Starting from 00:00 on November 5, 64 collaborative smart express channels have officially been activated in the passenger inspection hall and the vehicle passenger clearance hall of Hengqin Port.

This intelligent upgrade of the collaborative express channels at Hengqin enables clearance without swiping documents, represents an advancement in inspection methods, and marks the latest achievement in the development of physical connectivity infrastructure.

The implementation enables cross-boundary clearance between Hengqin and Macao through facial recognition, making Hengqin the nation's first port to achieve smart clearance using this technology within collaborative express channels, signifying a new level of convenience for customs clearance between Hengqin and Macao.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the facial recognition clearance system, multiple rounds of technical debugging, joint cross-border testing, and passenger flow stress tests were conducted.

Concurrently, hardware upgrades for the channels and improvements to signage and guidance were completed. Border inspection officers also received specialized training to ensure proficiency in equipment operation and emergency response procedures.

"Since early October, we have conducted three large-scale stress tests for clearance, involving a cumulative total of over 6,000 individuals, with the highest single-day test volume exceeding 2,600," stated an official from the Hengqin Border Inspection Station.

Furthermore, following the implementation of this policy, Hengqin Port has been newly added as a port of entry eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Starting November 20, the port will also be included among those authorized to issue one-time valid Taiwan Compatriot Permits for Taiwanese residents.

Next, the Hengqin Border Inspection Station will monitor the operational data of the collaborative smart express channels in real-time, continuously optimize the system, and ensure smooth port clearance.