1st April 2025 – Hong Kong – The Immigration Department (ImmD) has forecasted that approximately 4.58 million passengers, including both Hong Kong residents and visitors, are expected to pass through the city’s sea, land, and air control points during the upcoming Ching Ming festive period, spanning from April 3rd to 6th. Of these, an estimated 3.91 million are projected to travel via land boundary control points.
The peak travel days are expected to be April 4th (Friday) and April 6th (Sunday), with around 561,000 and 608,000 passengers anticipated, respectively.
To accommodate the influx of travelers, the ImmD anticipates significant traffic at key land boundary control points, including Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, and Shenzhen Bay, where daily averages of approximately 231,000, 211,000, and 149,000 passengers are expected.
In preparation for the busy period, the ImmD has minimized leave for frontline officers, ensuring flexible deployment. Additional clearance counters and kiosks will be in operation to expedite the process. A joint command center will be set up at the Lo Wu Control Point, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force, Customs and Excise Department, and MTR Corporation Limited, to manage arrangements efficiently. The ImmD will also maintain close communication with Mainland authorities, including the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, to facilitate smooth passenger flow and implement traffic diversion plans if necessary.
To help reduce congestion and waiting times, the ImmD is advising land boundary passengers to plan their journeys in advance, avoid peak travel periods, and stay updated on traffic conditions through radio and TV broadcasts. Detailed information on busy periods at control points is available on the ImmD website. Additionally, passengers can monitor estimated waiting times through the Immigration Mobile Application, which is available for free download from app stores.
For those traveling to the Mainland, the ImmD reminds passengers to ensure they carry valid identity and travel documents. Hong Kong residents should check the validity of their Home Visit Permits, while non-permanent residents must bring their valid smart identity cards alongside their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or another valid travel document. Those holding acknowledgment receipts for lost or replaced identity cards, as well as children under 11 with Hong Kong identity cards, should ensure they have the necessary travel documentation.
Currently, approximately 700 e-Channels are operational at various control points to enhance clearance efficiency. The ImmD has recently lowered the eligibility age for e-Channel access, allowing Hong Kong permanent residents aged 7 to 10, who meet the height requirements, to use the service without prior enrollment. Additionally, the Contactless e-Channel service, which utilizes facial recognition technology, is available for seamless immigration clearance.
Visitors to Hong Kong also benefit from self-service departure options via Smart Departure e-Channels, which use facial recognition for verification and require no prior registration.
For Hong Kong residents requiring assistance while abroad, the 24-hour hotline for the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit is available at (852) 1868, along with various digital communication channels through the ImmD Mobile App and social media platforms.
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