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An estimated 3.44 million passengers will pass through land, sea and air control points during the upcoming Buddha's Birthday and Labour Day holiday period (April 28 to May 1). An increase of about 9 per cent is expected over the corresponding holiday period last year. As the Mainland holiday runs from April 29 to May 1, cross-boundary traffic is expected to be heavy during this period.
About 1.22 million passengers, representing an average of about 305,000 daily, will pass through Lo Wu control point, the busiest control point. Regarding outbound traffic, the busiest day at Lo Wu control point is expected to fall on April 28, with about 188,000 passengers leaving Hong Kong. Inbound traffic will be heavy on April 29, with about 164,000 people arriving in Hong Kong.
Passenger traffic at Shenzhen Bay control point, Lok Ma Chau control point and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line control point will also be heavy, with forecast daily averages of 99,000, 102,000 and 122,000 passengers respectively.
To ensure that there is sufficient capacity to meet service demand and help improve the quality of immigration clearance services, eligible Mainland visitors may enroll for the e-Channel service free of charge at enrollment offices located at the Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, Shenzhen Bay, Macau Ferry Terminal, China Ferry Terminal and Airport control points. Mainland frequent visitors who have successfully enrolled can perform self-service immigration clearance at these control points. In addition, foreign frequent visitors and Macau permanent residents who have successfully enrolled with the Department can also perform self-service immigration clearance at the above control points.
To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic, the Immigration Department has redeployed staff to operate extra counters and kiosks to conduct immigration clearance during the festive period. Additional security guards will also be deployed to provide crowd management support.
To enhance co-operation and co-ordination, the Immigration Department, Police, Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation will set up a joint command centre at Lo Wu control point. All parties concerned will closely monitor the traffic conditions and take action to ensure smooth passenger flow.
To avoid congestion and a longer waiting time than usual for immigration clearance, as traffic at control points is expected to be heavy, the Immigration Department advises all cross-boundary passengers to plan in advance and make their journeys during the less busy periods in the late morning or early afternoon, and to keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The expected busy times at land boundary control points are available on the website of the Immigration Department at www.immd.gov.hk. In addition, information on public transport services to and from various control points is available on the Transport Department website at www.td.gov.hk. The Immigration Department will upload daily passenger statistics for the above festive periods on its website for public reference.
The department reminds cross-boundary passengers to take their identity cards and valid travel documents when they travel to the Mainland. Hong Kong residents should check the validity of their Home Visit Permits, in particular residents under the age of 18 whose Home Visit Permits are only valid for three years from the date of issue. Hong Kong residents holding a Document of Identity for Visa Purposes and other non-permanent residents must take their valid smart identity card as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel document. Re-enrollment is required for enrolled passengers who have received a new identity card to continue using the Express e-Channel.
Those in the process of having their identity cards replaced who are holding an acknowledgement receipt, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.
Hong Kong residents who require assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong may call the Hong Kong Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868.
Ends/Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Issued at HKT 14:48
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