Lo Wu Control Point Hong Kong China Border Crossing
Border Crossing From Hong Kong to China by Bridge
Opening Hours
Standard Hours: 6:30 AM to midnight (00:00) daily
Seasonal Adjustments: None - operates consistently year-round
Holiday Closures: Occasionally extends hours or maintains 24-hour operations during major holidays such as Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, and Easter (announced case-by-case)
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait: 2-5 seconds for automated channels, up to 30 minutes during normal periods
Peak Times:
- Morning Rush: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM (weekday commuters)
- Evening Rush: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (returning travelers)
- Weekend Evenings: Friday and Sunday evenings
- Holiday Periods: Chinese New Year, Easter, May Day Golden Week, Summer Holidays
Express Options: e-Channel services available for Hong Kong residents and registered mainland travelers with automated clearance
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Fully Available - 190 inspection channels (115 automated, 75 staffed)
Customs Processing: Fully Available - Modern inspection equipment and comprehensive clearance services
Health Screening: Available - Mandatory health declarations and screening facilities
Services:
- Restrooms and waiting areas
- Currency exchange services
- Food outlets in connected commercial areas
- Multilingual volunteer service station
- First aid and emergency response services
Accessibility: Wheelchair access and accessibility features available
Official Resources
Hong Kong Border Authority:
- Website: https://www.immd.gov.hk
- Contact: (852) 2824 6111 (24-hour service)
- Lo Wu Specific: (852) 2679 1105
China Border Authority:
- Website: https://www.sz.gov.cn/en_szgov
- Contact: +86 755 82324022 (Luohu Checkpoint)
- Immigration Service: 12367
Travel Advisories:
- Hong Kong: https://www.sb.gov.hk/eng/special/bound/control.html
- China: https://en.nia.gov.cn
Overview
The Lo Wu Control Point stands as one of the world's busiest land border crossings, serving as the primary gateway between Hong Kong and mainland China. Located just 15 minutes from central Hong Kong via the MTR East Rail Line, this crossing handles approximately 100 million passengers annually, making it China's second-busiest land checkpoint and Hong Kong's most heavily trafficked control point. The facility connects Shenzhen's Luohu District with Hong Kong's New Territories, facilitating seamless movement for residents, tourists, and business travelers. The crossing features advanced technology including 190 inspection channels (115 automated, 75 staffed) with biometric verification systems that complete self-service inspections within 2-5 seconds. The strategic location offers direct integration with both cities' transportation networks, with the Hong Kong side connecting directly to Lo Wu MTR Station and the mainland side linking to Shenzhen Metro Line 1 and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Railway. The checkpoint maintains multilingual support services and operates comprehensive customs and immigration facilities, serving as a critical economic and social bridge between the two territories.
Document Requirements
For International Travellers
Entry to Hong Kong:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Appropriate visa (if required based on nationality and purpose of visit)
- Onward travel documentation (for transit passengers)
Entry to Mainland China:
- Valid passport with blank pages for visa stamps
- Chinese visa or Shenzhen 5-Day Visa on Arrival (VOA) for eligible nationalities
- Completed application forms as required by entry type
For Local Citizens
- Valid Chinese passport or Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (回鄉證)
- Hong Kong entry permit (for tourism, business, or family visits)
- e-Channel registration available for frequent travelers with appropriate documentation
- Hong Kong Smart Identity Card (for permanent residents aged 11 and above)
- Valid travel documents including Hong Kong SAR passport or Document of Identity for Visa Purposes
- e-Channel eligibility available for automated clearance through fingerprint and facial recognition
Crossing Procedure
From Hong Kong Side
- Travel via MTR East Rail Line to Lo Wu Station
- Complete immigration and customs clearance at Hong Kong Immigration control
- Walk across the connecting bridge between territories
- Present valid travel documents and complete exit procedures
From China Side
- Complete mandatory health declaration via QR code (WeChat or web-based)
- Visit second-floor visa office for port visa applications (if required)
- Complete immigration clearance with fingerprint verification and document inspection
- Proceed through customs inspection channels
- Access Shenzhen Metro Line 1 or other transportation options
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports: Private vehicles cannot cross at this checkpoint
Goods Allowances:
- Mainland Residents: CNY 15,000 combined duty-free allowance (CNY 12,000 standard + CNY 3,000 port duty-free)
- Hong Kong Residents: Standard duty-free limits for alcohol, tobacco, and personal items
Prohibited Items: Weapons, explosives, narcotics, counterfeit goods, endangered species, certain electronics (drones), and publications deemed harmful
Currency Restrictions:
- Chinese Yuan: Maximum CNY 20,000 without declaration
- Foreign Currency: USD 5,000 equivalent without declaration
Known Issues:
- Long wait times during peak periods and holidays
- Frontier Closed Area restrictions requiring valid documents
- Some infrastructure showing age and requiring renovation
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants in Near Border Hong Kong
- Lo Wu Commercial City: Shopping and dining complex directly connected to crossing
- Sheung Shui Area: 15-20 minutes by MTR, various hotel and restaurant options
- Tai Po Area: 25-30 minutes by MTR, more accommodation choices
Hotels and Restaurants in Near Border China
- Luohu District Hotels: Numerous budget to luxury hotels within walking distance
- Dongmen Commercial Area: 2-3 km from crossing, extensive dining and shopping
- Shenzhen Railway Station Area: Adjacent to crossing, multiple hotel options
Better Options Nearby:
Hong Kong Side: Admiralty/Central area (45 minutes by MTR, 25 km) - Premium hotels and dining China Side: Futian District, Shenzhen (5-10 km) - Modern hotels and international restaurants with better facilities
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, we found a mixed but generally positive sentiment regarding the Lo Wu Control Point. Efficiency and convenience are frequently praised, with travelers appreciating the quick processing times and automated systems that facilitate smooth border crossings. Many reviewers highlight the fast 10-15 minute journey from Shenzhen to Lo Wu MTR station and commend the spacious and bright facilities. However, wait times during peak periods remain a significant concern, with some foreign nationals reporting over an hour waits during busy periods. The automated customs clearance system receives mixed feedback, with some noting it's slower than other Shenzhen checkpoints and has room for improvement. Infrastructure concerns are mentioned, with some areas described as too old and requiring renovation. Crowd management varies considerably, with experiences ranging from very efficient processing to overwhelming congestion during holiday periods. Despite challenges, most travelers acknowledge the crossing's strategic importance and overall reliability for Hong Kong-mainland China travel. The multilingual support services and comprehensive facilities are generally well-received by international travelers.
Traveler Experiences
"Very fast nowadays, only need 10-15 mins to go from Shenzhen to the Lo Wu MTR station" - Triy
"Very efficient cross region control makes it quick to travel from HK to Mainland China." - Philip
"So inefficient and slow if you're a foreign (even if you have visa free access). I have to wait in line for over an hour just to get through which is ridiculous." - Rohit
DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.