Chengdu Tianfu Airport has two terminals, with the buildings designated as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Two more terminals are under construction.
The two terminals are located opposite each other at a distance of about 100 metres and are connected by pedestrian corridors.
The airport is one of the most modern in the world and the individual buildings are very spacious. Security and passport control are efficient and can handle huge numbers of passengers in reasonable times.
Queues for security check are usually around 20 minutes maximum. You will wait between 30 and 60 minutes for passport control on arrival.
Which terminal?
The terminals are divided into domestic and international flights.
- Terminal 1 - handles all international flights
- Terminal 2 - handles all domestic flights
Transfer between flights
Thanks mainly to Sichuan Airlines, the airport is also an important transfer hub from international flights.
Book a hotel near Tianfu Airport
Transferring at Tianfu Airport is very straightforward and simple.
What checks do I go through when changing planes?
Find out what procedures to expect during your transfer.
- International -> International: security check
- International -> domestic: immigration and security check
- Domestic -> International: immigration and security check
- National -> national: no check
Routes from Chengdu to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan also count as international flights.
Do I have to leave the transit zone?
If you have luggage all the way to your destination or are travelling with hand luggage only, you do not need to leave the transit area.
Do I have to collect my luggage?
If both flights are booked on the same reservation and you have less than 24 hours to transfer, you do not need to collect your baggage.
Do I need a visa for China?
For international transfers, you do not need to arrange a visa for China, subject to a number of conditions, see below.
Visa-free entry for transfers within 144 hours
Many airlines also offer long layovers of several days.
Chengdu Tianfu Airport is included in the visa-free entry program up to a maximum of 144 hours.
Upon arrival, before going through immigration, look for the special counter where these visa-free entries are processed.
Please note that if you cross within 24 hours, the officer may refuse to issue a visa-free entry permit and you will therefore have to spend time in the transit zone.
For transfers over 24 hours, visa-free entry permits are always issued without any problems. However, you need to present your flight ticket from China and your accommodation reservation.
