Auto-technology expedites Zhuhai border crossings

Nine printing devices for self-service exit-entry vouchers have been installed at Gongbei Checkpoint along with two each at the Hengqin, Jiuzhou Port, and Zhuhai-Macao Cross-Border Industrial Zone frontiers.

At the same time on Feb 1, ninety automated lanes came into service at border crossings in Zhuhai, extending the total to 340.

The PRC Ministry of Public Security pledged on Jan 22 to increase the number of automated border control lanes and promote self-service clearance services across the country. It announced that when travelers use self-check channels, entry and exit documents will no longer receive Chinese inspection stamps and not be marked on immigration records.

Zhuhai General Station of Exit-Entry Frontier Inspection says the devices, which are free to use, are expected to bring greater convenience to most travelers. However, those who want to apply for tax refunds, travel reimbursements, visa verifications, and etcetera should apply to border inspection personnel.

The machines are encrypted with anti-counterfeiting technology to ensure its actions have the legal equivalent of those given by border officials.

Self-service kiosks at Shanghai Pudong Int'l Airport [Photo courtesy usa.chinadaily.com.cn]