18 December 2019
The Immigration Department (ImmD) estimates that around 10.65 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong's sea, land and air control points during the upcoming Christmas and New Year festive periods (from December 21, 2019 to January 1, 2020). Among them, about 75 per cent, or around 8.03 million passengers, will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on December 21 (Saturday) and December 26 (Thursday), with around 433 000 and 455 000 passengers respectively.
The ImmD estimates that there will be around 2.67 million passengers, with a daily average of about 223 000 passengers, travelling via the Lo Wu Control Point during the festive periods. Also, the daily average forecast of the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and Shenzhen Bay control points will be about 136 000 and 106 000 passengers respectively.
The ImmD, the Police, the Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation Limited will set up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point, whereas operations of the control points and passenger conditions will be closely monitored to ensure a smooth passenger traffic flow. Moreover, the ImmD will upload daily passenger statistics for the above festive period to its website at www.immd.gov.hk for public reference.
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 a valid travel document.
Holders of an acknowledgement receipt issued due to a 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.
Over 700 e-Channels have been installed at various control points. Eligible Mainland holders of the electronic Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (e-EEP) can enrol for the e-Channel service by using their e-EEP and undergoing the enrolment process at a traditional entry counter on their first visit to Hong Kong. Eligible Mainland visitors who have renewed their e-EEP must go through the aforesaid enrolment process again before they can use the e-Channel.
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.