HKIA self-service departure to be extended to other control points

It will now be operational in Lo Wu, Hung Hom and Shenzen Bay among others.

Hong Kong International Airport’s Smart Departure or self-service feature for visitors will now be extended to other control points in Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, Hung Hom, Shenzhen Bay, Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam To, Sha Tau Kok, China Ferry Terminal, Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on December 18, according to a press release.

Smart Departure employs facial recognition technology to verify identities in an effort to streamline self-service departure and enhance effectiveness of immigration control.

It clears visitors aged 11 or above with valid travel documents through Smart Departure e-channels at control points without prior enrolment. 

The arrangement is not applicable to Hong Kong residents. 

The Immigration Department will also install cameras at arrival counters to take real-time visitor photos which will be compared with the photos in their travel documents through face recognition technology for the purpose of identity verification.