[Zippy7]

I finally have mine now. Took about 6/7 weeks in the end (and I had scanned mine at home and done the whole application online)...

Now to see when I get my next trip to HK

[Mal]

Users of this card (and also the APEC card) are now able to register for a self service eChannel system using a fingerprint for entry at HKG airport:

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region - Immigration Department

Visitors aged 18 or above who hold a valid HKSAR Travel Pass, APEC Business Travel Card with the economy code " HKG " or Hong Kong International Airport ( HKIA ) Frequent Visitor Card, and who have successfully enrolled with the Immigration Department of HKSAR, are now able to enjoy self-service immigration clearance at the Hong Kong International Airport.

The enrolment office is located at the airport arrival hall. Enrolment is free of charge. The enrolment process includes recording of fingerprints, taking of a photograph, signing of an enrolment form and affixing a bar-code sticker to the travel document. For the purpose of enrolment, the visitor is required to present his valid HKSAR Travel Pass, APEC Business Travel Card or HKIA Frequent Visitor Card and his valid travel document and multiple visit visa (if applicable).

To perform self-service immigration clearance, the visitor is required to place his travel document into the document reader of the Frequent Visitor e-Channel. When the reading process finishes, the visitor can enter the e-Channel for fingerprint verification (please see the "Simple guide to fingerprint verification" in the earlier section). After successful verification, a label containing the conditions of stay of the visitor will be printed upon arrival. (No label will be printed upon departure.) After collecting the label, the visitor can leave the e-Channel. The label is to be affixed to a blank space of the visas page of the travel document.

If there is any change to the enrolled particulars, especially after the replacement of travel documents, visitors are reminded to approach the enrolment office to update the relevant information.

The current HK FVC lane will still operate, so that's the alternative if you don't want to sign up. Perhaps they will extend this form of self service border entry to other entry points as well.

[markh]

Originally Posted by Mal

Users of this card (and also the APEC card) are now able to register for a self service eChannel system using a fingerprint for entry at HKG airport

Sound great - am off in Sept and will register ... A bit worried about Big Brother and all that, but I guess it is inevitable that all countries will eventually introduce fingerprint ID (like the US.)

[simongr]

Neat - I am there twice in the next month - but with mrssimongr who does not have the card so I can just register this time and use when I am back later in the year.