New airport system a boon for travellers between S’pore, HK

SINGAPORE — Singaporeans who travel to Hong Kong numerous times a year will soon be able to skip the queues to get their passports stamped, and get cleared through the automated immigration lanes at the territory’s airport instead.

Starting next Monday, those who have visited Hong Kong at least three times in the past one year can apply for the e-Channel services at the Hong Kong International Airport or Macau Ferry Terminal. Enrolment is on a voluntary basis and free. The convenience is extended to Hong Kong residents who frequent Singapore under a mutual agreement announced yesterday.

The move, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), would enhance trade, business and tourism links. Singapore citizens and Hong Kong residents can visit the websites of the Hong Kong Immigration Department at www.immd.gov.hk or ICA at www.ica.gov.sg for more information.