Anticipated Surge in Cross-Border Travel During Lunar New Year in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Immigration Department has projected that approximately 11.38 million residents and visitors will travel through the city’s border crossings during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. This figure represents a 16.12 percent increase compared to the previous year, when total cross-border passenger traffic reached 9.8 million. The estimate covers a 10-day period, starting from the 27th day of the last month of the Lunar calendar and extending to the seventh day after the new year.

South China Morning Post

The majority of the anticipated travel will occur through land boundary control points, with an estimated 9.52 million trips expected at locations such as Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, and Shenzhen Bay crossings. These routes are critical for facilitating the movement of people between Hong Kong and mainland China, particularly during festive periods.

South China Morning Post

In preparation for the expected surge in traffic, the Immigration Department has implemented several measures. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki chaired an interdepartmental working group meeting to discuss festive arrangements. The department has minimized leave for frontline officers to ensure flexible deployment and will operate additional counters and channels at border control points. However, it has been noted that there will be no extension of operating hours at these points.

South China Morning Post

The Immigration Department has advised travelers to plan their journeys in advance and to avoid peak travel times. They also encouraged passengers to stay informed about traffic conditions through radio and television broadcasts. This proactive communication aims to mitigate congestion and enhance the travel experience during the busy holiday period.

South China Morning Post

Despite the preparations, some critics have raised concerns about the adequacy of the measures in place to handle the increased volume of travelers. They argue that without extending operating hours or significantly increasing staffing levels, the potential for long wait times and congestion remains high.

South China Morning Post

While the Immigration Department's projections indicate a significant increase in travel, there is no detailed breakdown of how these numbers compare to previous years beyond the last Lunar New Year. Additionally, the effectiveness of the measures implemented to manage the anticipated traffic surge remains to be seen, as no specific contingency plans have been outlined for unexpected delays or emergencies.

South China Morning Post

“The Immigration Department advises all land boundary passengers to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and television broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points,” — Immigration Department, Hong Kong

South China Morning Post