Hong Kong residents traveling through the newly upgraded Huanggang border checkpoint will now be able to use either their Hong Kong identity card or home return permit for entry and exit, according to Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung. This arrangement, revealed following a large-scale drill at the port, applies to both Chinese and non-Chinese holders of a valid mainland travel permit.
The announcement came after a drill conducted on August 25 that involved over 20,000 civil servants simulating peak-hour conditions at the checkpoint, which connects Hong Kong with Shenzhen. The exercise tested all 90 clearance lanes on Hong Kong’s departure side, including both automated “joint clearance” machines and manual counters, as well as the arrivals hall facilities.
Under the new “joint clearance” model, travelers are only required to pass through a single checkpoint to complete both departure and arrival formalities, presenting just one travel document at either automated or manual counters. This eliminates the need to undergo separate clearance at Hong Kong and mainland counters, streamlining cross-border movement.
Besides pedestrian lanes, the drill also tested the “joint one-stop” vehicle clearance lane. About 300 vehicles participated in this part of the exercise, where drivers presented identification at a single machine. This system allows five departments from both sides—Hong Kong’s Customs and Excise Department, Immigration Department, and Department of Health, alongside Shenzhen's immigration and customs authorities—to simultaneously process clearances, capture biometric data, and conduct temperature checks.
Secretary Tang described the drill as successful, with orderly operations maintained despite the record level of participation. He noted the longest waiting time at the checkpoint did not exceed 15 minutes, and vehicle clearance through the one-stop lane took approximately one minute on average. However, he acknowledged that Wi-Fi connectivity within the facility remained a concern.
The drill also focused on simulating traffic flow, with the Transport Department deploying 300 buses and minibuses to ferry passengers from various urban collection points to the checkpoint. Passengers arriving by public transport were directed via escalators to the departure hall on the fifth floor, while private vehicles and cross-border buses accessed the clearance lane on the first floor. Drivers remained in their vehicles during immigration clearance, facilitated by the integrated information collection device, whereas passengers were required to disembark for processing.
Huanggang Port is designed to handle up to 200,000 passenger trips daily and is expected to open soon, possibly as early as next month. Following the drill, Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities will conduct joint reviews to ensure safety and operational efficiency before commencing full service. Tang emphasized the importance of continuing to carry a valid mainland travel permit, despite the option to present either the Hong Kong identity card or permit at the checkpoint.