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An estimated 6.43 million passengers will pass through Hong Kong's land, sea and air control points during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday period – an increase of about 11% over the corresponding period last year.
From February 2 to February 9 about 2.12 million passengers – a daily average of about 265,000 - will pass through Lo Wu control point. For outbound traffic, the busiest day at Lo Wu control point is anticipated to be February 2, when about 155,000 passengers are expected to depart. Inbound traffic will be heavy on February 5, with about 185,000 people arriving Hong Kong.
During the same period, passenger traffic at Lok Ma Chau control point and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line control point will also be heavy, with a forecast of about 821,000 and 705,000 passengers – a daily average of about 103,000 and 89,000 respectively. The busiest day at these two control points will be February 5, when both arrival and departure traffic will be very heavy.
To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic, the Immigration Department has minimised leave for staff working at control points and has arranged for extra officers to be posted at different checkpoints during the holiday period. Additional security guards will be deployed at some busy control points to provide crowd management support.
For closer co-operation and co-ordination during this period, the Immigration Department, Police, Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation will set up a joint command centre at Lo Wu control point. All parties concerned will oversee traffic conditions and handle any untoward incidents.
To avoid congestion during the peak periods at various boundary control points in the morning and evening, the Immigration Department suggests that cross-boundary passengers avoid travelling at busy times. Expected busy times at land boundary control points are posted 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 from February 2 to February 9 on its website www.immd.gov.hk for public reference.
The department reminds people to take 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 those under the age of 18 whose Home Visit Permits are valid for three years from the date of issue. Hong Kong residents holding a Document of Identity for Visa Purposes and other non-permanent residents must take their valid smart identity cards as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel documents.
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 375 e-Channels installed at the various control points. Re-enrolment is required for enrolled passengers who have received a new identity card to continue using the Express e-Channel.
Hong Kong residents who require assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong may call the Hong Kong Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868.
Ends/Thursday, January 27, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:31
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