HKIA Frequent Arrivals Card

[NM]

I'm curious why they still add barcodes. From my understanding they now use the mrz code (ie you scan your passport) for entry and the barcode isn't used. The advantage is that it also allows entries at other ports (eg ferry) through their similar e-channel entries.

Last week I inserted my bar-coded passport (passport closed, just the outside back cover with bar-code visible to the scanner) and it worked just fine.

 

[cosi]

Last week I inserted by bar-coded passport (passport closed, just the outside back cover with bar-code visible to the scanner) and it worked just fine.

I have always done the same as NM and NEVER have experienced a problem.

 

[DeKa]

I have always done the same as NM and NEVER have experienced a problem.

Same here.

 

[moa999]

Note the desk is not accessible if you use the APEC lanes as they are in the centre section in the diagram above.

I think for the Chinese citizens they use their ID card instead, but for everyone else its the sticker.
I have actually relocated the sticker to the inside back page of my passport, and just open the passport up and put it through

 

[wandering_fred]

Ah the details, the details.

Hong Kong permanent residents and registered Chinese citizens use their ID cards.

Terminal 2 has no facility to process a passport with the echannel bar code. Can only be processed in terminal one. The normal terminal 2 queue will however process a passport which has entered via the echannel.

Adds to the list of reasons why JetStar Asia works much better from Singapore than Hong Kong.

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[Princess Fiona]

Success I found it and managed to get myself registered. There is a sign on the booths stating that they are open from 1000-1800. I arrived at 1730 and only one desk at one booth was open.
No queue and using my QF WP card was processed in 5 minutes
Thanks for all the help with my geographical issues.

 

[serfty]

Success I found it and managed to get myself registered. There is a sign on the booths stating that they are open from 1000-1800. I arrived at 1730 and only one desk at one booth was open.
No queue and using my QF WP card was processed in 5 minutes
Thanks for all the help with my geographical issues.

Good stuff ...

Did they add a barcode to your PP?

I'm curious why they still add barcodes. From my understanding they now use the mrz code (ie you scan your passport) for entry and the barcode isn't used. The advantage is that it also allows entries at other ports (eg ferry) through their similar e-channel entries.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Good stuff ...

Did they add a barcode to your PP?

Yes there is a barcode sticker on the back of it.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Success I found it and managed to get myself registered. There is a sign on the booths stating that they are open from 1000-1800. I arrived at 1730 and only one desk at one booth was open.
No queue and using my QF WP card was processed in 5 minutes
Thanks for all the help with my geographical issues.

The other counter opens at 07:00 I believe?

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

The other counter opens at 07:00 I believe?

Correction - 7:30am at the South end (you need to look for this, as you are typically processed at the northern end).

See: www.gov.hk/en/nonresidents/visarequire/echannel/fv.htm

 

[kpc]

I didn't apply for the card earlier this month as my passport will need to be changed soon....arrival immigration was fine but departure immigration was an absolute nightmare with long Qs and it took more than 30 mins to get through...staring at all the empty departure electronic gates didn't improve my mood! So don't forget this card also allows expedited departures from HKG!!

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

I didn't apply for the card earlier this month as my passport will need to be changed soon....arrival immigration was fine but departure immigration was an absolute nightmare with long Qs and it took more than 30 mins to get through...staring at all the empty departure electronic gates didn't improve my mood! So don't forget this card also allows expedited departures from HKG!!

Just beware when you travel with significant other you end up waiting on the other side for them to clear the standard queue... snore... less CX cabana time!

 

[markis10]

Just beware when you travel with significant other you end up waiting on the other side for them to clear the standard queue... snore... less CX cabana time!

Depends if partner gold is in place.

 

[serfty]

Depends if partner gold is in place.

Or they have otherwise qualified for the Frequent Visitor Card.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Our they have otherwise qualified for the Frequent Visitor Card.

Not when I leave them at home 90% of the time

 

[serfty]

Came though a couple of weeks ago.

Firstly, you need to ensure you use a queue with a passport scanner - not all have them (just a card reader) - fortunately, these are grouped together.

On arrival my barcode (stuck to the back of the passport) was not "recognised" - however, all I needed to do was just insert the PP with the details pages face down.

(I had to use my left index fingertip though for the second step, as I had singed my right one on a BBQ late in the year and much of my right tip was a little flat "shiny".)

 

[Mal]

On arrival my barcode (stuck to the back of the passport) was not "recognised" - however, all I needed to do was just insert the PP with the details pages face down.

So I wasn't dreaming when I recalled entering using MRZ previously.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

So I wasn't dreaming when I recalled entering using MRZ previously.

It's the backup option, the barcode is much quicker IME... (When it works - in Serfty's case )

 

[legroom]

Friends

Would AA Platinum be acceptable for this e-channel fast track ?

I read somewhere that QF Gold is acceptable. Is that also true ?

I'm WP but +1 is AA Plat (QF NB).

Thanks

 

[markis10]

Friends

Would AA Platinum be acceptable for this e-channel fast track ?

I read somewhere that QF Gold is acceptable. Is that also true ?

I'm WP but +1 is AA Plat (QF NB).

Thanks

QF gold is accepted, no AA status is accepted.