The “joint inspection and one-time release” convenient clearance mode has been adopted at the Passenger Clearance Hall and the Immigration Clearance Hall for On-board Passengers at the Hengqin Port. Passengers using the joint inspection automated channels (known as joint express inspection channels on the Mainland) can complete the immigration clearance of both Hengqin and Macao quickly by just lining up once, having their document read once and having their biometrics collected once. This greatly enhances inspection and release efficiency, significantly improving immigration clearance experience. In the first three quarters of 2024, the number of people using the automated channels at the Hengqin Port is 13.71 million, accounting for 84.3% of the total passenger traffic at the Hengqin Port.
To support the development of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and to further facilitate the movement of passengers travelling to and from Hengqin and Macao, upon mutual agreement between the Zhuhai General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection and the Public Security Police Force, starting from 28 October 2024, Hengqin Port will extend the coverage of eligible users of the joint inspection automated channels on a trial basis. The following 3 types of foreign passport holders can also use the joint inspection automated channels at the Port after they register for the automated passenger clearance system of Macao and of the Mainland:
1
Foreigners aged 7 or above and 1.2 metres or above in height, holding a foreign passport (in possession of a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the PRC), and having met the requirements for exemption from Prior Authorization to Enter and visa for entry to Macao*;
2
Foreigners aged 7 or above and 1.2 metres or above in height, holding a foreign e-passport (in possession of a Foreigner’s Residence Permit of the PRC valid for over 6 months), and having met the requirements for exemption from Prior Authorization to Enter and visa for entry to Macao*;
3
Macao residents of foreign nationality, aged 7 or above and 1.2 metres or above in height, holding a Macao Resident Identity Card and one of the following documents:
a foreign passport (in possession of a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the PRC);
a foreign e-passport (in possession of a Foreigner’s Residence Permit of the PRC valid for over 6 months);
a foreign e-passport (in possession of a multiple-entry Chinese visa valid for over 6 months).
* See Article 9 of Macao Administrative Regulation No. 38/2021 for reference. The requirements for exemption from visa and Prior Authorization to Enter include the following: nationals of countries exempted by the Chief Executive as announced in the Gazette https://www.gov.mo/zh-hant/services/ps-1474/ps-1474b/, persons in possession of Special Authorization to Stay of Macao (non-resident workers, dependants of non-resident workers, non-resident students, etc.), Hong Kong Identity Card holders, etc.
The above newly added eligible users should note that the document required by the region of entry should be used for immigration clearance at the joint inspection automated channels at the Hengqin Port. This means that Macao residents of foreign nationality should use their foreign passport when proceeding to Hengqin and use their Macao Resident Identity Card when returning to Macao. Other foreigners should use their foreign passport for travelling to and from Hengqin and Macao. Moreover, after completing the registration for the automated passenger clearance system of Macao, the above eligible foreigners can also use the traditional two-gate e-channels at the Border Gate Checkpoint, the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal Checkpoint and the Airport Checkpoint, hence shortening their clearance time and enhancing their clearance experience at the ports in Macao.
[Eligible users of joint inspection automated channels at Hengqin Port]:
[Macao automated passenger clearance system registration location]:
Since the joint inspection automated channels were first put to use at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Checkpoint in 2018, the channels have been extended several times to more and more people. They are now applicable to a large number of Mainland residents, Macao residents, Hong Kong residents, Taiwan residents and foreigners. This shows that the “joint inspection and one-time release” clearance mode is not only secure and reliable but also has the potential for sustainable development. It is a good demonstration of in-depth cooperation between the Mainland and Macao under the “one country, two systems” principle. In the future, the immigration control departments in Zhuhai and Macao will continue to work together. Through reforms and innovation as well as technology empowerment, the immigration departments of the two places will consider launching new facilitating clearance measures and enhance the clearance environment constantly, striving to provide convenient conditions and strong support to persons travelling to and from Hengqin and Macao or even passengers of the Greater Bay Area for tourism, study, employment, business and living. In addition, the departments will contribute efforts to promote the construction of Hengqin-Macao integration and the prosperous development of the Greater Bay Area.
