The system covers 64 smart e-gates across the passenger hall and the vehicle inspection area, making Hengqin the first port in China to fully implement facial recognition clearance at all cooperative fast channels.
The same system has also been expanded to the Wanzai Port and the Zhuhai–Macau Cross Industrial Zone Port. According to a notice from China’s National Immigration Administration on ten innovative measures to support high-quality opening-up, qualified travelers at several Zhuhai ports—including Hengqin, the Zhuhai Highway Port of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, Zhongshan Port, and Jiuzhou Port—may opt for facial recognition clearance.
The Zhuhai Immigration Inspection Station noted that this new model aligns with the system first piloted at Gongbei Port on November 20th last year, where more than 24 million travelers have since used automated clearance.
Hengqin Port operates under a “joint inspection and one-time release” arrangement, enabling travelers to complete both Zhuhai and Macau immigration procedures simultaneously through facial and fingerprint verification. The system aims to enhance clearance efficiency and facilitate daily cross-border movement for workers and students.
Currently, the “face-scan” system is not yet available at the Qingmao Port or the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge Macau Port.
In addition, Hengqin Port has been newly added as an eligible entry point for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Starting November 20th, it will also be authorized to issue single-entry Mainland Travel Permits for Taiwan residents.
