Hong Kong has recorded 298 million arrivals and departures in 2024, nearing pre-pandemic levels of 300 million, according to the Immigration Department’s year-end report. Director of Immigration, Benson Kwok Joon-fung, revealed that the city expects 7.3 million travelers to cross its borders during the Lunar New Year golden week.
In a press conference on Monday, Kwok projected that 7.3 million inbound and outbound travelers would pass through the city’s 13 border control points during the eight-day Lunar New Year holiday, starting tomorrow (Tuesday) and running until February 4.
Peak Travel Days
The peak travel days are expected to fall on Thursday, January 30, Friday, January 31, and Sunday, February 2. Kwok reassured the public that Hong Kong’s border capacity is sufficient to handle the expected surge in travelers. However, he advised visitors to avoid peak travel periods to minimize waiting times at control points.
Surge in Visitor Numbers
Looking back at 2023, Kwok noted a significant recovery in Hong Kong’s tourism sector, with more than 44.5 million visitors entering the city, a 30% increase from the previous year. Of these visitors, around 34 million came from the mainland, marking a 27% rise. The surge was attributed to the government’s “tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong” campaign and the resumption of multiple entry endorsements for Shenzhen residents in December.
Visitors from other regions also increased, with 10.5 million arriving from places outside mainland China, a 44% year-on-year increase.
Immigration Department’s Support for Residents
The Immigration Department’s assistance unit handled approximately 3,000 requests for help in 2023. Most of the requests involved Hong Kong residents who lost their travel documents abroad, needed hospitalization, or faced fatal incidents overseas. Additionally, 17 Hongkongers trapped in Southeast Asia due to fraud operations were returned to Hong Kong, with another victim expected to arrive later today.
Future Enhancements to Immigration Clearance
Looking ahead, Kwok announced plans to enhance the automated immigration clearance e-channel at Hong Kong International Airport in the third quarter of 2024. The new system, utilizing face recognition technology, will provide a “truly contactless” e-Channel experience, allowing citizens to pass through without needing an HKID card or a QR code.
Furthermore, Kwok revealed that the department would expand e-Channel eligibility to children under seven years old, with further details to be announced later. Parents will be advised to bring their children’s passports as identification for the e-Channel.
Related topics:
- How to Get Dual Citizenship in Great Britain?
- How to Check Immigration Status Using Your Social Security Number?
- How Long Does It Take to Process 189 Visas?
