Chengdu Tianfu Airport has two terminals, designated as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Two further terminals are currently under construction.

Both terminals are situated opposite each other, about 100 metres apart, and are connected by pedestrian walkways.

The airport is one of the most modern in the world and the individual buildings are very spacious. Security and passport controls are efficient and can handle a huge number of passengers within a reasonable time.

Queues for security checks usually take no longer than about 20 minutes. You can expect to wait between 30 and 60 minutes for passport control on arrival.

Which terminal?

The terminals are divided into domestic and international flights.

• Terminal 1– handles all international flights
• Terminal 2– handles all domestic flights

Connecting flights

Thanks largely to Sichuan Airlines, the airport is also a major transfer hub for international routes.

Book a hotel near Tianfu Airport

Transferring at Tianfu Airport is very straightforward and simple.

What security checks do I go through when transferring?

Find out what procedures you can expect during your transfer.

• International →international: security check
• International →domestic: immigration and security checks
• Domestic →international: immigration and security checks
• Domestic →domestic: no checks

Flights from Chengdu to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are also classified as international flights.

• ℹ️ On this website, we describe our experiences of travelling from the airport to the city centre and recommend the top attractions worth visiting around the world.

Do I have to leave the transit area?

If your luggage is checked through to your final destination or you are travelling with hand luggage only, you do not need to leave the transit area.

Do I need to collect my luggage?

If both flights were booked as part of a single reservation and your connection is in less than 24 hours, you do not need to collect your luggage.

Do I need a visa for China?

In the case of an international transfer, you do not need to apply for a visa for China provided certain conditions are met; see below.

Visa-free entry for transfers of up to 240 hours

Many airlines also offer long, multi-day connections.

Chengdu Tianfu Airport is part of the visa-free entry programme for a maximum stay of 240 hours.

Upon arrival, before passing through immigration control, look for the special counter where these visa-free entries are processed.

Please note that for layovers of up to 24 hours, an official may refuse to issue a visa-free entry permit, in which case you will have to spend your time in the transit area.

For layovers of more than 24 hours, visa-free entry is always granted without any issues. However, you will need to present your flight ticket from China and your accommodation booking.

We provide detailed information in the article ‘Transfers in China and free visa-free entry’.