Customs clearance measures applauded by delegates attending APEC meeting

After landing on a flight at midday in Shenzhen, Camila Isabel from Mexico completed her entry procedures in less than five minutes. She arrived in Shenzhen to attend the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting on Forestry on July 27-28. 

“The entire clearance process was extremely efficient and fast,” she said. “I am very grateful for the hard work of every staff member.”

Isabel is one of the many delegates from various APEC member economies who experienced a remarkably fast and smooth entry process at the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport.

To ensure seamless entry for overseas delegates, the Shenzhen Airport Border Inspection Station tailored a dedicated service plan based on passenger traffic and foreign affairs protocol standards. Pre-arrival guidance was offered to help foreign visitors complete electronic arrival cards, while exclusive “APEC Delegate Lanes” were designated to speed up clearance procedures.

Additionally, the airport inspection authority deployed a youth volunteer team to provide multilingual assistance. The station also streamlined transitions, from aircraft landing and passenger diversion to border inspection, to create an integrated, one-stop service system that boosted efficiency.

According to Chen Peixin, deputy captain of the fourth duty team at the Shenzhen Airport Border Inspection Station, nearly 50 delegations consisting of approximately 200 people were expected to travel through the airport during the ministerial meeting on forestry.

Currently, the Shenzhen airport operates direct passenger flights to 15 APEC member economies. Official data shows that as of July 24, the Shenzhen airport has recorded 420,000 inbound visits by visitors from APEC member economies this year, representing a 29.2% year-on-year increase. The growth highlights Shenzhen’s rising prominence as a major gateway for international exchange.