

The spokesperson added that consensus had been reached with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore. With effect from September 22, Hong Kong residents aged 11 or above holding a HKSAR passport who have visited Singapore no fewer than three times in the past 12 months immediately before enrolment and have no adverse record in Singapore can take their HKSAR passport with a validity period of at least six months together with one recent colour passport-sized photograph to the enrolment centres located at Changi Airport, Woodlands Checkpoint, Tuas Checkpoint or the ICA Building in Singapore to enrol for the eIACS. The enrolment procedure includes submission of an application form and collection of fingerprints. Applicants aged between 11 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the enrolment, and documentary proof of relationship must be presented. Upon successful enrolment, a Multiple Journey Visit Pass will be endorsed in the HKSAR passport and will be valid for two years or till six months before the expiry of the HKSAR passport, whichever is earlier.

Meanwhile, holders of a Singapore passport aged 11 or above who have visited the HKSAR no fewer than three times in the past 12 months immediately before enrolment and have no adverse record in Hong Kong can take their Singapore passport with a validity period of at least six months to the enrolment offices at Hong Kong International Airport or the Macau Ferry Terminal to enrol for the e-Channel services. The enrolment procedure includes submission of an enrolment form, collection of fingerprints and photo-taking. Applicants aged between 11 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the enrolment and documentary proof of relationship must be presented.

Enrolment is on a voluntary basis and is free of charge. For detailed information, please visit the websites of the ImmD at www.immd.gov.hk and the ICA at www.ica.gov.sg.