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Are there customs/immigration at the Guangzhou Train station

I'm planning to take the (hi-speed) train from Guangzhou to Hong Kong. Is there a customs and immigration checkpoint at the train stations when I board ? Or do I get off the train in Shenzhen Futian and go through customs there?

When traveling on the high-speed train from Guangzhou to Hong Kong, you will go through both Chinese exit and Hong Kong entry immigration and customs procedures. This is designed to simplify the process so you don’t have to handle immigration separately in Shenzhen Futian or other intermediate stations.

Here is how it works:

  • At Guangzhou South Railway Station, there is a dedicated Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) departure area. Before boarding the train, you must pass through Chinese exit immigration and customs as well as Hong Kong entry immigration counters located within the station itself.
  • After clearing both exit and entry procedures, you board the train and travel directly to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station without stopping for additional immigration checks.
  • You do not need to get off at Shenzhen Futian for customs or immigration; the train runs as a direct service for passengers who have completed pre-clearance at Guangzhou South.

Tips for a smooth journey:

  • Arrive at Guangzhou South Station at least 60–90 minutes before your train departure to allow sufficient time for both Chinese and Hong Kong immigration checks, which can take longer during peak hours or holidays.
  • Bring your passport and valid Hong Kong visa (if required) ready for inspection.
  • Follow the signs for Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) when entering the station; this is separate from domestic train platforms.
  • Ensure your train ticket specifically mentions the destination as Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, as only certain trains have direct cross-border clearance.

By clearing immigration and customs at Guangzhou South, your journey to Hong Kong becomes seamless, and there is no need to handle immigration in Shenzhen Futian.

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