Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service to be launched tomorrow

The Immigration Department, in collaboration with Macao authorities, will launch the "Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service" tomorrow (July 19). Eligible residents of both regions can use their respective QR codes to cross the border without presenting a physical identity card.

Under the new measure, Hong Kong residents (i) aged 11 or above; (ii) holding a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card or Hong Kong identity card containing ‘*’, ‘***’ or ‘R’ symbol; and (iii) having successfully registered for using the Automated Immigration Clearance Service in the Macao SAR, are eligible to activate the Service with the "Contactless e-Channel" mobile application. After successful activation with the mobile application, they can generate an encrypted QR code through the mobile application for using the Automated Immigration Clearance Service in the Macao SAR to complete the automated immigration clearance. Meanwhile, eligible Macao permanent residents can generate an encrypted QR code through the "Macao One Account" mobile application for using e-Channels to complete the automated immigration clearance.

Director of Immigration Kwok Joon-fung stated that frequent travel between Hong Kong and Macao has led to nearly 2.5 million eligible Hong Kong residents registering to use Macao's automated channels at the press conference.

The new initiative will provide a better travel experience for Hong Kong and Macao residents using automated border crossing services, further enhancing the quality of immigration services to support the Greater Bay Area's national development strategy, Kwok added.

Director of the Macao Identification Services Bureau, Chao Wai Ieng, noted that the new measure will facilitate exchange, economic and trade interactions, and the development of Macao's "1+4" industries, including culture, tourism, convention, and exhibition.

It aims to create a high-quality living circle in the Greater Bay Area suitable for living, working, and traveling. Hong Kong and Macao will continue to explore and optimize measures to improve the convenience of their residents' lives, Chao said.