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An estimated 5.65 million passengers are expected to pass through land, sea and air control points during the upcoming National Day Golden Week in the Mainland (October 1 to 7) and the Chung Yeung holiday in Hong Kong (October 5). The figure represents an increase of about 17 per cent from the corresponding holiday period last year.
About 2.09 million passengers, averaging about 299,000 daily, are expected to pass through the Lo Wu control point, which is the busiest control point. The busiest day for both inbound and outbound traffic at the Lo Wu control point is expected to fall on the Chung Yeung Festival (October 5), when about 198,000 passengers are expected to depart from Hong Kong and about 180,000 people are expected to arrive in Hong Kong.
Passenger traffic at the Lok Ma Chau control point, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line control point and the Shenzhen Bay control point will also be heavy, with a forecast of daily traffic averaging 99,000, 111,000 and 94,000 passengers respectively.
To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic, the Immigration Department has minimised the number of control point staff taking leave and will operate extra counters and kiosks to perform immigration clearance during the holiday period. Additional security guards will be deployed to provide crowd management support.
To enhance co-operation and co-ordination, the Immigration Department, the Police, the Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation will set up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu control point. All parties concerned will closely monitor traffic conditions and take action to ensure smooth passenger flow.
To avoid congestion during the peak periods at various boundary control points in the morning and evening and a longer waiting time for immigration clearance than usual, the Immigration Department advises all cross-boundary passengers to plan in advance and make their journeys during the less busy periods in the late morning or early afternoon, and to keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The expected busy periods at land boundary control points are listed on the website of the Immigration Department, www.immd.gov.hk. In addition, information on public transport services to and from various control points is available on the Transport Department website, www.td.gov.hk.
The Immigration Department will upload daily passenger statistics for the above festive periods on its website (www.immd.gov.hk) for public reference.
The department reminds cross-boundary passengers to carry their identity cards and valid travel documents when they travel to the Mainland. Hong Kong residents should check the validity of their Home Visit Permits, in particular Hong Kong residents under the age of 18 whose Home Visit Permits are valid for three years from the date of issue. Hong Kong residents holding the Document of Identity for Visa Purposes and other non-permanent residents must carry their valid smart identity cards as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel documents for travel.
Those in the process of having their identity cards replaced who are holding an acknowledgement receipt, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.
There are 378 e-Channels installed at various control points. Previously enrolled passengers who have received new identity cards will need to re-enrol to continue using the Express e-Channels.
Hong Kong residents who require assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong may call the Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868.
Ends/Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:15
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