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Go Hong Kong App: How to Enrol For E-Channel
Faster Entry Into Hong Kong: Enrol For e-Channel Before You Land
Updated: October 30, 2026
On 16 September 2026, Hong Kong’s Immigration Department (ImmD) launched the “Go Hong Kong” mobile app. Eligible frequent visitors can use it to enrol for the e-Channel (self-service immigration clearance) on their smartphone before they arrive. Once you’re approved, you can skip the arrival counter queue and use the e-Channel when you land. It’s free, and parents who fly in and out of Hong Kong often can save real time with it.
Click here for more information
Download Go Hong Kong on the Apple App Store
Download Go Hong Kong on Google Play
Little Steps Insider Tip: The app is for frequent visitors aged 18 or over who have entered Hong Kong through Hong Kong International Airport at least twice in the past 24 months. It doesn’t replace a visa, and children under 18 can’t enrol through it. Enrol early. You have to pick an expected arrival date within the next three months, and you need to arrive on or before that date. Everyone, including the kids, still needs a valid passport and any required visa.
How It Works
- Download the “Go Hong Kong” app from the App Store or Google Play. The developer should be listed as “Hong Kong Immigration Department”.
- Read and accept the declaration and the terms and conditions.
- Enter your expected arrival date (within the next three months) and an email address. You’ll get a one-time password by email to verify it.
- Scan the biodata (photo) page of your passport.
- Read the passport chip by holding your phone against the passport (this needs NFC).
- Take a selfie for facial recognition identity verification.
- Submit. You’ll get an acknowledgement, and ImmD will send the result in the app and by email.
- Activate on arrival: Enter Hong Kong on or before your expected arrival date. If you miss that date, the enrolment lapses and you’ll need to apply again.
“Go Hong Kong” App at a Glance
To enrol, you must meet all four of the requirements marked ✅.
| Category | Item | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | ✅ Age | 18 or above. Children under 18 can’t enrol through the app |
| ✅ Travel history | 2 or more entries through Hong Kong International Airport in the 24 months before you enrol | |
| ✅ Travel document | A valid electronic (chip) travel document designated by ImmD, plus a valid multiple-visit visa if your nationality needs one | |
| ✅ Immigration record | No adverse record in Hong Kong | |
| Before you apply | Phone requirements | Camera, NFC and internet; iOS 13.0+ or Android 8.0+ |
| Cost | Free (mobile data charges may apply) | |
| Expected arrival date | Must be within the next 3 months | |
| After approval | Activation | Enter Hong Kong on or before your expected arrival date, or the enrolment lapses |
| Validity | 2 years, extended by 2 years from each entry, but never beyond the expiry of your passport or visa | |
| Where you can use it | e-Channels at all Hong Kong control points | |
| Managing your enrolment | Update, restore or cancel it in the app | |
| Background | Launched | 16 September 2026 |
Where To Find It:
- Go Hong Kong App
- https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/press/press-releases/20260916b.html
Additional Info:
What is the Go Hong Kong app and who can use it?
It is a free app from Hong Kong’s Immigration Department that lets eligible frequent visitors enrol for e-Channel before they arrive. You must be 18 or over, have entered through Hong Kong International Airport at least twice in the past 24 months, hold a valid electronic passport, and have no adverse immigration record. Full steps are on the Little Steps Go Hong Kong app guide.
Can my children enrol for e-Channel with the Go Hong Kong app?
No. The app is only for people aged 18 or above. Children under 18 cannot enrol through it. Everyone, including kids, still needs a valid passport and any required visa. Parents can use e-Channel themselves once approved, which often shortens the family queue at the airport.
How do I enrol for e-Channel with the Go Hong Kong app?
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play (developer: Hong Kong Immigration Department). Enter an expected arrival date within the next three months, verify your email, scan your passport biodata page, read the chip with NFC, and take a selfie. Submit and wait for approval by email and in the app. You must arrive on or before that date to activate it.
How long is the enrolment valid and where can I use it?
Once activated, it is valid for two years and can be extended by two years with each entry, but never beyond your passport or visa expiry. You can use e-Channels at all Hong Kong control points. If you miss your expected arrival date, the enrolment lapses and you must apply again.
Does the Go Hong Kong app replace a visa?
No. It only handles e-Channel enrolment. You still need a valid passport and any required visa or entry permission. The app is free; only normal mobile data charges apply. Your phone needs a camera, NFC and internet, with iOS 13 or Android 8 or higher.
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