The Exit and Entry Administration of China announced Friday that “Pass without ID” will be introduced at Gongbei Port on a trial basis from 20 November, allowing individuals who frequently travel between the mainland and Macau to pass through using facial recognition only.
According to the Administration, “Pass without ID” is applicable to mainland residents holding valid exit-entry permits for travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau, and valid multiple-journey endorsements for staying in Hong Kong and Macau for the purposes of visiting relatives, conducting business and providing talent among others.
The measure also covers Hong Kong and Macau residents who hold a valid exit-entry permit for travelling to and from the mainland.
Passengers who agree to the collection of face and fingerprint information for verification by border control authorities may choose to pass through the “Pass without ID” channel without the need to present physical immigration documents, although this is not applicable to mainland residents holding an entry-exit permit for official business for the time being.
Since the re-opening of Macau, the governments of the mainland and Macau have continued to introduce more policies to facilitate customs clearance, and Macau authorities have taken the lead in introducing pupil identification at the Border Gate in recent years.
