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How to Apply a China Visa in Hong Kong

Am I able to apply for a China visa from Hong Kong? This is a frequently asked question in many forums pertaining to China visas. Actually, in most cases, one is expected to apply for a Chinese visa in his home country, but if you are travelling abroad or live in China, Hong Kong will be an ideal place to apply for a China visa.

Before making the application, you had better do some research on China’s visa exemption policies, especially the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy schemes to see if you can avoid the hassle of getting a Chinese visa. If you still need one, then proceed with the application.

Generally speaking, there are two methods to apply China visa in Hong Kong, that is, applying in person at the China Visa Office Hong Kong or using an agent. Applying in person costs less but requires more effort, on the contrary, using an agent saves much energy but is expensive.

Which Types of Visa Can I Get in Hong Kong?

The tourist visa (L), business visa (M), work visa (Z), student visa (X) and many other types of China visa can be applied in Hong Kong.

Where to apply for China visa in Hong Kong?

Since 2018, the China Visa Office Hong Kong has been set up to provide mainland China visa service.

Details of the Chinese Visa Office Hong Kong:
Address: 20/F, Capital Center, 151 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Business hours:
Submission of applications and Payment: 9:00 to 16:00. For the urgent service (pick-up on the second working day), the application should be submitted before 15:00.
Collection:
Express Service: 12:00 to 16:00.
Regular Service: 10:00 to 16:00
Tel: 29921999
Online time: Monday-Friday (Except holidays) 09:00 - 12:00, 13:00 - 16:00
Email: hongkongcenter@visaforchina.org

Documents Needed for China Visa Application in Hong Kong

1. A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and photocopy of your personal particulars page.
2. If you are a Hong Kong resident, provide your Hong Kong ID card; if not, you need to have a copy of the Hong Kong entry stamp on your passport or a visa of Hong Kong.
3. A visa application form. Applicants need to complete the application form on the website of China Visa Application Service Center, get a printout of it and sign it.
4. A passport size photo.
5. Documents showing your travel purpose, such as a travel itinerary, round-trip transportation arrangements, and hotel reservations. Note that if you are traveling to Guangdong Province, the transportation proof is usually not required.

Apply for a China visa from Hong Kong in 6 steps

1. Prepare all necessary documents as listed above.
2. Submit the application to the visa office at the appointed time. Mailed applications are not accepted unless you are now residing in Taiwan.
3. Have your fingerprints collected by the visa center if you are applying for a China visa for the first time. Applicants aged under 14 or over 70 don’t need to do fingerprinting.
4. Wait for your visa to be processed.
5. Pay the fee and collect your visa at the date shown on the pick-up slip.

China Visa Fee in Hong Kong (Unit: HKD)

For most countries:

Number of Entries	Regular Service	Express Service	Urgent Service
Single	470	860	1,520
Double	590	980	1,680
Multiple Entries (6 months)	700	1,090	1,830
Multiple Entries (12 months)	930	1,560	1,320

For some certain countries, the fee is fixed in spite of the number of entries.

Country	Regular Service	Express Service	Urgent Service
Canada	700	1,090	1,670
United States (for journalists)	1,340	1,730	2,310
United Kingdom	950	1,340	1,920

Note: This table is subject to changes.

Payment Method: The China Visa Office Hong Kong accepts cash and debit card.

How long does it take for processing my visa?

Regular service: 4 working days
Express service: 3 working days
Urgent service: 2 working days

Note: Same day visa application service is not provided.

Better Apply for China Visa in Home Country than in Hong Kong

Though it’s feasible to apply for a China visa in Hong Kong, we advise you to make the application in your country if you just visit Hong Kong temporarily. The reason is that a Hong Kong ID card is often required for the application. Temporary visitors may face more difficulties in making the application in person. By the way, if you live in mainland China and wish to renew your visa in Hong Kong, you can try your luck but the result is not assured.

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- Last updated on Dec. 19, 2024 by Gabby Li -

Questions & Answers on How to Apply a China Visa in Hong Kong

Asked by JPenn from PORTUGAL | Nov. 30, 2024 13:02

Duration of stay/ Multiple entry visa

Hi
I'm a Portuguese citizen who lived/worked in China for about 8 years. I left China in 2021 and I'm planning to go to China in the beginning of 2025 mainly to visit friends. Is it possible to get a longer stay/multiple entry visa so next time I plan on going to China I don't need to go through the hassle of applying for another visa?

Answers (1)

Answered by Emma | Dec. 01, 2024 23:34

China grants Portugal citizens 30-day visa free stay till the end of 2025. So you don't need a visa to travel to China now. You can also apply for a L visa with multiple entries at the visa center in Lisbon.

Asked by Steve from UK | Nov. 20, 2024 21:06

F visa in HK?

Hi -- do you know if is it possible to apply for an F visa in Hong Kong? I notice it's not listed among the visa types you mention above. Thanks very much for all your very helpful information!

Answers (1)

Answered by Candice | Nov. 21, 2024 19:13

It's possible. You can apply at the HK visa center.

Asked by Elvis Henkle from GUATEMALA | Nov. 14, 2024 17:44

Guatemalan living and working in Taiwan

I live and work in Taiwan as an engineer for a Tech Company. My company asked me to get a Chinese Visa to visit customers in China so I will probably need a multiple-entry visa. However, do I have to go to Hong Kong to the office if so what documents do I have to take as Travel Purpose? Is there a chance to send my documents?

Answers (1)

Answered by Bonnie | Nov. 17, 2024 17:25

You can apply for a travel L visa in HK at the HK visa center. And except for your passport, photo and application form, you should provide documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, OR an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China.

Asked by Annette Mukasa from FINLAND | Jun. 20, 2024 06:03

Hey i leave permanently in Finland, but by Nationality a Ugandan with a Ugandan passport

I intend to visit Hong Kong for my vacation in July, but would like as well to visit China Guangzhou.
Is it possible for me to apply for a Chinese tourist visa (Express) from Hong kong?
Could you please guide me

Answers (3)

Answered by Keith | Jun. 20, 2024 20:09

It's possible for you to apply at the visa center in HK.
Also, you may also obtain the visa in Finland with your Finland residence permit.

Answered by Annette | Jun. 23, 2024 21:28

Hi, thanks for the reply which is helpful & you understand me very well though there’s spelling error of the word live in the previous message i sent, sorry about that.

I intend to apply the Chinese visa from HK due to my tight work schedule hence i live in another city far from where the Chinese consulate is.

Is it mandatory to all tourists applying for Chinese visa to have invitations, i don’t know any one in China, but l am ready to sponsor my self during my stay, could you please advise me?

Answered by Emily | Jun. 24, 2024 22:53

The invitation letter is not a must for tourist visa, you can provide the documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc as a proof of your stay in China.

Asked by lam from ALGERIA | Mar. 28, 2024 18:22

transfer s1 visa to z visa

hello i an algerian i hold chinese resident permit type s1 i got my work permit in china and want to apply work visa z visa from hongkong .is it possible please ?

Answers (1)

Answered by Joshua | Mar. 31, 2024 19:03

I've heard a American citizen applied for a z visa to Shenzhen in HK and succeeded, but normally it's hard to apply for a China work visa in the third country or area, so I advise to apply in your home country. Or you can find and consult an agency to see if there is possibility.