Streamlining Border Access for Foreign Travelers in Macau
In a recent talk, Wong Sio Chak discussed plans to boost tourism in the Greater Bay Area, a region encompassing Hong Kong, Macau, and nine cities in Guangdong province. One key strategy is to streamline the immigration process for foreign visitors. Here's a breakdown of the proposed changes:
- Automatic Passage Points: Wong mentioned expanding the use of these self-service entry points to guests from countries without resident or work status in the area. This move aims to foster "exciting interactions with the world," as explained by the leader.
- Biometric Data Collection: To support the above, authorities plan to revamp the Biometric Data Collection System, applying it to all foreign visitors.
- Border Control Optimization: The government will keep refining iris recognition technology at border control points and consider extending this tech to non-residents by 2025.
- Enhanced Eligibility for Automatic Passage Channels: Wong expressed the intention to increase the number of foreigners eligible for faster immigration processes, benefiting more tourists and facilitating smooth travel within the Greater Bay Area.
It's worth noting that Macau, a vital part of this region, welcomed 34.9 million visitors in 2024, with international tourists accounting for just 2.42 million. To attract more foreign tourists, China has been proactive in revising visa policies. For instance, China recently expanded its visa exemption policy to include Portuguese, allowing them stays of up to 15 days in mainland China.
Moreover, within the same month, China extended the stay period for foreign residents of Macau with multiple-entry visas from 90 to 180 days. This measure applies to both permanent and non-permanent residents of Macau traveling to mainland China for short-term tourism, business, family visits, and so on.
Remember, while NEXT Biometrics has seen success in African and phone markets with biometric technology, the specific application of such technology in Macau's tourism sector is yet to be clarified. The region's ongoing plans to enhance tourism efficiency are fascinating, with the potential to transform the travel experience for foreign tourists. However, precise details about Macau's biometric data collection and automatic passage points for visitors can be found through further exploration of local government announcements or tourism reports. Keep an eye on the news - it's an exciting time to explore the Greater Bay Area!
[1] https://www.nextbiometrics.com/pressreleases/next-biometrics-secures-major-order-for-financial-inclusion-project-in-nigeria/[2] https://www.nextbiometrics.com/pressreleases/next-biometrics-partners-with-leading-phone-maker-on-full-screen-fingerprint-tech/
- By 2025, the government aims to integrate iris recognition technology at border control points, not only for residents but also for foreign visitors, to optimize border control and enhance the travel experience.
- Wong Sio Chak, in his discussion on boosting tourism in the Greater Bay Area, emphasized the need to increase the number of foreigners eligible for faster immigration processes, such as the use of automatic passage channels.
- With the intention to attract more foreign tourists, China has revised its visa policies, including expanding the visa exemption policy to include Portuguese nationals for stays of up to 15 days in mainland China.
- In light of the region's plans to boost tourism efficiency, Macau's biometric data collection system and the specific application of biometric technology in its tourism sector are subjects of ongoing exploration, as availability of information can be found through local government announcements or tourism reports.
