If you want to use China’s 240-hour visa-free transit, don’t walk across at Luohu, Futian or Shenzhen Bay. Enter via Bao’an Airport, Shekou ferry port, or the high-speed train from West Kowloon. The land crossings are fine with 30-day visa-free entry or a visa. A Hong Kong/Macau tour-group arrangement has existed historically (144 hours) — confirm the current official wording before you rely on it.
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Key facts
| 240-hour entry works at | Bao’an International Airport · Shekou port · High-speed rail from West Kowloon |
|---|---|
| 240-hour entry does not work at | Luohu · Futian · Shenzhen Bay (land crossings) |
| Leaving on the 240-hour transit | Allowed via Luohu and Futian |
| Alternatives at land crossings | 30-day visa-free entry (eligible countries) · 144-hour Greater Bay Area tour group · regular visa |
| 240-hour transit nationwide | 57 countries · 65 ports of entry |
| After you cross | Metro gates take contactless foreign cards (since 10 Sep 2026) |
The rules at a glance
| How you enter | 240-hour transit | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Luohu Port 罗湖口岸 Lo Wu side in HK | No (entry) | OK for leaving China on the 240h transit. |
| Futian Port 福田口岸 Lok Ma Chau side in HK | No (entry) | OK for leaving China on the 240h transit. |
| Shenzhen Bay Port 深圳湾口岸 | No | Use another entry rule (see below). |
| Shekou ferry port 蛇口邮轮中心 | Yes | Ferry from Hong Kong. |
| High-speed rail from West Kowloon | Yes | Train into Shenzhen. |
| Bao’an International Airport | Yes | Flying in. |
What the 240-hour transit actually is
It lets citizens of eligible countries pass through China without a visa for up to 240 hours, as long as they’re travelling on to a third country or region. According to the National Immigration Administration, it now covers 57 countries and 65 ports of entry nationwide. In Shenzhen, though, only the airport, Shekou port and the West Kowloon high-speed rail route count for entry. National rules in China essentials →
Walking across instead? Your other options
- 30-day visa-free entry: travellers from eligible countries can use China’s unilateral visa-free policy.
- A Greater Bay Area tour-group arrangement: some Hong Kong or Macau travel-agency groups (two or more people, entering and leaving together) have been able to stay in the Greater Bay Area for a limited period, historically described as 144 hours. Confirm the current official wording with the agency and an official immigration page before you rely on it — we have not independently re-verified a 2026 NIA English text for this specific programme in this review.
- A regular Chinese visa: works at every crossing.
After you cross
Once you’re in, the metro is easy. Since 10 September 2026, every gate on all 17 lines accepts contactless Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Amex and JCB cards, so you don’t need an app. Taking a taxi? Show the driver a Chinese card for your destination.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use the 240-hour visa-free transit if I walk across from Hong Kong at Luohu or Futian?
No. Luohu, Futian and Shenzhen Bay can’t be used to enter Shenzhen on the 240-hour visa-free transit. You can, however, leave China through Luohu or Futian while on the 240-hour transit.
Which Shenzhen entry points work for the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Bao’an International Airport, Shekou port (ferry from Hong Kong) and the high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon.
What can I use at the Hong Kong land crossings instead?
Travellers from eligible countries can use China’s 30-day visa-free entry. A tour group organised by a Hong Kong or Macau travel agency has, in official programmes, been able to stay in the Greater Bay Area for a limited period (historically 144 hours). Confirm the current rule with the agency and an official page. A regular Chinese visa works at every crossing.
How many countries does the 240-hour visa-free transit cover?
According to China’s National Immigration Administration, it covers 57 countries and 65 ports of entry nationwide.
Do I need an app to ride the Shenzhen metro after crossing?
No. Since 10 September 2026, every gate on all 17 Shenzhen metro lines accepts contactless Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, American Express and JCB cards. Contactless payment must be enabled on your card.