Hong Kong to have more control points with self-service departure service

HONG KONG, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said on Thursday that self-service departure for visitors to Hong Kong (Smart Departure) will be extended to other control points from Dec. 14.

The department said in a statement that following the launch of Smart Departure in October at Hong Kong International Airport, the service will cover Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, Hung Hom, Shenzhen Bay, Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam To, Sha Tau Kok, China Ferry Terminal, Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal, Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in December.

Smart Departure aims at providing greater travel convenience for visitors while enhancing the effectiveness of immigration control, the department said.

To facilitates self-service departure for visitors, the service employs face recognition technology for identity verification.

Photos of visitors will be taken at the arrival clearance counters to assist in authentication of their identities through face recognition technology.

Visitors aged 11 or above who hold valid electronic travel documents compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization's requirements, and issued by designated countries or regions as announced by the department, may perform self-service departure clearance through Smart Departure e-channels without prior enrollment. Enditem