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, Shenzhen Airport, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen Airport | 9:00 - 17:00 | (0755)23459289 |
| 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 |
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 Apr. 29, 2024 by Gabby Li -
Questions & Answers on Visa on Arrival
Asked by davide palumbo from ITALIA | May. 16, 2024 12:11
Reply
Replytransit in Shenzhen for visa free countries, for tourism
Good evening,
we are traveling next june (landing on 23rd) from Italy to Chengdu, through Shenzen airport, for tourism.
As per the new regulations we, as Italians, are authorized to travel to China without Visa for up to 15 days. We have the return flight from Chengdu at 20:30 of the 15th day from arrival, but we realized that with the transit in Shenzen the last flight to Italy is at 01:50 am of the 16th day. I kindly ask if, when calculating the 15days, we should consider the first flight (Chengdu-Shenzen) or the last flight (Shenzen-Italy). In this second scenario we could need the visa?
Thank You in advance
Best regards
Davide Palumbo
we are traveling next june (landing on 23rd) from Italy to Chengdu, through Shenzen airport, for tourism.
As per the new regulations we, as Italians, are authorized to travel to China without Visa for up to 15 days. We have the return flight from Chengdu at 20:30 of the 15th day from arrival, but we realized that with the transit in Shenzen the last flight to Italy is at 01:50 am of the 16th day. I kindly ask if, when calculating the 15days, we should consider the first flight (Chengdu-Shenzen) or the last flight (Shenzen-Italy). In this second scenario we could need the visa?
Thank You in advance
Best regards
Davide Palumbo
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | May. 17, 2024 00:01
0
0Reply
00ReplyDavide, if I have properly understood, your flight back to Italy will be:
Chengdu - Shenzhen - Italy.
If I am correct, then you have to be aware that the exit formalities are always performed at the last point or in your case in Shenzhen. A flight from Chengdu to Shenzhen will be a domestic one and your passports will not be stamped in Chengdu, although your luggage will be tagged all the way to Italy.
Anyway, now the most important detail is when your flight from Chengdu arrives in Shenzhen or better to say, do you have enough time to cross the exit immigration before the midnight i.e. before the beginning of your 16th day. In other words, if you are able to exit until 23:59 of your 15th day, you will be fine and you do not need any kind of visa, but if you cannot, then a visa would be required. Speaking between us, it is logical that an immigration official would let you to leave China without penalties even if you exit the country a bit later than midnight, but if you exit the immigration before the midnight, you are perfectly in line with the rules that regulate the subject of movement of foreigners in China.
I am almost totally certain that your flight from Chengdu will arrive in Shenzhen on time, so that you can get a stamp before midnight and I am quite certain that you can travel with a peace of mind.
Chengdu - Shenzhen - Italy.
If I am correct, then you have to be aware that the exit formalities are always performed at the last point or in your case in Shenzhen. A flight from Chengdu to Shenzhen will be a domestic one and your passports will not be stamped in Chengdu, although your luggage will be tagged all the way to Italy.
Anyway, now the most important detail is when your flight from Chengdu arrives in Shenzhen or better to say, do you have enough time to cross the exit immigration before the midnight i.e. before the beginning of your 16th day. In other words, if you are able to exit until 23:59 of your 15th day, you will be fine and you do not need any kind of visa, but if you cannot, then a visa would be required. Speaking between us, it is logical that an immigration official would let you to leave China without penalties even if you exit the country a bit later than midnight, but if you exit the immigration before the midnight, you are perfectly in line with the rules that regulate the subject of movement of foreigners in China.
I am almost totally certain that your flight from Chengdu will arrive in Shenzhen on time, so that you can get a stamp before midnight and I am quite certain that you can travel with a peace of mind.
Asked by Cassie from AUSTRALIA | May. 15, 2024 23:31Reply
ReplyVOA
Hi there i am an australian passport holder, wanting to fly into Shenzen, and then fly out from Shenzen to Seoul - does this fall under the visa free if I stay under the 5 days
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | May. 16, 2024 05:5700Reply
00ReplyCassie, your itinerary is valid for 144 hour visa free transit and you do not need any kind of visa. You should just have in mind that your flights to and from Shenzhen are not allowed to have any additional landing within mainland China.
Also, when traveling on 144 hour visa free transit, you are allowed to travel, stay and explore the entire Guangdong province, so you are not limited to Shenzhen city as those who rely on 5 days Shenzhen visa. You are with your itinerary from a totally different story. So, your status will be 144 hour visa free transit and no visa is needed.
Also, when traveling on 144 hour visa free transit, you are allowed to travel, stay and explore the entire Guangdong province, so you are not limited to Shenzhen city as those who rely on 5 days Shenzhen visa. You are with your itinerary from a totally different story. So, your status will be 144 hour visa free transit and no visa is needed.
Asked by Nguyễn from VIETNAM | May. 13, 2024 23:11Reply
Reply24hours VOA in Shenzhen airport
I am a Vietnamese and fly from Hanoi to Shenzhen to Frankfurt. Can I apply VOA of 24hours permit outside of airport?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | May. 14, 2024 03:2100Reply
00ReplyActually you do not need VOA because you will travel on 24 hour visa free transit. In other words, if your layover in Shenzhen is shorter than 24 hours, you will be covered by 24 hours visa free transit and no visa is needed.
I assume that you probably have a long layover in Shenzhen. Right? If I am correct, you have to know that the basic rule of 24 hour visa free transit clearly states that a passenger traveling on this visa free transit scheme has a right to transit through China absolutely visa free, but he/she has to stay in the transit area of the airport.
Now, Chinese authorities can issue so called temporary entry permit to allow the passengers with long layovers to exit the airport and to enjoy their time in the city or to enjoy a good night rest at some of the accommodations. In any case, this permit is not a passenger's right, but more as a bonus that can be issued to make the waiting time more bearable. In other words, you can apply for a permit, but you should be aware that it can be granted, but also denied based on discretionary decision of airport staff.
So, when you land in Shenzhen, the first thing you will do is to approach to 24/144 hour visa free transit where you will apply, for free, for a temporary entry permit by presenting your flight tickets and your accommodation booking if you have one. You will wait for some short time and if you are granted a permit, you will proceed to the exit immigration and enjoy your time in Shenzhen on your own. If the permit is not granted, you will have to stay at the airport. I wish you a luck.
I assume that you probably have a long layover in Shenzhen. Right? If I am correct, you have to know that the basic rule of 24 hour visa free transit clearly states that a passenger traveling on this visa free transit scheme has a right to transit through China absolutely visa free, but he/she has to stay in the transit area of the airport.
Now, Chinese authorities can issue so called temporary entry permit to allow the passengers with long layovers to exit the airport and to enjoy their time in the city or to enjoy a good night rest at some of the accommodations. In any case, this permit is not a passenger's right, but more as a bonus that can be issued to make the waiting time more bearable. In other words, you can apply for a permit, but you should be aware that it can be granted, but also denied based on discretionary decision of airport staff.
So, when you land in Shenzhen, the first thing you will do is to approach to 24/144 hour visa free transit where you will apply, for free, for a temporary entry permit by presenting your flight tickets and your accommodation booking if you have one. You will wait for some short time and if you are granted a permit, you will proceed to the exit immigration and enjoy your time in Shenzhen on your own. If the permit is not granted, you will have to stay at the airport. I wish you a luck.
Asked by Steven from PHILIPPINES | May. 12, 2024 20:29Reply
Reply Visa for Filipino at louhu
I coming to china via Shenzhen with my 2 Filipino children here they will only issue a one visit visa here in Philippines can I get a 5 day Shenzhen visa as I want to go to Hong Kong and go back to china ..a few times
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | May. 13, 2024 06:5900Reply
00ReplySteven, it is important to understand that until you have a valid (non used) single entry visa to enter China, you cannot obtain any other Chinese visa or to be precise, you cannot have two concurrent visas in your passport.
So, when you enter China for the first time, your visa issued in the Philippines will be used regardless if you are traveling to Shenzhen or to any other part of China. When you exit mainland China to Hong Kong, you will be eligible for a Shenzhen 5 days visa on arrival at Luohu because you will not have any valid Chinese visa in your passport, so authorities at Luohu will be able to grant you a Shenzhen visa. You have to be aware that Shenzhen visa is a limited to Shenzhen city limits, so I advise you to use your visa issued in the Philippines to visit some other parts of China and to later use a Shenzhen visa on arrival for your visit to Shenzhen.
In the end, you should be aware that when you use your first Shenzhen VOA, you will probably be granted new Shenzhen VOA, but after that the border officials will ask you to wait for some time before the next application.
So, when you enter China for the first time, your visa issued in the Philippines will be used regardless if you are traveling to Shenzhen or to any other part of China. When you exit mainland China to Hong Kong, you will be eligible for a Shenzhen 5 days visa on arrival at Luohu because you will not have any valid Chinese visa in your passport, so authorities at Luohu will be able to grant you a Shenzhen visa. You have to be aware that Shenzhen visa is a limited to Shenzhen city limits, so I advise you to use your visa issued in the Philippines to visit some other parts of China and to later use a Shenzhen visa on arrival for your visit to Shenzhen.
In the end, you should be aware that when you use your first Shenzhen VOA, you will probably be granted new Shenzhen VOA, but after that the border officials will ask you to wait for some time before the next application.
Asked by Jenny from CANADA | May. 10, 2024 19:17Reply
ReplyCanada citizen for Chinese VISA?
How much now for Canadian to get Visa at Lou Wu border?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | May. 13, 2024 00:0600Reply
00ReplyIf you ask for a Shenzhen 5 day visa on arrival, the price is 130 CNY and if you ask for an ordinary, single entry Chinese visa valid for the entire country, then the price for Canadian citizens is 406 CNY.