Shenzhen 5-Day Visa on Arrival
The Shenzhen 5-day visa on arrival, also known as Shenzhen 5-day VOA, enables tourists from most countries to stay in Shenzhen for up to 5 days without applying for a regular visa. During the 5 days, tourists cannot leave Shenzhen for other mainland Chinese cities.
Note that Shenzhen VOA can neither be extended nor converted. Holders should leave China before it expires. The 5 days start counting from 00:00 the day following the entry date.
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| Shenzhen 5-day visa on arrival (Sample) |
Do I Need a Visa to Go to Shenzhen?
Foreigners need a visa to go to Shenzhen unless they qualify for the 24-hour visa-free transit or they come from countries that have reached visa waiver agreements with China. The good thing is that citizens of most countries can apply for a Shenzhen visa on arrival.
Can I Get a Visa on Arrival in Shenzhen? - See Who Are Eligible
1. Most European and developed countries are eligible for the five-day VOA, including US, UK, Canada, French, Australia, Germany, Korea, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
2. Visitors can also refer to the eligible countries of 144-hour visa-free transit policy. Generally, travelers from these countries can get the Shenzhen VOA.
3. For those beyond the above lists, it doesn’t mean that you are not able to get the 5-day visa but it does have a high risk of being rejected. Thus for a smooth trip, it is suggested to obtain a China visa in advance from the local embassy.
4. Tourists who have been granted a Chinese visa previously will benefit your 5-day VOA application but it is not guaranteed.
Note: The list is subject to changes. Citizens of countries not mentioned can also contact the relevant Chinese embassy or port to ask if they can apply for the Shenzhen visa on arrival.
Can US Citizens Apply for Visa on Arrival in Shenzhen?
Yes. According to the latest news, US citizens can apply for the five-day VOA in Shenzhen.
Where to Get the VOA?
The five-day VOA is available at Luohu (Lo Wu) Port, Huanggang Port, Shekou Port and Fuyong Port. There is no office at Futian Port although it is only a few hundred meters from Huanggang Port.
| Ports | VOA Office Opening Hours | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Luohu Port | 9:00 - 16:30 | (0755)82324022 |
| Huanggang Port | 9:00 - 16:30 | (0755)83391060 |
| Shekou Port | 9:00 - 13:00 & 14:30 - 16:30 | (0755)26691202 |
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport does not issue the visa on arrival.How to Apply for the VOA & How Long Does It Take?
1. Show your valid passport. The five-day VOA is a sticker pasted on the passport like a regular visa. Hence, there must be at least one blank page in the applicant's passport.
2. Complete the application form when you are at the port.
3. The officer will take a photo of you after you hand over your passport and application form.
4. Pay for the VOA (in Chinese RMB); there is a window for currency exchange.
In most cases, people can get the visa within ten minutes.
In most cases, people can get the visa within ten minutes.
How Much Does a Shenzhen Visa Cost?
Generally, US passport holders need to pay CNY 971, and Canadian passport holders need to pay CNY 406 while it costs CNY 626 for the UK passport holders.
Visa fees shall be paid in RMB Yuan (CNY) in the cashless form, like credit cards, Alipay and WeChat Pay. | Country | Visa Fee (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 413 |
| Uzbekistan | 623 |
| Israel | 146 |
| Maldives | Free |
| Botswana | 699 |
| Burundi | 493 |
| Benin | 579 |
| Congo (Brazzaville) | 440 |
| Congo (Kinshasa) | 612 |
| Gabon | 419 |
| Cameroon | 493 |
| Cote d'Ivoire | 605 |
| Liberia | 493 |
| Lesotho | 646 |
| Madagascar | 572 |
| Mauritania | 659 |
| Mozambique | 619 |
| Namibia | 499 |
| Uganda | 572 |
| Angola | 832 |
| Ghana | 519 |
| Bulgaria | 413 |
| North Macedonia | 452 |
| Roumania | 392 |
| Serbia | 14 |
| The United Kingdom | 626 |
| Belarus | Free for those under 16; CNY 206 for others |
| Albania | Free |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Free |
| New Zealand | 552 |
| Federated states of Micronesia | Free |
| United States of America | 971 |
| Canada | 406 |
| Panama | 313 |
| Venezuela | 499 |
| Argentina | 779 |
| Brazil | 739 |
| Chile | Free for F, L, M, Q2, S2 visas; CNY 206 for others |
What Can You Do During the 5 Days?
Visiting Splendid China - Folk Culture Villages will provide tourists an opportunity to appreciate the charm of Chinese culture. Happy Valley and Window of the World are the perfect places to relax and be entertained. Dameisha Beach and Xiaomeisha Beach will not disappoint tourists for the fascinating coastline scenery.
Besides, tourists can taste the delicious morning tea and Cantonese cuisine in Shenzhen. Businessmen can engage in some commercial activities and make a short business trip within the 5 days.
Besides, tourists can taste the delicious morning tea and Cantonese cuisine in Shenzhen. Businessmen can engage in some commercial activities and make a short business trip within the 5 days.
FAQ about Shenzhen 5-Day Visa on Arrival
1. Can I travel back and forth from HK to Shenzhen daily on this visa or do I need to apply each time？
The 5-day VOA is for single entry only, so you need to apply for it each time.
2. May I apply for Shenzhen VOA beforehand or through a travel agent?
No, you cannot. You cannot use a travel agent and you need to apply for it at the border crossing upon arrival on your own.
Further Reading: China Visa on Arrival
The 5-day VOA is for single entry only, so you need to apply for it each time.
2. May I apply for Shenzhen VOA beforehand or through a travel agent?
No, you cannot. You cannot use a travel agent and you need to apply for it at the border crossing upon arrival on your own.
Further Reading: China Visa on Arrival- Last updated on Sep. 08, 2024 by Gabby Li -
Questions & Answers on Visa on Arrival
Asked by Kenneth lam from UNITED KINGDOM | Nov. 03, 2024 01:08
Reply
ReplyEntering shenzen from Hong Kong uk passport
Hello I am planning on going to Shenzen with my British passport next week
I am correct that I can just apply for VOA if I take the rail to shenzen upon arrival and that it should only take around ten minutes (excluding queue's)
I have heard so many different stories about others applying before hand in london for the visa and just wanted to make sure it is as simple as just going straight there and to the visa board and applying and paying a fee
Many thanks
I am correct that I can just apply for VOA if I take the rail to shenzen upon arrival and that it should only take around ten minutes (excluding queue's)
I have heard so many different stories about others applying before hand in london for the visa and just wanted to make sure it is as simple as just going straight there and to the visa board and applying and paying a fee
Many thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 04, 2024 00:34
0
0Reply
00ReplyKenneth, you cannot take a cross border train to Shenzhen because this is not an eligible way to obtain a 5 days Shenzhen VOA. There are three eligible border crossings and probably the most convenient one is Lo Wu (Luohu) that you can reach by suburban train from the center of Hong Kong. Visa office is located at Luohu crossing and its opening hours are 9:00 - 16:30. You are advised to be there at 08:30 in order to avoid the major queues. It is true that you need just your passport and everything else will be performed at the visa office including the photographing, filling out the form and the payment of 130 CNY by card. After that you will enter Shenzhen.
After your stay in Shenzhen, you are free to return to Hong Kong by taking any border crossing and any mean of transport, high speed, cross border train, included.
It is not possible to apply for this visa in advance.
After your stay in Shenzhen, you are free to return to Hong Kong by taking any border crossing and any mean of transport, high speed, cross border train, included.
It is not possible to apply for this visa in advance.
Asked by Abbie from PHILIPPINES | Nov. 02, 2024 21:06Reply
ReplyDoes huanggang port issue voa?
Plan to visit Shenzhen from hk via wan chai bus shuttle or coach ride. Is the voa available at the port of entry at huanggang? My companions are Philippine passport holders, and we plan to just do a day trip and return to hk at night. Thanks in advance for those who know and shed light on this matter.
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 04, 2024 00:2800Reply
00ReplyYes, Huanggang port issues visa and the visa office opening hours is 9:00 - 16:30. However, I have to inform you that the success rate for the citizens of the Philippines is not exactly the best, so you are running a risk to be refused the visa. In other words, you are free to proceed and I wish you the best of luck in this regard, however you should be prepared even for the negative outcome.
Asked by Yona from INDONESIA | Oct. 30, 2024 23:44Reply
ReplyIndonesian Hong Kong Permanent Resident chance of getting rejected for VOA?
We are planning to visit Shenzhen tomorrow and apply for VOA, heard that Indonesian passport holder who are women are usually rejected. We have a Hong Kong Permanent Resident, will this increase our chances to get approved for the VOA? What time is ideal for us to go to the port, will arriving at 2pm be sufficient?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 01, 2024 03:2400Reply
00ReplyYona, Indonesian citizens are increasingly successful in obtaining a 5 days Shenzhen VOA. Your Hong Kong residency will definitely increase your eligibility and I would say that your chances to get a Shenzhen VOA are really very good.
As far as the best time of arrival at the border crossing, it is definitely earlier in the morning hours. Usual recommendation is at 08:30 because the opening time of visa office is 09:00. Arriving at 14:00 could be too late if the number of visa application accumulated until that hours have reached the usual daily number. Also, the most convenient border crossing is Lo Wu / Luohu.
As far as the best time of arrival at the border crossing, it is definitely earlier in the morning hours. Usual recommendation is at 08:30 because the opening time of visa office is 09:00. Arriving at 14:00 could be too late if the number of visa application accumulated until that hours have reached the usual daily number. Also, the most convenient border crossing is Lo Wu / Luohu.
Asked by Dave from UNITED KINGDOM | Oct. 30, 2024 22:37Reply
ReplyShenzhen to Guilin
If I get a Shenzhen VOA, can I travel to/from Guilin by high-speed rail and leave via Shenzhen? Will anyone check my visa on leaving or entering Guangdong?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 01, 2024 03:1700Reply
00ReplyNo, you are not allowed to travel anywhere outside the Shenzhen city limits, let alone Guilin that is located in totally different province. In other words, you should not attempt to do that.
Asked by Åsmund from NORWAY | Oct. 29, 2024 23:07Reply
ReplyCan I, as a Norwegian citizen enter Shenzhen on a 5-Day Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Tourist Visa?
Or do I need to have a 144h transit visa?
I am planning on visiting from Hong Kong
I am planning on visiting from Hong Kong
Answers (3)
Answered by Emily | Oct. 30, 2024 19:2910Reply
10ReplyYes, you are very likely to get the VOA and are eligible for the 144 policy.
Answered by Borut | Oct. 31, 2024 01:2800Reply
00ReplyJust to add, that if you plan to enjoy 144 hour visa free transit scheme, you will have to take a ferry from Hong Kong to Shekou port in Shenzhen and after your stay in Guangdong province, you will have to depart by ferry to Macau because under 144 hour visa free transit, you cannot return directly to Hong Kong. Also, if traveling under 144 hour visa free transit, you will have to buy your Shekou to Macau ferry ticket in advance, before your departure to Shenzhen, print it out and have that printout with you. You will also have to take exactly that ferry you have bought your ticket for.
If you decide for 5 days Shenzhen visa on arrival, you are advised to be at Lo Wu / Luohu border crossing at least at 08:30 because the visa office opens at 09:00, to beat the queues. Do not arrive at later time. If traveling on 5 days Shenzhen visa, you are limited to Shenzhen, but you can return from Shenzhen directly to Hong Kong by taking any border crossing or any mean of transport, high speed train included.
Hopefully, until the time when you reach the region, the announced visa free regime for Norwegians for stays of up to 15 days will be implemented. If not, you will rely on one of two describer options.
If you decide for 5 days Shenzhen visa on arrival, you are advised to be at Lo Wu / Luohu border crossing at least at 08:30 because the visa office opens at 09:00, to beat the queues. Do not arrive at later time. If traveling on 5 days Shenzhen visa, you are limited to Shenzhen, but you can return from Shenzhen directly to Hong Kong by taking any border crossing or any mean of transport, high speed train included.
Hopefully, until the time when you reach the region, the announced visa free regime for Norwegians for stays of up to 15 days will be implemented. If not, you will rely on one of two describer options.
Answered by Borut | Nov. 01, 2024 09:4600Reply
00Reply Åsmund, if your visit happens to be from November 8 or later, you are informed that from that date you can enter China, Shenzhen included, absolutely visa free for a stay of up to 15 days. In other words, you can take a high speed train directly from Hong Kong West Kowloon station to Shenzhen, if you wish.