Hong Kong to Shenzhen via Futian Port
Traveling between Hong Kong and Shenzhen can be quite simple. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that you must cross through a customs border between both territories.
Admittedly, having to cross a border between these two territories may seem strange, at first. However, though they are both a part of the People’s Republic of China, they share a “one country, two systems” agreement.
Therefore, as with any border between two countries, Hong Kong and China Mainland require you to go through an immigration process. Meaning, officers at both sides will check your passport and validate you for exit or entry. All in all, there is no need to worry, the process is simple, so long as you prepare in advance.
Futian Port
Futian Port, or Fútián Kǒu’àn (福田口岸), is an immigration port of entry in Shenzhen’s Futian District. It is also one of the most convenient ports, as it connects to both Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Lok Ma Chau) metro lines. Additionally, both sides are joined by a pedestrian bridge, making it one of the quickest borders to get across.
This border is sometimes confused with Huanggang Port, or Huánggǎng Kǒu’àn (皇岗口岸), due to its close proximity. Though the two borders are in fact different, it is useful to know they are nearby. This is because the Futian Port closes at midnight (00:00) and doesn’t open again until 6:30 AM, the next morning. Huanggang Port, on the other hand, is open 24-hours.
What Should I Prepare?
The two things you must absolutely have with you are your Passport and a valid visa for entry into Mainland China. Though Hong Kong offers a visa on arrival (VoA) for most nationalities, China is significantly more restrictive.
Only a few nationalities are permitted to apply for a VoA at the Hong Kong – China border. If you would like to know whether or not your country is eligible for a VoA, you can visit our article about this here. Nevertheless, in recent years, China has made it more accessible for business and transit visitors to receive a short-stay VoA.
It is imperative that visitors make sure they can receive a VoA. Otherwise, they may be turned away at the border. Anyone looking to enter Mainland China, that doesn’t meet the requirements for a VoA, should visit their local Chinese Embassy or Consulate to apply for a visa there.
What Can I Expect At The Futian Border?
As with any immigration checkpoint, what you can expect is quite standard. You will enter the immigration building and pass through the routine security checks. Once your luggage has passed through the x-ray machine, you will proceed to queue up and await an available counter.
At the counter, an officer will check your passport and visa. Then, once you have been cleared by the officer, you will go through and onto the Arrivals counters on the other side. There, the process repeats. Finally, after you have successfully cleared the second counter, you can exit the building and proceed to your final destination in the city.
How Long Does it Take to Get Across?
The actual duration for crossing the border depends on the time at which you cross. This is because thousands of people commute between the two territories, every day. As such, if you happen to cross at peak hours, you can expect a significantly longer waiting time.
As a general estimate, crossing at low-traffic hours could take about 20 minutes. On the contrary, crossing at peak hours or during public holidays could take as long as 1-2 hours, due to the long queues. We recommend you plan ahead to avoid the commuters that are coming and going.
Best Way to Get From Hong Kong to Shenzhen?
If you are new to the area or simply looking for the most efficient option to cross the border, we recommend using a reliable car service. Public transport and taxis can be confusing and, at times, unreliable.
Rather than worry about transport, it is easier to prepare for this in advance and travel with a trusted company. One that offers professional local drivers and 24-hour customer assistance. This way, you will have one less thing to worry about.
All things considered, the Futian Port is a great option for crossing between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Though there are many other ports between the two territories, the exact point of entry really depends on your intended destination. We hope this article has helped answer your questions about crossing the border and we wish you safe travels!
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