Transit Shenzen airport with visa free pass for 10 day

Question

Hi, I'm a Brit and will Fly Hanoi to Shanghai via Shenzen on 17/10. Then on to Xian by train on 22/10, Leaving China, flying to Bangkok 27/10. I can do this visa free with the 10 day transit pass.

My question is; has anyone experience of transiting through Shenzen or can offer advice?

I fly China Southern Hanoi to Shenzen then have to self checkin again for another China Southern flight Shenzen to Shanghai 2hrs 30mins later.

Therefore I will pass immigration and enter China in Shenzen, collect my suitcase, checkin again for the connecting flight. Is 2hrs 30mins enough time? I believe there's a bit of paperwork to be done etc?

I will speak to the airline upon departure in Hanoi for advice but wondering if anyone here can shed some light on what to expect. Can I do anything with paperwork to speed up the process?

Apologise for the long post and thanks for any help

Answer

Transiting through Shenzhen Bao’an Airport with the 10-day visa-free transit (TVF) is possible, but it requires careful planning, especially with a short connection time like 2 hours 30 minutes.

1. Understanding the process:

Since you are entering China under the 10-day transit policy, you will need to pass through immigration at Shenzhen.
You will also need to collect your checked luggage and check in again for the domestic flight to Shanghai, as this is not an interlined transfer.
There may be forms to fill out for immigration, and you may be asked to show your onward travel tickets and accommodation details.

2. Timing considerations:

2 hours 30 minutes is generally the minimum recommended time for this type of transfer. It can be tight, especially if there are queues at immigration or if your first flight is delayed.
Immigration can take 20–60 minutes depending on passenger volume. Collecting luggage and checking in again could take another 30–60 minutes.
Security checks for the next flight will also require time, usually 20–30 minutes.

3. Tips to make the process smoother:

Check with China Southern at Hanoi to see if they can issue both boarding passes or at least check your luggage through to Shanghai. Sometimes airlines can assist even with separate tickets.
Prepare your documents in advance: passport, 10-day TVF approval, onward flight ticket, and hotel booking in Shanghai.
Be ready to explain that you are entering China under the visa-free transit policy; this can sometimes speed up processing at the immigration desk.
Consider the use of online check-in for your Shenzhen to Shanghai flight, if available, to save time at the airport.
If possible, leaving some buffer or selecting an earlier flight to Shenzhen can reduce stress in case of delays.

Summary: Your plan is feasible, but 2 hours 30 minutes is tight. The main delays are likely to come from immigration and luggage collection/check-in. Preparing documents, checking with the airline, and being efficient at each step will help ensure you make your connecting flight.

Transit Shenzen airport with visa free pass for 10 day

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