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 Rachell Garrett from UNITED STATE | Sep. 17, 2024 12:50
Reply
ReplyDo I need a visa. If I’m coming from Hong Kong for a day. I live in the US
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Sep. 17, 2024 23:52
0
0Reply
00ReplyIf you plan to visit Shenzhen then you will have to obtain a 5 days Shenzhen visa on arrival at one of three designated border crossings. The price is 130 CNY and it should be paid by card. It is highly advisable to be at the border crossing at least at 08:30 to avoid the later queues.
Asked by Marta from MALTA | Sep. 16, 2024 10:20Reply
ReplyMaltese passport holder
Good afternoon,
If VOA is only issued in those 3 ports, and I arrived to Shenzen airport, how does this work? Can I leave the aiport and go to the Port to have the VOA? Or it can only be obtained if you arrived from HK or any other place by boat ?It is a bit confusing. I am a Maltese passport holder, so I guess I would be one of the elegible countries right? Thank oyou very much
If VOA is only issued in those 3 ports, and I arrived to Shenzen airport, how does this work? Can I leave the aiport and go to the Port to have the VOA? Or it can only be obtained if you arrived from HK or any other place by boat ?It is a bit confusing. I am a Maltese passport holder, so I guess I would be one of the elegible countries right? Thank oyou very much
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Sep. 17, 2024 23:5900Reply
00ReplyMarta, Shenzhen airport does not issue visas for quite a long time. In other words, you cannot arrive at Shenzhen airport with the intention to obtain a visa there. This is simply impossible.
The only way how you can arrive visa free is to relay on 144 hour visa free transit. So, you can land in Shenzhen and stay in the area or to be precise in the entire Guangdong province for up to 144 hours, but after that you will have to exit to Hong Kong by high speed train. In order to be allowed to do that, you will have to buy your train ticket in advance, even before you depart toward Shenzhen. You will print out your train ticket purchase confirmation and have it at hand, ready to be presented to relevant authorities. When the time comes, you will really have to take exactly that train you have bought your ticket for.
Immediately upon your arrival or better after one night there, you can return back to Shenzhen by obtaining a 5 days Shenzhen VOA on one of three designated border crossings. This option will allow you another 5 days of stay in Shenzhen, but with this visa you can only stay within Shenzhen city limits compared with 144 hour visa free transit that allows you to stay in the entire Guangdong province.
I just hope that the explanation has some value for your planned travel plans.
The only way how you can arrive visa free is to relay on 144 hour visa free transit. So, you can land in Shenzhen and stay in the area or to be precise in the entire Guangdong province for up to 144 hours, but after that you will have to exit to Hong Kong by high speed train. In order to be allowed to do that, you will have to buy your train ticket in advance, even before you depart toward Shenzhen. You will print out your train ticket purchase confirmation and have it at hand, ready to be presented to relevant authorities. When the time comes, you will really have to take exactly that train you have bought your ticket for.
Immediately upon your arrival or better after one night there, you can return back to Shenzhen by obtaining a 5 days Shenzhen VOA on one of three designated border crossings. This option will allow you another 5 days of stay in Shenzhen, but with this visa you can only stay within Shenzhen city limits compared with 144 hour visa free transit that allows you to stay in the entire Guangdong province.
I just hope that the explanation has some value for your planned travel plans.
Asked by Ying from VIETNAM | Sep. 15, 2024 20:27Reply
ReplyShenzhen 5-day VOA
Dear Admin,
I have just got the Hongkong Visa with single entry and would like to ask that Can I apply Shenzhen VOA 5 days at Luohu Port from Hongkong with Vietnamese nationality? Will anything be guaranteed that Shezhen - Luohu port approves VOA for Vietnamese citizen? I am worried that I will get stuck at the border Hongkong and Shenzhen if Shenzhen doesn't approve VOA and I also cant get back from hongkong to fly back to my city due to my hongkong visa is single entry.
And if Shenzhen approves VOA for me, can I fly back from Shenzhen (Bao'an International Airport) to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) directly due to my visa is single entry which doesn’t allow me to get back to Hongkong?
I am looking forward to receiving your feedback soon.
Thanks and regards,
Ying
I have just got the Hongkong Visa with single entry and would like to ask that Can I apply Shenzhen VOA 5 days at Luohu Port from Hongkong with Vietnamese nationality? Will anything be guaranteed that Shezhen - Luohu port approves VOA for Vietnamese citizen? I am worried that I will get stuck at the border Hongkong and Shenzhen if Shenzhen doesn't approve VOA and I also cant get back from hongkong to fly back to my city due to my hongkong visa is single entry.
And if Shenzhen approves VOA for me, can I fly back from Shenzhen (Bao'an International Airport) to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) directly due to my visa is single entry which doesn’t allow me to get back to Hongkong?
I am looking forward to receiving your feedback soon.
Thanks and regards,
Ying
Answers (4)
Answered by Borut | Sep. 18, 2024 00:0800Reply
00ReplyYing, it is impossible to say that anybody here can offer you any kind of guarantee that you will be granted a Shenzhen visa on arrival. Telling you such a thing would be very irresponsible from our side.
However, it is fairly clear that your chances to be granted a Shenzhen visa on arrival at the border crossing are really excellent. The best detail in all the situation is the fact that you will have a confirmed flight from Shenzhen to HCMC. Here just one detail... You have to be aware that your flight from Shenzhen to HCMC has to be a direct one or in other words, your flight is not allowed to have any additional landing anywhere and of any kind within mainland China.
So, your travel plan is very logical and I am more than convinced that everything will go smoothly especially because of your flight out of Shenzhen. If I were you I would proceed with such a travel plan without any doubt, but again, you should be aware that the final decision will be the one of the officials at the border crossing. In any case, this is a very clear situation for them to grant you a visa.
In the end, it is strongly advised that you arrive at Lo Wu (Luohu) border crossing well before the visa office opening hours to be certain that you will avoid the queues. Also, the price is 130 CNY and the payment is by card.
However, it is fairly clear that your chances to be granted a Shenzhen visa on arrival at the border crossing are really excellent. The best detail in all the situation is the fact that you will have a confirmed flight from Shenzhen to HCMC. Here just one detail... You have to be aware that your flight from Shenzhen to HCMC has to be a direct one or in other words, your flight is not allowed to have any additional landing anywhere and of any kind within mainland China.
So, your travel plan is very logical and I am more than convinced that everything will go smoothly especially because of your flight out of Shenzhen. If I were you I would proceed with such a travel plan without any doubt, but again, you should be aware that the final decision will be the one of the officials at the border crossing. In any case, this is a very clear situation for them to grant you a visa.
In the end, it is strongly advised that you arrive at Lo Wu (Luohu) border crossing well before the visa office opening hours to be certain that you will avoid the queues. Also, the price is 130 CNY and the payment is by card.
Answered by Ying | Sep. 18, 2024 02:4300Reply
00Replythanks for your detailed feedback.
just in case, shenzhen doesn't approve VOA, can I take a train from Luohu Port to Hongkong airport in order to fly back to HCMC?
just in case, shenzhen doesn't approve VOA, can I take a train from Luohu Port to Hongkong airport in order to fly back to HCMC?
Answered by Borut | Sep. 18, 2024 23:2400Reply
00ReplyI cannot say anything about that. When you have exited Hong Kong and arrived in Luohu border crossing, your visa is formally expired. In case if you are refused entry by the mainland Chinese authorities you cannot formally return back because your visa is in the eyes of the Hong Kong authorities already used and formally non existent or in other words, you would not have a legal base to re-enter Hong Kong.
The situation of this kind, I am more than convinced, will not happen especially if you have a flight ticket from Shenzhen to a third country (Vietnam in your case) because neither mainland Chinese nor Hong Kong authorities want a situation where completely normal passenger is suddenly stuck in no mans land. However, I cannot guarantee a 100% success. This is out of my reach. I am convinced that you will be successful, but I cannot go farther from this conclusion. The final decision has to be all yours. In any case I wish you the best of luck.
The situation of this kind, I am more than convinced, will not happen especially if you have a flight ticket from Shenzhen to a third country (Vietnam in your case) because neither mainland Chinese nor Hong Kong authorities want a situation where completely normal passenger is suddenly stuck in no mans land. However, I cannot guarantee a 100% success. This is out of my reach. I am convinced that you will be successful, but I cannot go farther from this conclusion. The final decision has to be all yours. In any case I wish you the best of luck.
Answered by Ying | Sep. 19, 2024 19:4600Reply
00ReplyThanks for the helpful advice!
Asked by Chris from UNITED KINGDOM | Sep. 13, 2024 09:25Reply
ReplyAddress on Visa and Arrival Form
I am travelling from Hong Kong to Shenzhen for a day trip and will be travelling back to Hong Kong later on in the day. I live in the UK and would like to get a 5 Day Shenzhen Visa on Arrival. What address should I put down on the visa form and also the arrival form when going through customs? Thank you.
Answers (1)
Answered by Keith | Sep. 13, 2024 20:4100Reply
00ReplyAs I know, pre-book accommodation is not mandatory for Shenzhen VOA application so your address may not be required while applying and going through customs.
Asked by M from CANADA | Sep. 11, 2024 21:01Reply
ReplyVOA for Chinese holding Canadian Passport
Hi, I would like to know if possible I can apply for VOA if I am holding Canadian Passport? As I knew that my friend not able to get the visa and had rejected by CTS HK due to him is a Chinese but holding Canadian Passport. May I know is it real?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Sep. 12, 2024 03:3000Reply
00ReplyIf your friend still has dual citizenship, i.e. Canadian and Chinese, it is logical that the Chinese authorities will expect her/him to enter China on her/his Chinese passport. So, if she/he tries to obtain a Chinese visa and still holding Chinese citizenship, she/he will be rejected with high probability.
If you are just a Canadian citizen and not a dual Canadian/Chinese regardless of your country of origin, you can obtain Shenzhen or Zhuhai VOA without any problem. You should just arrive at the border crossing, preferably even before the visa office opening hours and apply there by paying 130 CNY with your card.
If you are just a Canadian citizen and not a dual Canadian/Chinese regardless of your country of origin, you can obtain Shenzhen or Zhuhai VOA without any problem. You should just arrive at the border crossing, preferably even before the visa office opening hours and apply there by paying 130 CNY with your card.