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 Seb from HONG KONG | Nov. 07, 2024 20:23
Reply
ReplyNumber of LoWu Port
Another thing - The phone number doesnt seem to work, "(0775)" in front of the number makes it impossible to be called from HK!
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 08, 2024 00:52
0
0Reply
00ReplyEven if you have got somebody on the phone, there is no way that she/he would tell you anything about the visa application outcome/chances. You simply have to arrive at the border crossing physically and support your friends during the application process, hoping for the successful outcome.
Asked by Seb from HONG KONG | Nov. 07, 2024 18:21Reply
ReplyFilipino VOA
Hey, just wanted to ask: How likely can Filipino domestic helpers get VOA? I have a Mainland Travel Permit and will be helping my helper and her friend explore Shenzhen as they will soon leave. They will need a visa, would they have a better chance of getting it if I am there? Also, whats the success rate of Filipinos?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 08, 2024 00:4900Reply
00ReplyThe success rate for the citizens of the Philippines is not exactly good. In other words, they always run a significant risk of rejection when applying for a visa. In any case, your support could be of help and I would say that accompanied with you, their chances are increased, although not at all guaranteed.
The best option is to arrive at Lo Wu / Luohu border crossing in the earlier morning hours to beat the queues. There they will fill out the forms and the photo will be taken there. After that goes the payment of 130 CNY (card only) and, hopefully, successful outcome.
If successful, they will proceed to Shenzhen and after that they can return back to Hong Kong by taking any border crossing and any mean of transport, high speed train included.
The best option is to arrive at Lo Wu / Luohu border crossing in the earlier morning hours to beat the queues. There they will fill out the forms and the photo will be taken there. After that goes the payment of 130 CNY (card only) and, hopefully, successful outcome.
If successful, they will proceed to Shenzhen and after that they can return back to Hong Kong by taking any border crossing and any mean of transport, high speed train included.
Asked by Maho from CANADA | Nov. 06, 2024 15:11Reply
ReplyCan I enter on a VOA if I am traveling with family that live in HK?
Not sure if there will be issues as I know applying for an L visa is complicated for me due to my parents being from HK
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 06, 2024 23:5900Reply
00ReplyNo, there should not be problems whatsoever, although a couple of additional question might be asked to clarify the situation. In any case, you should travel with your Canadian passport. Probably the best option is to use Lo Wu / Luohu border crossing and you are advised to be there in the morning hours, somewhere between 08:00 and 08:30 because the Luohu visa office opens at 09:00. This is important to avoid the queues. The price for a Shenzhen VOA is 130 CNY and you should pay if by card.
Asked by Omar from UK | Nov. 06, 2024 02:46Reply
ReplyDoes the 5 day VOA allow entry into Zhuhai?
For a business trip we are flying into Hong Kong and then travelling into Shenzhen. From Shenzhen we have a tour in Zhuhai and then a day trip to Macau followed by return to Shenzhen and then transfer back to Hong Kong.
For this trip would a 5 day VOA be sufficient?
For this trip would a 5 day VOA be sufficient?
Answers (2)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 06, 2024 23:5500Reply
00ReplyNo, unfortunately, this is not possible.
When you obtain 5 days Shenzhen VOA you can leave Shenzhen to any third country or territory, but not to the destination in mainland China and that is the case with your plan because you were thinking about visiting Zhuhai after Shenzhen. So, you have to first exit Shenzhen to Hong Kong or Macau and only then enter Zhuhai where you have to obtain a totally different and 3 day Zhuhai VOA. In other words, ideal itinerary would be:
Hong Kong - Shenzhen - Macau - Zhuhai - Hong Kong
Also, I have to inform you that, unfortunately, Omani citizens are not formally eligible for both Shenzhen and Zhuhai visas, although that might have changed recently, especially in the light of ongoing visa exemption talks between Oman and China. To conclude, I would suggest you to obtain a Chinese tourist (L) visa in advance and then to travel in the way you have presented.
When you obtain 5 days Shenzhen VOA you can leave Shenzhen to any third country or territory, but not to the destination in mainland China and that is the case with your plan because you were thinking about visiting Zhuhai after Shenzhen. So, you have to first exit Shenzhen to Hong Kong or Macau and only then enter Zhuhai where you have to obtain a totally different and 3 day Zhuhai VOA. In other words, ideal itinerary would be:
Hong Kong - Shenzhen - Macau - Zhuhai - Hong Kong
Also, I have to inform you that, unfortunately, Omani citizens are not formally eligible for both Shenzhen and Zhuhai visas, although that might have changed recently, especially in the light of ongoing visa exemption talks between Oman and China. To conclude, I would suggest you to obtain a Chinese tourist (L) visa in advance and then to travel in the way you have presented.
Answered by Borut | Nov. 07, 2024 00:0200Reply
00ReplyOmar, I apologize because seeing your name I have implied that you are Omani citizen... Now, I can see that it is UK citizenship :)
So, forget the segment with Omani citizens and proceed with your travel plan in the way I have suggested to you:
Hong Kong - Shenzhen - Macau - Zhuhai - Hong Kong
You will have to obtain two separate visas and you are not allowed to cross directly from Shenzhen to Zhuhai. In any case, I wish you a pleasant stay in this part of China.
So, forget the segment with Omani citizens and proceed with your travel plan in the way I have suggested to you:
Hong Kong - Shenzhen - Macau - Zhuhai - Hong Kong
You will have to obtain two separate visas and you are not allowed to cross directly from Shenzhen to Zhuhai. In any case, I wish you a pleasant stay in this part of China.
Asked by Kenneth lam from UNITED KINGDOM | Nov. 03, 2024 01:08Reply
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 00:3400Reply
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.