Facial recognition tech extends to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal control point

Starting on Friday, the new "contactless e-Channel" featuring facial recognition technology will be extended to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal control point, the Immigration Department said.  

The department said that the contactless e-Channel complementing the existing fingerprint identification system with facial verification technology can thereby provide faster, more convenient travel and a more hygienic immigration clearance service.  

The public can enter the "contactless e-Channel" through two methods, with a smart identity card or with a QR code.  

Once they are inside the e-Channel, they will be required to stand on the footprint-marked position and look at the camera. After successful facial verification, they can leave the e-Channel, which means the immigration clearance process is complete.  

Hong Kong residents aged 11 or above, who can use the e-Channel service, are eligible to enroll for the contactless e-Channel service.  

Teenagers aged 11 to 17 must enroll with the consent of their parents or legal guardian.  

Eligible Hong Kong residents can use a smartphone with biometric authentication to download ImmD's contactless e-Channel mobile application for enrolment.  

After successful enrolment, they can generate the encrypted QR code through the app to enter the channel and verify their identity with the facial verification technology for automated immigration clearance.  

Throughout the entire process, there will be no need for them to touch any shared equipment of the e-Channel.  

Eligible Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above may also enroll directly at the contactless e-Channel or in person at any e-Channel enrollment office.  

Enrolled residents can also use their smart identity cards to enter the e-Channel for automated immigration clearance.  

Moreover, residents can continue to use the e-Channel service employing fingerprint verification technology or traditional counters for immigration clearance.  

At present, the e-channel service has already been available at Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and Shenzhen Bay control points. The department said that it will be extended in phases to other control points.  

For details of the service, please visit ImmD's website.