Question

Asked by Jon from usa | Mar. 30, 2026 08:55

About:240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Does my itinerary qualify for the 240 hour visa free transit? Thank you!

USA - Hong Kong May 14th→ (Zuhai Port by shuttle bus) Shenzhen May 15th→ Guangzhou → Zhangjiajie → Chongqing → Seoul May 25th - USA. Does it qualify for 240 hour visa free transit?

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Answers (4)

Answered by Jon | Mar. 30, 2026 09:44

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Actually I'm now considering crossing on foot from Hong Kong to Shenzhen via the Futian Port. Is this port eligible for the 240 hour TWOV?

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Answered by Borut | Mar. 31, 2026 06:27

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Jon, your first itinerary is eligible, but under the condition that you reduce your stay in mainland China for 1 day. It is true that May 14th is considered as day 0 and as such not counted against your 10 available days, but a period from May 15th to May 25th has 11 days. So, it will be essential to reduce it for 1 day.

Your idea to cross the Futian border crossing (called Futian checkpoint) on foot is not eligible. Here are the option how you can cross between Hong Kong and mainland China (when we talk about Shenzhen area) in eligible way:

1. Take a high speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon station to Shenzhen. The most useful and practical station in Shenzhen is Futian (not to be confused with Futian pedestrian border crossing - checkpoint) because it is very centrally located. By taking a train (high speed one and from Hong Kong West Kowloon station) is eligible way to enjoy 240 hour visa free transit scheme.
2. Take a ferry from Hong Kong central pier to Shekou port in Shenzhen. Also, if you land in Hong Kong and plan to travel to Shenzhen immediately, you can skip Hong Kong immigration procedures and take a ferry from HKIA Skypier to Shekou port in Shenzhen. Taking a ferry is also eligible way to enjoy visa free transit option.

Please, review your itinerary once again and adapt it so that it complies with the rules of 240 hour visa free transit. Have a nice visit to China.

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Answered by Jon | Mar. 31, 2026 20:14

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First off thank you so much for your detailed answer, it's much appreciated! I had my dates wrong. We will actually be boarding a train from Kowloon Station to Shenzhen on May 15th and flying out from Chongqing on May 25th Therefore, I believe we should be okay based off your response. Thanks again, big relief!

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Answered by Borut | Apr. 01, 2026 04:15

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Yes, now you are fine. Your dates are definitely within the 240 hour visa free transit rules and also taking a train from Hong Kong West Kowloon station to Shenzhen (again, I recommend Futian station in Shenzhen because it is so centrally located) is eligible way to enter mainland China under 240 hour visa free transit. One more detail. It is highly advisable to arrive at least 90 (120 minutes usually recommended because you have some additional formalities since you will travel on 240 hour visa free transit) minutes ahead of your train departure time at Hong Kong West Kowloon station because there you will encounter both Hong Kong and mainland Chinese immigration facilities, co-located at the same premises. In other words, when you sit in the train at Hong Kong West Kowloon station there will be no more any formality to accomplish until your departure from Chongqing where you will exit mainland China. Now, you are ready to go. Have a nice visit to China.

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