A traveller holding an APEC Business Travel Card cleared immigration checks on both sides of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen boundary in less than a minute at the newly opened Huanggang Port on its first day of operation, while the first foreign passport holder to enter HK through the new facility also praised its efficiency.
The port's dedicated purple express channel for eligible travellers was launched on the same day. The Hong Kong Wen Wei Po reporter witnessed Mr. Leung, a frequent cross-boundary traveller, complete clearance through the channel using his APEC Business Travel Card in under a minute.
Leung said the combination of the dedicated channel and joint inspection arrangements could save time, particularly during peak periods. The renovated port is also preparing to welcome guests attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Shenzhen next month.
Around noon on the port's opening day, escalators on the HK side's transport level were packed with travellers taking photos of the bright, spacious new building. The departure level was also crowded, with many HK residents preparing to cross into Shenzhen.
On the HK side, departure counters and automated clearance channels are colour-coded into five categories: blue for HK residents holding Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents; green for HK residents holding Exit-Entry Permits for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao with stay endorsements; orange for mainland visitors; red for other visitors; and purple for eligible travellers using the dedicated service channel.
The Immigration Department has also displayed prominent instructions explaining which travel documents can be used at the cooperative inspection e-channel, allowing travellers to prepare their documents in advance.
APEC cardholder praises clear immigration instructions
Leung was among the few travellers who opted to use a staffed counter on the opening day. After confirming the arrangements with on-site personnel, he entered the purple channel with his APEC Business Travel Card and completed immigration checks on both sides in less than a minute.
Eligible APEC Business Travel Card holders can enjoy visa-free entry when travelling to participating APEC economies, subject to the applicable requirements.
"Although HK residents entering the mainland with an APEC card are still required to present their identity documents in accordance with the rules, the combination of the dedicated channel and joint inspection can still save time when the port is busy," he said.
He described the new Huanggang Port as more than a landmark, calling it a vital link connecting businesses and entrepreneurs across the Guangdong-HK-Macao Greater Bay Area with the rest of the world.
"The APEC meeting will be held in Shenzhen next month. China is hosting it, and I am following it closely and feel proud," he said.
Leung's wife, Ms. Pak, also visited the new port for the first time that day. Despite being unfamiliar with the facility, she quickly found the correct channel thanks to the clear signage.
After presenting her document, providing her fingerprint and looking into a camera, Pak completed automated immigration clearance into Shenzhen in just 15 seconds.
Pak, who works in professional services and regularly crosses the boundary to meet clients, said she had taken a bus from Kai Tak and arrived in just 40 minutes.
"With the new clearance arrangements and 24-hour operation, I believe I will use the new Huanggang Port frequently in the future," she said.
According to the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, services at the new Huanggang Port have undergone comprehensive upgrades to support the upcoming APEC meeting. Measures include a one-stop service centre, real-time translation services for foreign travellers, dedicated service channels and specially trained personnel.
US passport holder says faster clearance could mean more trips to HK
"Congratulations! You are the first foreign passport holder to enter HK through the new Huanggang Port," an immigration officer told Ms. Ng, a visitor from the US, as she completed clearance.
Ng said the new port had integrated the process into a single-channel, dual-counter arrangement. Although passport holders must use staffed counters, she completed the entry and exit procedures in less than a minute.
She said the experience had left her impressed.
"Previously, crossing through Huanggang and other checkpoints could easily take half an hour. The new Huanggang Port has saved at least 29 minutes," she said.
Ng acknowledged that transport inconveniences had previously limited her trips to HK to once a month. With the new arrangements, however, she said travelling between HK and Shenzhen twice a week would now be manageable.
She hoped more boundary crossings, including Shenzhen Bay Port, would gradually introduce 24-hour clearance, saying this could further encourage leisure and business travel between HK and Shenzhen and promote integration across the Greater Bay Area.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Reporters: Haung Zilong, Shi Hua, Huang Sui; English Editor: Zoey SUN)
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