The HK Immigration Department announced a significant rebound in passenger traffic and unveiled plans to enhance clearance efficiency through advanced technology, as part of its annual review for 2024. The report highlights a remarkable recovery in travel activity, with passenger numbers nearing pre-pandemic levels, alongside efforts to streamline immigration processes for residents and visitors alike.
In 2024, approximately 298 million passengers passed through Hong Kong’s control points, marking a 41% increase compared to 2023 and bringing the city close to the 300 million passenger threshold last seen in 2019. The resurgence in travel reflects Hong Kong’s ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and its reestablishment as a global transit hub.
Visitor arrivals also saw a notable uptick, with around 44.5 million people entering the city—a 31% rise from the previous year. The figures underscore the growing appeal of Hong Kong as a destination for tourism, business, and international exchange.
Amid the surge in passenger traffic, the Immigration Department conducted 13,664 inspection operations across various control points, intercepting 32,551 passengers for further questioning. The department also processed over 2,700 non-refoulement claims, with approximately 850 cases still pending screening at the end of the year.
Looking ahead, the department is set to roll out a series of technological upgrades aimed at improving the efficiency and convenience of immigration clearance. Starting in the first quarter of 2024, the age threshold for using e-Channels—self-service immigration kiosks—will be lowered to include children aged seven and above. Eligible children holding a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport and a permanent identity card will be able to use facial recognition technology for seamless clearance.
Further enhancing the travel experience, a new e-Channel system will be introduced at Hong Kong International Airport’s arrival hall in the third quarter of 2024. The system will allow eligible Hong Kong residents to undergo self-service immigration clearance using facial recognition, eliminating the need for physical documents and reducing wait times.
The department also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting major sporting events in 2024, including the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, and the 9th National Special Olympic Games. Special immigration lanes will be set up at designated control points to provide faster and more convenient clearance services for athletes traveling from Mainland China and Macau.
“These initiatives demonstrate our dedication to leveraging technology and innovation to enhance the passenger experience while maintaining robust security measures,” a spokesperson for the Immigration Department said. “We are committed to ensuring Hong Kong remains a welcoming and efficient gateway for travelers from around the world.”
As Hong Kong continues to rebuild its global connectivity, the Immigration Department’s efforts to modernize its services and accommodate growing passenger numbers signal a confident step forward in the city’s post-pandemic recovery.