Hong Kong launches “Go Hong Kong” to speed up immigration clearance for frequent visitors

Frequent visitors to Hong Kong can now prepare their access to automated immigration clearance directly from their smartphones.

The Hong Kong Immigration Department announced the launch of the “Go Hong Kong” mobile app on September 16, 2026. The new service is designed to make it easier for eligible visitors to register for e-Channel.

Until now, foreign visitors wishing to use these automated immigration gates generally had to complete their registration after arriving in Hong Kong. With the new app, much of the process can now be completed before the trip.

In its official announcement of the launch of “Go Hong Kong”, the Hong Kong government explains that visitors whose registration is approved will be able to use e-Channels upon arrival.

“Go Hong Kong” is designed for frequent visitors

The app is not available to every first-time visitor to Hong Kong.

To register for e-Channel through “Go Hong Kong,” travelers must meet several requirements:

• be at least 18 years old;
• hold an eligible electronic travel document and, where required for their nationality, a valid multiple-entry visa for Hong Kong;
• have no adverse record with the authorities of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
• have made at least two previous entries into Hong Kong through Hong Kong International Airport during the 24 months preceding the application.

Electronic US, UK, Canadian and Australian passports are among the eligible documents, along with those issued by France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain and many other countries.

The Immigration Department nevertheless retains the right to reject a registration even when a traveler meets the stated eligibility requirements.

e-Channel registration can now be prepared entirely on a smartphone

The main change introduced by “Go Hong Kong” is the ability to complete the registration process before arriving in Hong Kong.

According to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, eligible travelers must use a smartphone equipped with a camera, internet access and NFC technology capable of reading the electronic chip in their passport or travel document.

The “Go Hong Kong” app can be downloaded free of charge from the Google Play Store, the Huawei AppGallery, or directly as an APK file from the Immigration Department website. At this time, no iPhone/iOS version is listed by Hong Kong authorities or available on Apple’s App Store.

The application process notably requires:

• an expected arrival date in Hong Kong within the following three months;
• an email address;
• a scan of the identity page of the passport or travel document;
• electronic reading of the data stored in the document’s chip;
• facial recognition to verify the applicant’s identity.

According to Hong Kong authorities, the entire process takes only a few minutes.

Once the application has been submitted, the Immigration Department sends its decision through the app and by email.

Applications are normally processed within 24 hours

In its FAQ on “Go Hong Kong”, the Immigration Department states that applications are normally processed within 24 hours of receipt.

Processing may take longer when additional checks are required.

Applications are also handled according to the stated arrival date, with priority given to travelers whose planned trip to Hong Kong is approaching sooner.

Once registration has been approved, the traveler must enter Hong Kong no later than the arrival date specified in the application in order to activate e-Channel access.

If the traveler does not enter Hong Kong by that date, the registration automatically lapses and a new application must be submitted.

e-Channel registration is valid for two years

Once activated, e-Channel registration is valid for two years.

Its validity is then automatically extended for another two years each time the traveler enters Hong Kong.

However, registration cannot remain valid beyond the expiration date of the travel document or, where a visa is required, the registered visa.

During this period, registered travelers can use e-Channels for automated immigration clearance at checkpoints where the service is available.

For holders of electronic travel documents registered since February 27, 2026, clearance notably involves reading the travel document and facial verification.

The 100 countries, territories and travel documents eligible for “Go Hong Kong”

The Immigration Department has published an official list of 100 electronic travel documents eligible for the “Go Hong Kong” app.

The list consists mainly of passports issued by countries and territories. The 100th entry, however, specifically concerns the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, commonly known as the “Tai Bao Zheng.”

The table below reproduces the official list using standard English names and arranging them alphabetically. Read down the first column, then down the second column.

* Hong Kong authorities use the English designation “St. Kitts – Nevis Anguilla” in the official document.

** Holders of travel documents issued by Azerbaijan, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Iran, Lebanon, Moldova, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan must also hold a valid multiple-entry visa issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

Hong Kong authorities note that the list is provided for reference and may be changed without prior notice.

“Go Hong Kong” does not replace a visa or Hong Kong’s entry requirements

The launch of the app does not change the conditions travelers must meet to enter Hong Kong.

“Go Hong Kong” is simply a way for eligible frequent visitors to register remotely for the automated e-Channel service.

The app is therefore neither an electronic travel authorization nor a visa, and it does not introduce a new mandatory travel requirement for tourists.

Travelers remain subject to the immigration requirements applicable to their nationality and travel document.

For US, UK, Canadian, Australian and other visa-exempt travelers visiting Hong Kong for a short stay, the launch of “Go Hong Kong” therefore creates no new mandatory procedure.

Instead, it gives frequent visitors who meet the requirement of two previous entries through Hong Kong International Airport an additional way to speed up immigration clearance on future trips.

The process can now be completed before the next trip

The main benefit of “Go Hong Kong” is that eligible frequent visitors no longer have to wait until they arrive to prepare their registration for automated immigration clearance.

Travelers can now verify their electronic passport and identity on their phone, wait for approval from the Immigration Department and then use e-Channel on their next trip to Hong Kong.

The initiative is part of Hong Kong’s continuing modernization of border controls, where several automated systems already allow residents and certain categories of visitors to complete immigration formalities without using a traditional staffed counter.