Do I Need to Get Out of the Car at the Border? A Step-by-Step Guide to Shenzhen Bay, HZMB & Huanggang Port

For first-time cross-border car passengers, the most common question is: "Do I need to get out of the car at the border?" The answer depends on which port you use. Different ports have different procedures. This article breaks down each one.

Shenzhen Bay Port: The Most Popular Choice
Shenzhen Bay Port is the most frequently used border crossing for cross-border vehicles. It operates on a "co-location" model, meaning both Hong Kong exit and Mainland China entry procedures take place at the same location.

Hong Kong Exit Direction: Passengers do NOT need to get out. The driver pulls up to the inspection counter, passengers simply lower the window and hand over their Home Visit Permit or passport. The process takes about 1-2 minutes.

Mainland China Entry Direction: Passengers DO need to get out. After the vehicle reaches the Mainland inspection area, passengers exit with their carry-on luggage, walk through the inspection hall, then re-board the same vehicle at a designated meeting point. The entire process takes approximately 10-15 minutes depending on queue length.

Luggage: Large suitcases can stay in the vehicle under the driver's supervision. Only carry valuables and travel documents with you.

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port: Fastest Clearance
The HZMB Hong Kong Port is located on an artificial island near Hong Kong International Airport. It also uses the "co-location" model. Cross-border cars heading to Zhuhai or Macau mainly use this port.

Hong Kong Exit: Passengers stay in the car. Same process as Shenzhen Bay.

Mainland Entry: Passengers need to get out and walk through the inspection hall. The HZMB inspection hall is spacious with ample counters, and clearance is typically faster than Shenzhen Bay on regular days.

Huanggang / Lok Ma Chau Port: The Only 24-Hour Option
Huanggang Port is Hong Kong's only 24-hour land border crossing, ideal for late-night or early-morning departures. However, it uses a "dual-location" model — Hong Kong exit and Mainland entry happen at two separate locations.

Hong Kong Exit (Lok Ma Chau): Passengers stay in the car.

Mainland Entry (Huanggang): Passengers need to get out and walk through the inspection hall. Allow 15-20 extra minutes after 11:00 PM as queues can be longer during late hours.

Port Comparison
Shenzhen Bay: 06:30-00:00 | Get out for Mainland entry | Best for Shenzhen (Nanshan, Futian)
HZMB: 24 hours | Get out for Mainland entry | Best for Zhuhai, Macau
Huanggang: 24 hours | Dual-location clearance | Best for late-night trips

Practical Tips
- Documents: Keep your Home Visit Permit or passport within easy reach. Do not store them in checked luggage.
- Time estimate: Allow 30-45 minutes for the full clearance process. Allow more time during peak hours (Friday evenings, holiday eves).
- Luggage: Large items stay in the car. Only carry hand luggage and documents.
- Traveling with children: Children must accompany adults through immigration. Stroller-friendly access is available at all ports.
- Duty-free allowance: Travelers aged 18+ entering Mainland China from Hong Kong/Macau: duty-free exemption on personal items with total value up to RMB 12,000 (up to RMB 15,000 at ports with duty-free shops). Short-term frequent travelers (re-entering within 15 days) are not eligible.

Whichever port you choose, Tiger Limo's professional driver team will assist you throughout the clearance process. Contact us to book your cross-border car service.

Route information: Shenzhen cross-border service · Guangzhou cross-border service · Macau cross-border service

Tiger Limo's Toyota Alphard and Mercedes V-Class fleet is equipped with legal cross-border license plates. Our professional drivers are familiar with all port procedures, ensuring a comfortable cross-border travel experience.