Eligible Hong Kong Residents can enter Macau without presenting identity cards at border checkpoints, thanks to a system comprising encrypted QR codes, fingerprint scanning, and facial recognition. The initiative, called the Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service, came into effect on July 19 and aims to help both Hong Kong and Macau residents travel between the two territories more quickly and conveniently. Read on to find out whether you qualify for this service and how you can sign up for it.
Who can use the new QR codes to enter Macau?
Only Hong Kong residents over 11 years old with a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card or Hong Kong identity card containing ‘*’, ‘***’ or ‘R’ symbol can get QR codes to enter Macau, as long as they have registered for the Automated Immigration Clearance Service in the Macao SAR, which is a free service. This has to be done in person at designated registration stations, such as the arrival hall of the Taipa Ferry Terminal and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge checkpoint. Hong Kong Permanent Residents must present their ID cards, while non-permanent residents need their ID cards, as well as an HKSAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes, which is valid for seven years. Visitors under the age of 11 still need to produce an identity document such as a birth certificate or passport to enter Macau.
How do I get my QR code and how do I use it?
Once you’ve completed the registration formalities for the Automated Immigration Clearance Service in the Macao SAR, download the Contactless e-Channel app — which is available on Google Play and the App Store — to activate the service. After you’ve done this, you will get your encrypted QR code on the app, which you can use to cross into Macau.
When you arrive in Macau, head to an automated immigration clearance checkpoint and scan your QR code in the reader. Next, you’ll need to look at a camera for the facial verification process and then scan your fingerprints. When you’ve completed these steps and are cleared, you can enter Macau.
Header image credits: Macao Government, Leung Cho Pan via Canva
