Hong Kong lowers age requirement for e-Channel Service to seven years

The Immigration Department (ImmD) has announced that starting from next Monday, the age requirement for Hong Kong permanent residents to use the e-Channel service with a smart identity card will be lowered to seven years old or above.

This adjustment aims to enhance the clearance efficiency at control points and make the fast, convenient e-Channel service accessible to more residents. Previously, the service was available to permanent residents aged 11 or above.

The ImmD has been leveraging technology and implementing various measures to improve service quality and increase the processing capacity at control points. 

With the new policy, starting March 31 (Mon), the Immigration Department (ImmD) will modify the age requirements for the e-Channel service for smart identity card holders. Hong Kong permanent residents aged seven to ten years old who stand at least 1.1 meters tall and possess both a smart identity card and a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport will be eligible to use the e-channels. 

This adjustment allows them to utilize self-service immigration clearance through facial recognition technology at all control points without needing prior enrollment.

Residents seeking more information on the e-Channel service for smart identity card holders can visit the ImmD website. 

For further inquiries, they may contact the inquiry hotline at 2824 6111, send a fax to 2877 7711, or email enquiry@immd.gov.hk.