9 December 2016
The Immigration Department announced today (December 9) that in order to provide greater immigration convenience for Hong Kong non-permanent residents holding a "HKSAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes" (Doc/I) and Macau non-permanent residents holding a "Visit Permit for Residents of Macao to HKSAR" (Visit Permit), a consensus has been reached between the Immigration Department, the Public Security Police Force of Macau and the Identification Services Bureau. With effect from December 12, 2016, eligible non-permanent residents of the two places may, after enrolment, use the automated immigration clearance service of the other party for immigration clearance.
Under the new arrangement, Hong Kong non-permanent residents aged 11 or above holding a valid Doc/I may, after enrolment at designated locations in Macau, use the automated immigration clearance service at Macau checkpoints as visitors on the strength of their valid and enrolled Doc/I.
Reciprocally, after implementation of the new arrangement, Macau non-permanent residents aged 11 or above holding a valid Visit Permit may, after enrolment at designated Automated Immigration Clearance (e-Channel) Enrolment Offices in Hong Kong, use the e-Channel service at Hong Kong control points as visitors on the strength of their valid and enrolled Visit Permit.
Since December 10, 2009, eligible permanent residents of the two places may use the automated immigration clearance service of the other party as visitors for immigration clearance after enrolment. An Immigration Department spokesman said that the new arrangements would provide greater convenience for residents of the two places travelling to the other party and enhance their exchange.
The enrolment service is provided on a voluntary basis and is free of charge. No appointment for the enrolment service is required. Eligible non-permanent residents of the two places only need to approach the designated locations in person to fill in an enrolment form, and have their fingerprints and photographs taken. Detailed enrolment arrangements are at Annex.
For more information, please visit the Immigration Department's homepage at www.immd.gov.hk or the Public Security Police Force of Macau's homepage at www.fsm.gov.mo.