Getting on a plane is always my moment of ultimate relaxation. I begin to unwind as I enjoy a nice champagne, perhaps stretch out on a flat-lie bed for a nap, or enjoy a movie or two before landing. But one thing when travelling overseas is always imminent – the immigration queue.
Hong Kong is one of the destinations I most frequently travel to and as one of the busiest hub airports in the world getting through passport control takes a lot of patience. Even with their carefully maintained queues the waiting time can be long when all you want to go is grab your luggage and explore.
On my last trip to Hong Kong I decided I’d had enough of the long lines and instead opted to pick up a HKIA Frequent Visitor e-Channel Card. This means I get to skip the ‘visitor’ lines and instead head into a specially designated e-channel which is significantly shorter. Instead of the half an hour wait time I was in and out of immigration in 10 minutes – just the efficiency I like to help me get on my holiday or to a business meeting just that little bit faster with just one little sticker on the back of my passport.
Where can I use the Frequent Visitor e-Channel card?
The free card can be issued to you at Hong Kong International Airport and then can be used at the following ports:
- Hong Kong International Airport
- Lo Wu
- Lok Ma Chau Spur Line
- Shenzhen Bay
- Macau Ferry Terminal
- China Ferry Terminal
How do I get the Frequent Visitor e-Channel card?
As mentioned above, the best way to get the Frequent Visitor e-Channel card is to get it when going through Hong Kong International Airport’s immigration as they have a designated office where you can enrol for the card and it takes about 10-minutes to sign up for it.
The office is located just past passport control, that is after you passport is stamped to enter Hong Kong. Do not go through to the baggage reclaim hall as the enrolment offices are just before that.
Are there any conditions?
There are a number of conditions associated with receiving a Frequent Visitor e-Channel card. The two most important ones being that you must meet all eligibility criteria to claim entry into Hong Kong and have visited Hong Kong a minimum of three times in a 12-month period.
For more information be sure to read How to get a HKIA Frequent Visitor e-Channel Card
![Did you know there was a time when Sri Lanka was the largest coffee growing country in the world?
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Tea growers were considered a little bit crazy, but after a coffee fungus outbreak wiped out the entire industry in 1860, people began to make the switch to tea. 🌱
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While visiting HolyRood Estate, co-owned by Dilmah, I had the opportunity to meet just a couple of the thousands of people across Sri Lanka helping deliver tea to our cups. ☕️ .
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While I didn’t speak her language, and she didn’t speak - or was to shy to speak - mine, we communicated in gestures as she showed me the correct way to pick tea leaves... and laughing when I tried (and failed). 😬
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Sri Lanka’s sips are seeped in history. Take a look at life on one of the country’s most well-known tea plantations in my latest blog post.
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[The link is in the bio!]
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| #NuwaraEliya #SriLanka #Asia |](http://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/0fcb7f3b361010b82f5fc5ea1ff3c8f0/5CB0AAC7/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/45303406_795878820747695_5143767138708581195_n.jpg "Did you know there was a time when Sri Lanka was the largest coffee growing country in the world?
.
Tea growers were considered a little bit crazy, but after a coffee fungus outbreak wiped out the entire industry in 1860, people began to make the switch to tea. 🌱
.
While visiting HolyRood Estate, co-owned by Dilmah, I had the opportunity to meet just a couple of the thousands of people across Sri Lanka helping deliver tea to our cups. ☕️ .
.
While I didn’t speak her language, and she didn’t speak - or was to shy to speak - mine, we communicated in gestures as she showed me the correct way to pick tea leaves... and laughing when I tried (and failed). 😬
.
Sri Lanka’s sips are seeped in history. Take a look at life on one of the country’s most well-known tea plantations in my latest blog post.
.
[The link is in the bio!]
.
| #NuwaraEliya #SriLanka #Asia |")
7 Comments
Michael
August 27, 2012 at 4:26 pmNever knew about e-channel Card. It would really make a lot easier for traveller’s because of this. Thanks for sharing!
Nicole
August 27, 2012 at 4:29 pmI didn’t know about it until about three-months ago. Really simple service and I hope you make the most of it!
Hogga
August 28, 2012 at 3:07 amGood tips… now if only I went through Hong Kong more… *sigh*
Leif
August 29, 2012 at 8:25 amThat’s really cool that they offer that. I wish more countries did that. When I own my own airport, I’m gonna offer that. Thanks for sharing Nicole 🙂
Nicole
August 29, 2012 at 9:45 amIt is a really cool system that not enough people take advantage of, Leif… well that’s a good thing for us 😉
Your own airport, huh? So I should be nice and hope that I get a visa or VIP access right? 🙂
Quentin
February 1, 2017 at 12:03 amHow soon does it expire (passport or year)??
Nicole
February 1, 2017 at 2:11 pmHi Quentin,
I believe it is either valid for the lifetime of your passport (whether you lose or renew it) for Australians.
The HKIA Website provides a lot more information –> http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/echannel_visitors.html#fv
Let me know how you go!
– Nicole