Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Macau introduces advanced iris scan immigration for Hong Kong residents, enabling fast, contactless border clearance at six major checkpoints from June 11, 2025.
Macau has officially introduced an advanced iris recognition system across its immigration checkpoints, offering Hong Kong residents a faster, paperless, and highly secure method for crossing the border. The initiative, which aims to streamline the immigration process, allows eligible individuals to clear border control in under 30 seconds by simply scanning their eyes—eliminating the need for traditional travel documents or manual identity checks.
The new system officially went live at noon on June 11, 2025, and is available to Hong Kong SAR permanent residents who are registered under Macau’s automated passenger clearance program. With this rollout, cross-border travel between Hong Kong and Macau is expected to become significantly more efficient, particularly for frequent commuters, business travelers, and tourists.
The introduction of iris recognition technology marks a major step forward in Macau’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation in public services. This cutting-edge iris scan system represents the latest advancement in cross-border innovation, building on the earlier rollout of the joint QR code arrangement between Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR which was first announced in August 2024. That earlier initiative allowed for smoother integration of digital identification systems between the two Special Administrative Regions, laying the groundwork for today’s biometric advancements.
Currently, six major immigration control points in Macau have been outfitted with the iris recognition system: the Border Gate, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, Macau International Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, and Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal. These strategic locations cover the busiest entry and exit points, ensuring that a large proportion of cross-border travelers can take advantage of the new system.
To accommodate the increased demand and optimize user experience, Macau authorities have installed a total of 81 iris scan channels at these checkpoints. Of these, 71 are equipped with next-generation devices that include face-tracking technology, larger digital displays, and improved audio guidance systems. These enhancements are designed to make the process intuitive and user-friendly, even for first-time users.
The process itself is quick and efficient, with the entire iris scan and identity verification taking around 25 seconds from start to finish. This time-saving solution is expected to greatly reduce queues and waiting times at immigration counters, especially during peak travel seasons and holiday periods.
Eligibility for using the iris scan system has been extended to Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 and above, provided they are enrolled in Macau’s e-Gate automated clearance program. These individuals can register their iris biometrics at designated self-service kiosks located at the checkpoints. For residents aged 11 to 17 or those unable to complete the process at a kiosk, manual registration is available at specific designated counters.
This user-friendly approach ensures that travelers of all age groups and technical abilities can benefit from the innovation. It also reflects Macau’s broader vision of inclusive, secure, and forward-thinking border management practices.
As of May 2025, more than 300,000 Macau residents had already registered their iris biometrics for immigration use. In total, nearly 15.78 million individuals have taken advantage of the system so far, signaling strong adoption and trust in the technology. The system currently boasts a utilization rate of 42 percent—an impressive figure that is expected to climb as more travelers register and become familiar with the process.
The implementation of this iris recognition system is not just a technological upgrade; it represents a fundamental shift in how border security and travel efficiency are approached in the region. By placing convenience and innovation at the center of immigration services, Macau is setting a new benchmark for cross-border travel in the Greater Bay Area.
With the system now fully operational, authorities expect to see continued growth in adoption rates and a measurable improvement in immigration flow, making travel between Hong Kong and Macau smoother, faster, and more secure than ever before.
