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Shanghai, Pudong: what's transit like?

Hello!

When you transit through Shanghai Pudong (both flights international), what are the official procedures like? Is your passport being checked? Do you have to go through any security? Or do you just walk to the next gate?

Thank you!

When transiting through Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on two international flights, the process is generally straightforward, but there are a few key steps to be aware of.

Here’s what you can typically expect:

  • Passport check: Since both flights are international, you generally do not clear Chinese immigration. However, you will need to show your passport at the transit checkpoint. Airport staff will verify your onward boarding pass and identity.
  • Security screening: You will go through security again for your connecting flight. This is standard in Pudong for all transit passengers, even if you are staying in the international transit area.
  • Customs: You usually do not go through customs if you remain in the international transit zone. Only baggage that was not checked through to your final destination may require pickup and recheck, depending on your airline arrangements.

Additional points to keep in mind:

  • Follow the signs for international transfer/connection rather than entering the arrival hall; this keeps you within the transit area.
  • Check your boarding pass for gate information; Pudong is a very large airport and walking times between terminals can be long.
  • If you are flying with different airlines that are not in the same alliance or have separate check-in procedures, you might need to retrieve your checked baggage and recheck it. In that case, you would have to clear immigration and customs.

Summary:

  • If your flights are both international and your baggage is checked through, you only show your passport at the transit checkpoint, pass through security, and proceed to the next gate.
  • No full immigration clearance is needed in this scenario.
  • Always allow at least 2 hours between flights to account for security and walking between terminals.

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