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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.

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 240-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 240-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 change. 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 and Shekou 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	6:30 - 24:00; Application Deadline: 23:30	(0755)82324022
Huanggang Port	24h daily	(0755)83391060
Shekou Port	7:00 - 22:30; Application Deadline: 22:00	(0755)26691202

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport hardly issues Shenzhen visa on arrival based on recent cases.

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 needs a photo of you after you hand over your passport and application form. There are freeself-service machines for taking photos.

4. Pay for the VOA (in Chinese RMB). It's advised to prepare RMB in advance. There are currency exchange service counters at the port.

The time it takes varies case by case and relates to the number of applicants.

How Much Does a Shenzhen VOA Cost? CNY 130 for Tourists Regardless of Citizenship.

The Shenzhen 5-Day Travel Visa On Arrival costs CNY 130 for all citizenships, and other visa types like M for business, F for exchange visits, S for private affairs ... with a single entry cost CNY 206 for non-reciprocal countries and the following list are prices for reciprocal countries.

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.

Recommended Shenzhen Itinerary: Private Shenzhen City Tour

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.