Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge to Debut ‘Walk-Through’ Biometric E-Channels

Hong Kong’s Immigration Department announced that two “contact-free e-channels” will open at the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge border checkpoint on 25 June, following a press event on 11 June and formal notice on 12 June. Dubbed the “No-Pause e-Lane,” the lanes use artificial-intelligence facial recognition and leave the gates permanently open. Eligible travellers—Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 or older who have crossed the bridge at least ten times in the past 90 days—simply walk through; identity is verified in about five seconds, trimming average clearance time by 30 percent. Around 50,000 frequent travellers are expected to benefit immediately, easing congestion ahead of peak summer holiday traffic. Officials emphasised built-in safeguards: gates will close automatically if an unregistered person or a rushing passenger enters, and data are encrypted on-site rather than transmitted externally. The pilot aligns with Beijing’s push for “smart ports” that streamline Greater-Bay-Area commuting. If performance metrics are met, the technology could roll out to Shenzhen Bay and Lo Wu, ultimately extending to foreign passport holders once mutual recognition agreements are in place. Employers moving staff between Hong Kong and Zhuhai manufacturing parks should encourage qualified employees to register via the Non-Touch e-Channel mobile app to avoid queuing during the bridge’s morning peak.