The government said it has submitted requests to extend the service hours at two border checkpoints on New Year’s Eve, and are awaiting approval from the mainland authorities.

The requests include overnight service at the Shenzhen Bay port and extended hours at the Lo Wu checkpoint until 2am from the current 12am.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and Huanggang checkpoints will operate round the clock as usual.

The government’s inter-departmental working group on festival arrangements held a meeting on Thursday ahead of the upcoming festive period.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan, who chairs the group, said he expects a significant influx of visitors during New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

He said SAR officials will do all they can to facilitate tourist flow and ensure smooth operations at the various border checkpoints.