Jazmin Li
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport offers layover and overnight rest areas, dining areas, reading areas, internet cafes, children's areas, tea bars, and massage chairs. However, there are no sleeping cabins in the rest areas. If you want to sleep, there are two hotels in the airport terminal. If you have a long layover, you may be able to leave the airport and explore Shenzhen, depending on your nationality and the length of your layover. For example, British passport holders are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit program, which allows them to exit the airport and explore the city. However, it is recommended to check the latest visa requirements and transit policies before planning to leave the airport during a layover.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa-free policies | 10-day visa-free transit policy, 144-hour visa-free transit program, 5-day visa on arrival |
| Visa requirements | Passport with at least 3 months validity, airline tickets for business or first class |
| Temporary stay permits | May be required for some nationalities |
| Transit areas | International corridor, airside |
| Luggage | May need to collect and re-check luggage |
| Accommodation | Airport hotels, nearby hotels |
| Transportation | Metro |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for leaving Shenzhen airport
The visa requirements for leaving Shenzhen Airport depend on several factors, including your nationality, the length of your layover, and your intended destination. Here are the visa requirements for leaving Shenzhen Airport:
- Visa-Free Transit: Shenzhen offers a visa-free transit program that allows eligible travellers to stay in Shenzhen for a limited period without a visa. The duration of this program varies, with some sources mentioning a 10-day visa-free transit policy, while others refer to a 144-hour visa-free transit program. This option is suitable if you plan to explore Shenzhen during your layover and then depart directly to another country.
- 5-Day Visa on Arrival (VOA): Shenzhen offers a 5-day visa on arrival, which is available to citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, France, Australia, Germany, and more. This visa costs CNY 130 and allows you to stay in Shenzhen for up to 5 days. However, you cannot leave Shenzhen for other mainland Chinese cities during this period.
- Tourist Group Visa: If you are part of a tour group, you can apply for a Tourist Group Visa through a travel agency. This visa allows entry into China through multiple ports in Shenzhen, including Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. It is important to note that the travel agency handles the application process, and each visitor must provide the required information to the agency.
- Visa on Arrival for Specific Cases: Shenzhen Airport also offers a visa on arrival for specific cases, such as invited overseas talents, foreign students, workers, or those visiting for urgent commercial, family, or special reasons. In these cases, the inviting unit or individual usually helps provide the necessary documents, and the visa category and duration of stay depend on the purpose of the visit.
- Regular Chinese Visa: If none of the above options apply to your situation, you may need to obtain a regular Chinese visa in advance from the local Chinese embassy or consulate. This is especially important if you plan to stay in Shenzhen for an extended period or if you intend to travel to other parts of mainland China.
It is always recommended to check the latest visa requirements and eligibility criteria with official government sources or diplomatic missions before your travel. Visa policies can change, and ensuring you have the correct visa for your trip is essential.
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Temporary stay permits
If you want to leave Shenzhen airport during a layover, you will need to apply for a temporary stay permit upon arrival. The process for doing so is not always clear, and there are various visa options available, depending on your nationality and the length of your layover.
24-hour Transit Without Visa
According to the IATA Travel Centre, the 24-hour Transit Without Visa program does not apply to Shenzhen airport. Even if it did, it would only guarantee an airside transit.
144-hour Visa-Free Transit Program
The 144-hour visa-free transit program allows travellers to transit through Guangdong Province, including Shenzhen, for up to 144 hours. This program applies to British passport holders and citizens of several other countries. To take advantage of this program, you must be flying directly from one country to another, and you must apply for the permit on arrival.
5-day Visa on Arrival
The Shenzhen 5-day Visa on Arrival, also known as the Shenzhen VOA, enables tourists from most countries to stay in Shenzhen for up to 5 days without applying for a regular visa. To be eligible for this visa, you must be a citizen of one of the following countries:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- France
- Australia
- Germany
- Korea
- New Zealand
- Poland
- Romania
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
To obtain the Shenzhen VOA, you must show your valid passport, complete an application form, provide a photo, and pay for the VOA in Chinese RMB. The VOA costs CNY 130 for all citizenships. Please note that the Shenzhen VOA cannot be extended or converted, and holders must leave China before it expires.
240-hour Visa-Free Transit
If you meet certain conditions and are transiting in Shenzhen from Hong Kong to another country within 240 hours, you can get a transit visa exemption at Shenzhen Airport after landing.
Tourist Group Visa
If you are entering China as part of a tour group, you may be eligible for a Tourist Group Visa. This visa allows single entry and is free to visit most cities in mainland China during a 30-day period. To obtain this visa, you must apply through a travel agency, which will submit your application to the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau at least one working day before your arrival. Upon arrival, your passport will be stamped with the Group Visa, and you will be able to leave the airport and begin your tour.
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The 144-hour visa-free transit program
The 144-hour visa-free transit policy allows citizens from 53 to 55 countries in Europe, America, Oceania, and Asia to enter China without a visa. This policy is applicable to 32 designated passenger transport ports in Guangdong Province, including 5 airports, 4 railway ports, 8 road ports, and 15 sea ports.
To be eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, you must have a valid passport or international travel document that is valid for more than three months from the date of entry. You must also have an onward ticket to a third country or region, with a confirmed seat and date within 144 hours of arrival. Additionally, you may be required to fill out an arrival or landing card for temporary entry as a foreigner.
Upon arrival at one of the designated ports in Guangdong Province, you will need to go through the procedures for the 144-hour visa-free transit. There are special counters at the entry and exit inspection halls for this purpose. Once approved, your passport will be stamped with a stay permit, indicating the allowed duration of your stay.
It is important to note that this policy only allows for a visa-free stay in Guangdong Province and that you must enter and exit through one of the designated ports. The policy provides an opportunity for international transit passengers to explore Guangdong Province, including the city of Shenzhen, without the need for a visa.
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Where to stay during a layover
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport has layover and overnight rest areas on the second floor of the terminal, with 24-hour restaurants and stores. If you have a business or first-class ticket, you can use the VIP rest areas on the third and fourth floors, which include dining areas, reading areas, Internet cafes, children's areas, tea bars, and massage chairs. There are also two hotels in the airport terminal.
If you want to leave the airport, you may need to apply for a temporary stay permit or take advantage of a visa-free transit program, depending on your nationality. For example, British passport holders are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit program for Guangdong Province, which includes Shenzhen. However, some sources suggest that a layover longer than 24 hours may be required to leave the airport.
If you decide to leave the airport, there are several options for things to do in Shenzhen. You can take the Metro Line 11 to Futian Station to visit the Ping An International Finance Centre, the tallest building in Shenzhen. You can also explore the city's shopping areas, such as Dongmen Pedestrian Street, Huaqiangbei, and COCO Park. If you're looking for historical sites, Shenzhen may not have much to offer, but there is an ancient town dating back 1700 years.
For a more personalized experience, you can book a private tour with a guide and a private car to ensure you return to the airport on time. Alternatively, you can create your own itinerary and use the metro to get around. Just make sure you have a plan for your luggage and allow enough time to get back to the airport, especially if you need to go through immigration again.
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Transport options from the airport
Shenzhen Airport, also known as Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, is one of the busiest airports in China. It is located about an hour away from the city centre.
There are several transport options available to travellers looking to leave Shenzhen Airport and make their way into the city. The cheapest option is to take the Metro Line 11, which costs €1.50 (CNY 10) and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The metro station is located on the B1 level of the Ground Transport Centre, underneath Terminal 3. However, the metro is not the most convenient option, as it makes many stops, and you will need to find additional transportation to your hotel once you reach the city. There is also very limited storage space on the metro, so it is recommended to travel light.
Another option is to take the Airport Express Bus, which costs around €3 (CNY 20) and also takes about an hour to reach the city. The bus leaves from the Ground Transport Centre at Shenzhen Airport, and there are different lines serving various parts of the city, so travel time may vary. It is recommended to arrive at least 10 minutes early to secure a seat, and to carry change for your bus ticket.
For those seeking a faster option, taking a taxi is the most convenient way to travel. Taxis are available 24/7 and can take you directly from the airport to your hotel in about 30 minutes. The average cost is €14 (CNY 100), including a €0.45 (CNY 3) airport surcharge, and the fare is calculated using a taximeter. It is important to note that taxi drivers do not speak English, so it is recommended to write down your hotel's address to show to the driver. Taxi fares are 20% higher during the nighttime hours of 23:00 to 06:00.
In addition to these options, travellers can also consider booking a private tour, which includes transportation and a guide to ensure you return to the airport on time.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your nationality and the length of your layover. Tourists from most countries, including the US, UK, Canada, France, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand, can obtain a 5-day VOA (visa on arrival) for CNY 130 without applying for a regular visa. However, this VOA cannot be extended or converted, and holders must leave China before it expires. Alternatively, if you have a long layover, you may qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit program, which allows you to exit the airport and explore Shenzhen without a visa.
To obtain the 5-day VOA in Shenzhen, you need a passport with at least three months of validity. The VOA costs CNY 130 for all citizenships and allows single entry into Shenzhen. It cannot be extended or converted, and you must leave China before it expires.
The requirements for the 144-hour visa-free transit program in Shenzhen may vary. Some sources mention a minimum layover length of 8 hours, while others suggest a 24-hour layover may be required to exit the airport without a visa. It is always recommended to check with your airline or local immigration authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
You can check the Timatic database, used by airlines to check passenger information, or contact your airline directly for more information. Additionally, official government websites of your nationality and China's immigration websites may provide detailed and up-to-date information on visa requirements and exemptions.
Yes, there are several places you can visit during a layover in Shenzhen. The city offers a variety of experiences, including the Ping An International Finance Centre, the tallest building in Shenzhen, and Window of the World, a theme park with miniature replicas of famous places. The China Folk Culture Village showcases the diverse culture of China's ethnic groups. For a glimpse of the city's development, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view from a skyscraper or explore the coast and beaches, such as Dameisha Beach and Xiaomeisha Beach.
