Smart cards are put into use from September 15 in Chongqing to replace the paper permits for those commuting between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao.

Similar to an e-passport, the new permit is easy to carry and can be put in wallet. Its period of validity for citizens 16 years old or above will be extended from the current five years to ten. The fee standard of the new permit follows that of the paper permit.

The e-permit has an integrated circuit chip containing personal information, fingerprints and entry endorsement of the card holder, which is expected to improve efficiency in issuing documents and official inspection at the checkpoints, according to the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau. (CQNEWS) (Translated by Chen Qiaodi)