Since its official launch on November 5 this year, the smart clearance service at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport has been operating smoothly for a full month. As one of the 12 newly added ports by the National Immigration Administration, Hongqiao Airport's smart clearance system has garnered widespread praise from travelers for its efficiency, smoothness, and convenience.

According to statistics from the Hongqiao Immigration Inspection Station, the use of "Smart Express Lanes" has steadily increased since November 5, serving nearly 30,000 inbound and outbound passengers. On December 5, reporters observed electronic screens above the inspection lanes displaying the "Smart Express Lane" signage. Passengers simply look into the camera at the entrance, follow the guidance to adjust their position, and verify their identity before entering the lane. Subsequent biometric checks, including fingerprint and facial recognition, complete the clearance process seamlessly. Immigration officers are also stationed nearby to assist travelers.

"The facial recognition clearance was very smooth—I didn’t even need to take out my documents from entering to exiting," said Ms. Liu from Hong Kong. Mr. Zhou from Taiwan also praised the system, noting, "Technology truly makes travel easier, and the staff’s guidance was very thorough."

Notably, the "Smart Express Lanes" are fully operational not only in the airport terminal but also extended to the business aviation base. Currently, Hongqiao Airport has 24 such lanes in the terminal and two at the business aviation base, achieving full smart clearance coverage.

Xu Xinyu, team leader of the Hongqiao Immigration Inspection Station, explained, "We’ve optimized on-site guidance, expanded service scenarios, and simplified registration procedures to ensure passengers enjoy a smooth and secure facial recognition experience. During off-peak hours, travelers can complete both inspection and registration simultaneously at manual counters or at our service desks, further enhancing convenience."

Eligible users include mainland residents aged 14 or older with valid travel permits and multiple-entry visas for Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Hong Kong and Macau residents holding valid travel documents (including non-Chinese nationals) and Taiwan residents with five-year travel permits. Those who consent to biometric data collection for immigration checks can use the "Smart Express Lanes." Minors or individuals with limited legal capacity must be accompanied by guardians when using the lanes.