Hong Kong | Relaxed eligibility criteria for self-service immigration clearance

The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced new, relaxed eligibility criteria and simplified enrollment for the self-service immigration clearance service, e-Channel, effective Feb. 27, 2026.

Key takeaways:

Free to enroll. Frequent visitors with valid documentation who meet the relevant criteria and have visited Hong Kong via Hong Kong International Airport two or more times in the past 24 months are now allowed to enroll for e-Channel at no cost.

Simplified registration. Fingerprint collection is no longer required to register for e-Channel. Eligible visitors with valid electronic travel documents only need to present their entry document, have their photo taken and sign a consent form.

Visit the ImmD website for enrollment office locations and times.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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