Shenzhen Airport has a single very large and architecturally interesting terminal opened in 2013 as "Terminal 3" because until then the airport had Terminals A, B and D.
In 2013, Terminals A, B and D were closed, leaving only the current Terminal 3, which was not renamed.
Terminal 3 also includes a satellite building in the middle of the airport area, which can be reached by an underground automated train. However, this is only the departure gate section and check-in for all flights - domestic and international - takes place in the main Terminal 3 building.
Orientation at the airport is very easy and the signage is clear. Arrive at least 2.5 hours in advance for departures, mainly due to the size of the airport.
Transfer between flights
China Southern Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines, in particular, make the airport an important transfer hub.
Shenzhen Airport is one of the most convenient transfer airports in China, especially as it has only one terminal.
What checks do I go through when I change 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 Shenzhen to 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?
You do not need to arrange a visa for China for an international transfer.
Visa-free entry for transfers within 144 hours
Many airlines also offer long layovers of several days.
Shenzhen 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 transfer within 24 hours, the official 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.
Can I leave China via the land border?
The airport's proximity to Hong Kong and Macau attracts travelers to buy cheap tickets to Shenzhen, take advantage of the 144-hour visa-free entry and take the subway or boat to these cities.
Unfortunately for this case, it is not possible to use the 144-hour visa-free entry and you need to arrange a visa to China in advance at the embassy.
If you use the visa-free entry, you must leave China again by air from Shenzhen, Guangzhou or Jieyang airport.
