At midnight on Wednesday, Gongbei Port in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, South China, introduced a pilot “card-free” customs clearance system, marking it as one of the first ports in China to implement this new technology, according to CCTV News.
Experts have hailed this development as a groundbreaking advancement in customs processing, simplifying travel formalities and promoting interactions for residents within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The newly launched “card-free” channels include 20 lanes each for entry and exit, with plans for further expansion, as reported by local news outlet Southcn.com.
This system primarily targets frequent travelers commuting within or to Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. It is available to mainland Chinese residents aged 14 and above who hold valid travel permits for Hong Kong and Macao and have multiple-entry endorsements for purposes such as family visits, business trips, and talent exchange programs, according to a document from China’s National Immigration Administration.
Additionally, the policy extends to residents of Hong Kong and Macao, including non-Chinese nationals, who possess valid travel documents for entering the Chinese mainland and consent to biometric data collection, including facial recognition and fingerprint scans.
“This trailblazing customs initiative represents a significant milestone for the integration of the GBA, fostering regional economic growth and enhancing the everyday convenience of residents,” said Zhang Lingyun, executive editor-in-chief of Tourism Tribune, in an interview with Global Times on Wednesday.
The system streamlines verification processes and improves operational efficiency, enabling faster customs clearance while ensuring robust security protocols, Zhang explained. It particularly benefits individuals frequently engaged in cross-border activities, such as employment and business ventures, showcasing the deepening integration between the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao.
In 2022, Gongbei Port handled over 100 million passengers, according to data from the Gongbei border inspection station, which operates under Zhuhai’s General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection.
As of October 29 this year, passenger crossings at Gongbei Port totaled 92.85 million, a 13.6% increase compared to the same period last year, cementing its status as the busiest checkpoint of 2023, according to the Yangcheng Evening News.
