Travellers using e-Channels at the redeveloped Huanggang Port would be able to use either their Hong Kong ID card or the home-return permit to make the crossing.

The announcement by Secretary for Security Chris Tang came as the government conducted its fourth and final stress test at the port facility on Saturday, which saw 20,000 civil servants take part.

The port adopts a "joint clearance" arrangement, with travellers only needing to queue up once to have their documents and identity verified, rather than passing through separate immigration checkpoints on both sides.

Tang said he hopes the new setup will make cross-boundary travel far more convenient.

"I would like to announce that now for passengers using our e-Channels, whether you are going to the mainland or come back from the mainland to Hong Kong, you can use either your Hong Kong ID card or your [home-return permit]," he said.

"Although some of you may use the facial recognition contactless system, please remember that you still need to bring along your Hong Kong ID card and your [home-return permit]."

Tang noted that all 202 immigration counters and e-Channels were tested during Saturday's drill.

About 300 vehicles also took part in a stress test for the "joint one-stop" lanes – a new automated vehicle clearance system. Tang said the process ran smoothly, with waiting times expected to stay under 10 minutes per vehicle, even during peak hours.

Customs officers also demonstrated how X-ray machines and sniffer dogs are deployed to inspect suspicious vehicles.

Additionally, the first and third mezzanine floors of the building were opened up for the first time to test departure and arrival clearances for vehicle passengers.

Around 300 public transport vehicles participated in a stress test at the public transport interchange.

As for Wi-Fi connectivity, Tang acknowledged there was room for improvement after some participants reported slow speeds.

Overall, Tang hailed the drill as "smooth and successful", as clearance time stayed under 15 minutes for each traveller.

He added that authorities would conduct an internal review before deciding whether another drill is necessary.





Edited by Azam Khan