Huanggang Port to implement ‘single card clearance’ system

7th July 2025 – (Hong Kong) In an update to the Panel on Security of the Legislative Council today, the Hong Kong government presented progress on the Huanggang Port reconstruction project and the optimisation of the boundary checkpoint system. Secretary for Security Chris Tang announced that the new Huanggang Port will introduce a “cooperative inspection, single clearance” system, allowing citizens travelling from Hong Kong to the mainland to use only their Home Return Permit, while those returning from the mainland to Hong Kong will require only their Identity Card. This streamlined process is expected to cut down clearance time from approximately 30 minutes to around 5 minutes.

The reconstruction project at Huanggang Port is projected to be largely completed by the end of this year, with potential operation commencing as early as next year. Previous announcements from the Hong Kong and Shenzhen governments revealed that the new port will adopt a “one location, two inspections” approach, incorporating the innovative “cooperative inspection, single clearance” system.

During today’s meeting, Chris Tang highlighted that under this new clearance model, travellers will only need to queue once, have their documents checked once, and verify their identity once to complete the immigration procedures for both sides. This efficient process significantly reduces the clearance time from around 30 minutes to approximately 5 minutes.

For travel northbound, the Home Return Permit will suffice, while for southbound travel, the Identity Card will be adequate. Citizens interested in utilising this service will need to pre-register with mainland authorities and consent to the sharing of relevant data.

Tang expressed aspirations to implement the “cooperative inspection, single clearance” model at the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai border checkpoint in the future and is currently in discussions with mainland authorities on this matter.

The new port will feature 134 self-service channels and 68 manned counters, a significant increase from the current configuration at Lok Ma Chau Port, which has 39 traditional e-channels and 45 manned counters. It is designed to accommodate a daily flow of approximately 200,000 passengers and 15,000 cross-border vehicle trips.

The ongoing construction of the joint inspection building at the new Huanggang Port is progressing steadily. Tang affirmed that the Hong Kong government will continue collaborating with the Shenzhen municipal government to advance the Huanggang Port reconstruction project. Both administrations will seek central approval for the implementation of the “one location, two inspections” system at the new Huanggang Port, followed by local legislative procedures.