HONG KONG - Hong Kong's Immigration Department estimated on Wednesday that 8.65 million passengers would pass through land, sea and air checkpoints during the Christmas-New Year holiday period, up 11 percent on last year.

For inbound traffic, the busiest day will be Dec 26 when 391, 000 passengers are expected to arrive, while outbound traffic will be heavy on Dec 22 with 384,000 people leaving Hong Kong, it said.

About 3.06 million passengers, or a daily average of 306,000, are expected to pass through the Lo Wu control point from Dec 21 to 26 and Dec 30 to Jan 2.

Passenger traffic at the Lok Ma Chau, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, and Shenzhen Bay control points will also be heavy, with a daily average of 90,000, 137,000 and 94,000 forecast.

Passengers are advised to plan their trips in advance and avoid making their journeys during busy periods.