Shenzhen Hong Kong Border Crossing 2024/2025

No matter you are on vacation, on business, for an international conference, or going to visit your friends or family, to go from Shenzhen to Hong Kong and vice versa, you need to go through the border between the China's mainland and Hong Kong in Shenzhen. So where are the ports? Which is the best port for foreign travelers and business people? How to go through the custom clearance? How to transfer to the checkpoints to and from the city downtown and airport? What to pay attention to…? Check the useful information at below, and you will know everything you need about Shenzhen Hong Kong border crossing!

Top 5 Ways of Shenzhen Hong Kong Border Crossing

There are altogether 10 checkpoints in Shenzhen and 1 in Hong Kong, among which Luohu Port (Lo Wu Port), Huanggang Port, Shenzhen Wan Port, Futian Port, Shekou Port and Hong Kong West Kowloon Terminus are more used for foreign travelers. For traveling groups by cross-border coach, they usually go through Shenzhen Wan Port. Luohu and Futian are most used with convenient connection by metro and MTR system, Huanggang is the only one serving 24 hours a day, Shekou is suitable to go by cruise, and West Kowloon Terminus is for you to take bullet train directly to/from Hong Kong downtown and offers convenient inspection and clearance at one site. Check the following to choose the most suitable one for you!

All 10 Shenzhen Checkpoints

Top 1 - Luohu to Hong Kong

Luohu Port (罗湖口岸) (Lo Wu Port) is the most used border checkpoint for people going between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The seamless connection of Shenzhen Metro and Hong Kong MTR makes Luohu Port a top consideration for both domestic and foreign people. And that means and truly there always many and many people queuing in the hall for border crossing either from Hong Kong or from Shenzhen.

• Opening Hour: 06:30-24:00;
• Clearance Time: 10-15 minutes
• Transportation: Shenzhen Metro, Hong Kong MTR

Border Crossing at Luohu Port

◆ Detailed Steps by Metro + MTR (about 1.5 hours):

1. Take Shenzhen Metro Line 1 to Luohu Station;

2. Enter the customs building to go through all the clearance procedures;

3. Walk through the bridge path, and you will be on the side of Hong Kong;

4. Follow the signs to Lo Wu Station for taking Hong Kong MTR East Railway Line to Hong Kong Hung Hum Railway Station in downtown for about 50 minutes. Then, you can transfer to other MTR lines to your ideal places or Hong Kong International Airport.

Futian to Hong Kong

Futian Port (福田口岸) is also frequently used and border crossing here is similar to that at Luohu, with the convenient direct linking of Shenzhen Metro and Hong Kong MTR.

• Opening Hour: 06:30-22:30;
• Clearance Time: within 10 minutes

◆ Detailed Steps by Metro + MTR (about 1.5 hours):

1. Take Shenzhen Metro Line 4 to Futian Checkpoint Station;

2. Enter the customs building to go through all the clearance procedures;

3. Walk through the bridge path, and you will be on the side of Hong Kong;

4. Follow the signs to Lok Ma Chau Station on Hong Kong side for taking Hong Kong MTR East Railway Line to Hong Kong Hung Hum Railway Station in downtown for about 50 minutes. Then, you can transfer to other MTR lines to your ideal places or Hong Kong International Airport.

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Border Crossing at Futian Port

Top 2 - Huanggang to Hong Kong

Huanggang Port (皇岗口岸) is the only border checkpoint opening 24 hours a day in Shenzhen so far and a lot of cross-border buses between Shenzhen and Hong Kong go through this port. With the very long time on service, especially relatively less people at midnight, this port is a very good choice for people who are planning enjoying happy shopping hours and days in Hong Kong.

• Opening Hour: 00:00-24:00;
• Clearance Time: 15 minutes
• Transportation: Shenzhen Metro, Huanggang Lok Ma Chau Shuttle Bus, Hong Kong MTR

Option 1: Metro + MTR

◆ Detailed Steps (about 1 hour & 40 minutes):

1. Take Shenzhen Metro Line 7 to Huanggang Checkpoint Station;

2. Enter the customs building to go through all the clearance procedures;

3. Take the Huanggang Lok Ma Chau Shuttle Bus from Huanggang on Shenzhen side to Lok Ma Chau on Hong Kong side;

4. Taking Hong Kong MTR East Railway Line to Hong Kong Hung Hum Railway Station in downtown for about 45 minutes. Then, you can transfer to other MTR lines to your ideal places or Hong Kong International Airport.

(Huanggang Lok Ma Chau Shuttle Bus costs about 10HKD and departs every 10-15 minutes during 06:30-24:00 and 10-20 minutes during 24:00-06:30)

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Option 2: Cross-border Buses

Besides, there are some cross-border buses serving from Huanggang Port to many stations in Hong Kong, including Wan Chai, Prince Edward, Kam Sheung Road, and Hong Kong International Airport. However, crossing this Huanggang Port by cross-border buses, you need to get off the bus when arrive at the port and go through the clearance procedure with all your luggage and belongings. After your customs clearance, come out from the customs building and get on the bus to Hong Kong. Due to such not so convenient step, Huanggang Port is relatively not very popular for locals to and from Hong Kong, however, it has lower flow rate, so if you want to transfer with shorter line, this port is also good to choose.

Bus Schedule from Huanggang to Hong Kong

Bus Schedule from Hong Kong to Huanggang

(Note: The above information of ticket fee, time, stops, departures, terminus, etc. of Shenzhen Hong Kong bus is only for your reference, please contact us for the latest info.)

Top 3 - Shenzhen Wan to Hong Kong

Shenzhen Wan Port or Shenzhen Bay Port (深圳湾口岸) situated in Nanshan District in Shenzhen is a checkpoint for both passenger cars and trunks. There is no metro station available handy on Shenzhen or Hong Kong site, but travelers can go from Shenzhen to Hong Kong or from Hong Kong to Shenzhen directly by car or taxi through this port. Besides, cross-border buses are frequently launched to and from Jordon, Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, Victoria Harbor, Disneyland, Hong Kong Airport, etc. Although it is a little far from Shenzhen downtown, the route offers fascinating seascape during your riding.

• Opening Hour: 06:30-24:00;
• Clearance Time: 10-15 minutes;
• Transportation: car / taxi; cross-border buses

Cars at Shenzhen Wan Border Crossing

◆ Detailed Steps By Car / Taxi

1. Get to Shenzhen Wan Port by car;

2. Get off the car to enter the customs building to go through all the clearance procedures;

3. Get on the car and Follow the signs to Hong Kong downtown.

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Top 4 - Shekou to Hong Kong

Shekou Port (蛇口口岸) that has been moved into Shekou Cruise Homeport in Nanshan District is a port for cruise / ship transferring to Hong Kong and Macau, including Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal, Hong Kong Skypier, Macau Taipa and Macau Outer Harbor. If you are going to catch a flight in Hong Kong International Airport with a hassle free clearance, Shekou is also a good choice, as there are less people queuing in a line.

• Opening Hour: 07:00-22:30;
• Clearance Time: 10-15 minutes;
• ransportation: cross-border cruises

Shenzhen Checkpoint

Shenzhen Shekou Hong Kong Cruise Schedule:

Also, there are some cruise between Shenzhen and Macau, please check the detailed ship schedule as following:

Shenzhen Shekou Macau Cruise Schedule:

(Note: The above information of ticket fee, time, stops, departures, terminus, etc. of Shenzhen Hong Kong cruise is only for your reference, please contact us for the latest info.)

Top 5 - China Hong Kong Bullet Train to Hong Kong West Kowloon Terminus

Hong Kong has high speed bullet trains to and from China's mainland, including Guangzhou, Guilin Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen, Changsha, etc., with Shenzhen linking on the way, thus travelers can also get on a bullet train from Shenzhen to Hong Kong or from Hong Kong to Shenzhen. Hong Kong West Kowloon Terminus (香港西九龙站) at Tsim Sha Tsui area serves all bullet trains launching and reaching Hong Kong. Usually, from Shenzhen Futian Station to Hong Kong, it takes only about 15 minutes, and about 18 minutes from Shenzhen North Station. Policy of one port for entry and exit is implemented in this station, so travelers can go through the inspections and customs clearance rapidly and conveniently after you get off the train when arriving in Hong Kong or before you get on the train when leaving Hong Kong.

• Clearance Time: about 10 minutes

Take a Bullet Train to Hong Kong West Kowloon Terminus

◆ Detailed Steps by China Hong Kong High Speed Train (within 1 hour)

1. Get on the bullet trains at Shenzhen Futian Station or Shenzhen North Station to Hong Kong;

2. Get off the train at Hong Kong West Kowloon Terminus;

3. Follow the signs up to Hong Kong Entry Floor on B2 to go through the China's mainland Exit and Hong Kong SAR Entry procedures;

4. Check your train ticket through the machine and get out from the railway station;

5. Follow the signs to Hong Kong MTR Austin Station or Kowloon Station to transfer to Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, or other places.

More Useful Links:

Shenzhen to Hong Kong Train Schedules & Tickets >>

Hong Kong to Shenzhen Train Schedules & Tickets >>

Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station >>

China Hong Kong High Speed Trains >>

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How to Cross Shenzhen Hong Kong Border Step by Step?

To go through Shenzhen Hong Kong checkpoints is not so difficult, let's take the popular Luohu Port as example and see the process step by step:

Step 1: Arrive at the Customs Hall in Shenzhen and follow the sign “To Hong Kong”;

Step 2: Find the sign for foreigners;

Step 3: Follow the sign to foreigners’ inspection passage;

Step 4: Pass the 1st China Immigration Inspection with your passport and visa document to leave China's mainland (Foreign people usually go the “Manual Lane”);

Step 5: Follow the sign to pass the 2nd Inspection to enter Hong Kong;

Step 6: Transfer to Hong Kong downtown by MTR / bus / car, etc.

Need a Visa for Shenzhen?

Visiting China's mainland, most foreign people need a Chinese visa before arriving. However, there are two main types of visa-free policies for the benefit of travelers, business people, visits, etc.

Type 1: Shenzhen 144-hour Visa Free Transit

China has implemented the 144-hour Visa Free Transit policy for the whole Guangdong Province (including Shenzhen). For visiting Shenzhen, citizens meeting the criteria from the specific 53 countries (regions) can enter Shenzhen via Shenzhen Baoan International Airport and leave Shenzhen no more than 144 hours (6 days) from any of the 36 appointed ports of exit, including Shenzhen Baoan International Airport, Shenzhen Luo Port, Futian Port, Huanggang Port, Shen Bay Port, Shatoujiao Port, Wenjindu Port, Shekou Port, and Fuyong Port.

The qualified 54 countries are:

European Countries under Schengen Visa Agreement (25):

Austria, Belgium, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco.

Other European Countries (14):

Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Belarus.

America (6):

United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, the Republic of Chile.

Oceania (2):

Australia, New Zealand.

Asia (6):

South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar.

Check More about Shenzhen 144-hour Visa Free Transit >>

Applying for Shenzhen 144-hour Visa Free Transit

Types 2: 5 Days Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Tourist Visa (Visa on Arrival)

This visa allows citizens from the specific countries (regions) to visit Shenzhen from Hong Kong or Macau directly and exit Shenzhen from the appointed Shenzhen ports within 5 days (valid from the midnight the day after arrival). Those ports are Shenzhen Baoan International Airport, Luohu Port, Futian Port, Huanggang Port, and Shekou Port.

The following 25 countries are NOT allowed to apply for the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Tourist Visa:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Cameroon, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Uganda, Yemen.

Check More about Shenzhen Visa on Arrival (VOA) >>

Hong Kong to Shenzhen Visa >>

Requirements of Shenzhen VOA

Useful Tips for Shenzhen Hong Kong Border Crossing

1. E-Channel - Faster Way for Frequent Shenzhen Hong Kong Border Crossing

If you have already in Shenzhen for very long months, you may think about the E-Channel to go cross the border between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, which enables you to save more time in the long queue for customs clearance. Such special VIP pass needs some requirements. If you are a foreigner holing an electronic passport and a “Residence Permit for Fogrigner in the People’s Republic of China” valid for at least six months, you can apply for the E-Channel with your electronic passport with chip and fill the information of Data Collection Authorization at one of the specific ports:

2. Octopus Card - Highly Recommended for Hong Kong Visit

Octopus Card well help you save a lot of money and avoid a series of hassles for your border crossing between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and during your trip in Hong Kong. This extremely versatile stored-value electronic card can be used for most transportation in Hong Kong, including MTR, some buses, taxi, and purchases in supermarkets, convenient stores, fast food restaurants, etc. You can buy the card in a local convenient store or other appointed stores.

Hong Kong Octopus Card

Travel with China Discovery

There are several different checkpoints between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and it usually takes a lot of time on the transportation and queue for customs clearance when crossing the border. To help you enjoy a more worry-free travel experience in Shenzhen, Hong Kong and whole China, you can choose to travel with China Discovery, and our local guide and driver will escort you from your hotel in Shenzhen to the checkpoint to go through the clearance and finally to your hotel or airport in Hong Kong with private car, and vice versa. Besides, professional and interesting introduction will be provided if you have any trip in the city! What you need is pay all your attention on the highlights! If you are interested in that, please feel free to tell us your need!

How to Plan a Shenzhen Hong Kong Tour?

Shenzhen as a vibrant and potential city in Southern China is favored by a lot of travelers and business people. Usually, you can spend 1-2 days to discover the classic essence to know the culture, history and city skyscraper there by visiting Shenzhen Museum, Splendid China Folk Culture Village, Windows of the World, Pingan Finance Center, Diwang Mansion, etc. Also, you can spend 1 more day to the popular Dafen Oil Painting Village and OCT Loft Creative Culture Park to savor the artistic flavor there. Hong Kong is the top 3 gateway cities in China with a lot of international flights. Besides, as a shopping paradise, a key economical center, and superb metropolis with fascinating cityscape and seascape, Hong Kong usually takes 1-3 days to savor all its bests and classics, including Victoria Harbor, Victoria Peak, skylines, Repulse Bay, Aberdeen, Big Buddha, Stanley Market, etc.

Besides, most people spend 1 day to the nearby Macau to enjoy the colonial architecture listed as World Heritage Site. Furthermore, it is also a top choice to travel to Guangzhou with another 2-3 days to appreciate Lingnan architectural arts and a lot of cultural, historical, folk and gourmet highlights.

We China Discovery offer top Shenzhen trips and Hong Kong trips to suit different needs and different traveling groups, so you can select your favorite one by checking all Shenzhen tours and Hong Kong tours. Also, if you have any idea, please feel free to contact us, and our professional travel consultant will help you to customize your Shenzhen Hong Kong tour according to your interest, needs and budget!

Check More About How to Plan a Shenzhen Tour

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Window of the World in Shenzhen

Panoramic View from Victoria Peak