According to a statement provided by the Public Security Police Force (PSP) and the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau (DSFSM) on Friday, eligible foreign passport holders can start using the automated immigration clearance channels at the Zhuhai-Macao Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) checkpoint starting today, following an agreement between the local and Zhuhai authorities to expand smart clearance measures after a successful pilot at the joint Macau-Hengqin checkpoint.
According to the statement, the Public Security Police, the bureau and the Zhuhai Entry Exit Border Inspection Station have been strengthening cooperation to enhance immigration efficiency and service quality, as part of Macau’s integration into the national development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The expansion follows a pilot scheme launched on October 28, 2024 at the Macau-Hengqin checkpoint, where foreign passport holders have been allowed to use “joint inspection automated channels” since then, the statement said.
The immigration authorities said that foreign nationals used the automated channels at Hengqin about 34,000 times last year, demonstrating their smooth operation and improved cross-boundary movement, the statement noted.
Starting today, the same categories of eligible foreign passport holders can use the automated channels at the Zhuhai-Macao checkpoint of the HZMB.
The eligibility criteria, according to the statement, remain unchanged and apply to three groups: foreign nationals holding People’s Republic of China (PRC) Foreigner Permanent Resident ID Cards; foreign e-passport holders with PRC Foreigner’s Residence Permits valid for over six months; and Macau residents of foreign nationality holding a Macau Resident Identity Card (BIR), subject to specific document requirements.
All users must be aged 7 or above and at least 1.2 metres tall, the statement said, adding that eligible foreign passport holders are required to complete advance registration for automated clearance in both places.
Those who have already registered for the Hengqin automated channels can use the new facilities at the bridge checkpoint without re-registration, undergoing immigration clearance through a streamlined process involving “one line-up, one document scan, plus one biometric check,” the statement said.
After registering for Macau’s automated immigration clearance, eligible foreign nationals can also use automated channels at other checkpoints in Macau, including the Barrier Gate, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, Taipa Ferry Terminal, Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal, the passenger inspection hall of Macau International Airport (MIA), and the Hong Kong-Macao passenger inspection hall of the HZMB, the statement said.
More countries and regions have also been added to the automated clearance registration scheme, significantly improving passenger throughput and accessibility for international tourists and business travellers, according to the statement, which did not identify the countries and regions concerned.
This infographic provided by the Public Security Police Force (PSP) and the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau (DSFSM) on Friday shows that eligible foreign nationals can now use the “automated immigration clearance channels” at the Zhuhai-Macao Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) checkpoint starting today.
