29 October 2014
The Immigration Department today (October 29) announced that following the implementation of the mutual use of automated clearance services between Hong Kong and the Federal Republic of Germany (Germany) on a trial basis since September 1 this year, Hong Kong and Germany will formally implement the arrangement. With effect from November 1 this year, holders of a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) electronic passport will also be able to enrol at Munich Airport in addition to Frankfurt Airport for the automated immigration clearance service in Germany, while holders of a German passport can enrol for the e-Channel service in Hong Kong.
An Immigration Department spokesperson said that the full implementation of the arrangement would allow greater travel convenience for Hong Kong residents and German visitors, and enhance trade, business and tourism links with Germany.
The spokesperson added that the enrolment criteria are the same as they were during trial. Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above holding a valid HKSAR electronic passport with no adverse record in Germany can enrol for the service by submitting an enrolment form at the enrolment office at Frankfurt Airport or Munich 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 systems at Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport, Dusseldorf Airport and Hamburg Airport. Holders of a valid HKSAR electronic passport will also be able to enrol at Dusseldorf Airport and Hamburg Airport in the future. Details will be announced in due course.
Reciprocally, holders of a German passport who are 18 years or above and have no adverse record in Hong Kong can take their German passports with a validity period of at least 6 months to the enrolment office at Hong Kong International Airport or the Macau Ferry Terminal to enrol for the e-Channel service. The enrolment procedure includes submission of an enrolment form, collection of fingerprints and photo-taking.
Enrolment is on a voluntary basis and free of charge. For further details, please visit the website of the Immigration Department at www.immd.gov.hk.