Hengqin Port has recorded more than 10 million cross-border passenger trips so far this year, reaching the milestone at midnight on April 9th, according to data from the Zhuhai General Immigration Inspection Station.
The figure was achieved 29 days earlier than in 2025, marking the fastest pace since the port began operations. The milestone comes as Macau’s tourism sector continues to expand, with authorities previously projecting visitor arrivals to reach nearly 41 million in 2026.
This would set a new record, following 40 million arrivals in 2025—an all-time high that surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Deputy station chief Zeng Xiang said full-year traffic in 2026 is likely to reach new highs as upgrades continue.
Located near Macau’s Cotai Strip—home to a concentration of major integrated resorts and casinos—the port plays a key role in facilitating travel linked to the gaming and tourism sectors.
Authorities attributed the surge to ongoing policy support and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving border efficiency. Measures introduced over the past year include dedicated cross-border school buses, allowing students to clear immigration without disembarking, and the rollout of 64 smart e-gates enabling facial recognition clearance.
Additional policies have also supported traffic growth. Hengqin Port has been designated as an entry point under China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, while the age limit for children using vehicle-based clearance has been raised from 10 to 14.
These initiatives have contributed to rising flows of mainland workers and students traveling to Macau, as well as frequent crossings by Hong Kong and Macau residents. Together, these groups accounted for more than 6.34 million trips, representing over 60 percent of total traffic.
Expansion works at the passenger inspection hall began in March and will introduce additional smart clearance channels. Once completed, the port’s daily capacity is expected to double, with peak waiting times reduced by around 45 percent.
