HK visitor arrivals up to 44.5 million in 2024

This reflects a 31% year-on-year increase.

The total number of visitor arrivals in Hong Kong was around 44.5 million in 2024, a 31% year-on-year (YoY) increase, according to the Immigration Department.

The department also highlighted that around 298 million passengers passed through Hong Kong's control points in 2024, representing a 41% YoY increase and a return to the 300 million level in 2019.

Meanwhile, the department conducted 13,664 related inspection operations at various immigration control points and intercepted 32,551 passengers for enquiries.

In 2024, the department determined over 2,700 non-refoulement claims with 850 pending screening.

Looking ahead, the department said that it will adjust the applicable age of the e-Channel service to enable children aged seven or above to undergo self-service immigration clearance with a smart identity card using facial recognition technology.

The department also plans to expand the new e-Channel at the Hong Kong International Airport's arrival hall in the third quarter of this year.

Additionally, the department will support the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games by providing special immigration lanes.