Residents of Hong Kong and Macau can now enjoy a more streamlined travel experience between the two cities, thanks to a new QR code system for immigration clearance. This innovative measure allows eligible travelers to bypass the need for presenting their identity cards, making cross-border travel more efficient.

Under the new system, eligible Hong Kong residents can generate an encrypted QR code through the "Contactless e-Channel" mobile application after registering for Macau's Automated Immigration Clearance Service. Upon arrival at immigration, travelers can simply present the QR code at the automated clearance channel and scan their fingerprint for swift entry.

Enrollment in the automated clearance service is free for Hong Kong residents, available at various enrollment offices and kiosks at key checkpoints. Similarly, eligible Macau permanent residents can create an encrypted QR code using the "Macao One Account" mobile application to take advantage of the automated immigration process.

This program is an extension of existing QR code immigration systems previously implemented in Hong Kong three years ago and in Macau last year. Authorities report that these systems have successfully improved processing times by an average of two to three seconds per person, enhancing the overall efficiency of border crossings.