New Huanggang Port is expected to open at 6.30am on October 12, with an opening ceremony the previous day, according to reports. The timetable had not yet been officially confirmed: i-CABLE reported that the government was due to announce the opening arrangements on October 9.
Eligible Hong Kong residents can register to use the cooperative-clearance self-service e-channel through the Hong Kong e-Channel app, according to information previously announced by the Immigration Department. Registration will also be available at an e-channel registration counter or self-service station at the port.
Residents aged 18 or over who meet the eligibility requirements can register when they first use the channel and complete immigration procedures on both sides at the same time.
Taxi-industry sources said authorities had asked the sector to have taxis on standby on opening morning. They expected the port’s temporary buffer area to hold 100 taxis, while separate industry sources estimated that at least 300 might be needed that day. The Transport Department said it had briefed the industry on passenger pick-up arrangements.
The Immigration Department said it would monitor passenger flows during the initial period and have staff available to guide and assist travellers. On October 7, its officials met Shenzhen border-inspection officials to discuss passenger and vehicle procedures, contingency plans for peak flows or system failures, and coordination between the two sides.