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 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 Chris from UNITED KINGDOM | Sep. 13, 2024 09:25
Reply
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 20:41
0
0Reply
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.
Asked by Paul Francome from UK | Sep. 11, 2024 07:08Reply
ReplyTransit visa
If I’m travelling from London to Manila with a stop over for 6 hours in shenzhen do I need a transit visa , I will only be staying in the airport , it’s confusing because it’s says you need one , but shenzhen don’t do visa on arrival please help
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Sep. 12, 2024 00:0700Reply
00ReplyPaul, you do not need any kind of visa because it is obvious that you are flying through Shenzhen just as a transit point on your way to Manila. In other words, your transit through Shenzhen will be covered by 24 hour visa free transit and you do not need any kind of visa!
Also, since your layover is just 6 hours long, you will not exit the airside (transit area) of the airport, so you will not be even a subject of customs or immigration inspections. You will, in reality, just walk from one to the other gate and between them you will just cross a short security check. You really do not have to bother yourself about any single detail especially if you travel on a single ticket. If you are traveling on a single ticket your luggage will be tagged all the way to the Philippines. Please, relax and enjoy your journey.
Also, since your layover is just 6 hours long, you will not exit the airside (transit area) of the airport, so you will not be even a subject of customs or immigration inspections. You will, in reality, just walk from one to the other gate and between them you will just cross a short security check. You really do not have to bother yourself about any single detail especially if you travel on a single ticket. If you are traveling on a single ticket your luggage will be tagged all the way to the Philippines. Please, relax and enjoy your journey.
Asked by Anton from INDONESIA | Sep. 10, 2024 09:00Reply
ReplyVOA in Shenzhen
Hello is the opening hours is updated on this article? most close at 16:30PM?
Also some article mention there is a quota is this right? So if quota has been reached VOA office will close?
Lastly does Shenzhen Airport do VOA? is there quota for this one?
Thank you
Also some article mention there is a quota is this right? So if quota has been reached VOA office will close?
Lastly does Shenzhen Airport do VOA? is there quota for this one?
Thank you
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Sep. 10, 2024 23:4500Reply
00ReplyOpening hours are as published on this website. It is possible that the authorities at some visa office make their opening hours longer than that occasionally because of some particular days/dates, but you are advised to stick to the opening hours published on this website.
Yes, it seems that there is an informal quota and this is the reason why we always suggest to those traveling to Shenzhen on a Shenzhen VOA to arrive at the border crossing even before the start of the opening hours.
No, Shenzhen airport does not issue VOA.
Yes, it seems that there is an informal quota and this is the reason why we always suggest to those traveling to Shenzhen on a Shenzhen VOA to arrive at the border crossing even before the start of the opening hours.
No, Shenzhen airport does not issue VOA.
Asked by Elise from USA | Sep. 09, 2024 15:42Reply
ReplyDoes the VOA allow entry and exit via Hong Kong
Hello..
Does this VOA allow entrance into Shenzhen from Hong Kong and 5 days later allow exit back to Hong Kong? No regular tourist visa .
Can this be done via Zhuhai also?
And can this be approved in addition to the 144 visa free transit? The 144 requires a 3rd country departure . I assume this via not
Does this VOA allow entrance into Shenzhen from Hong Kong and 5 days later allow exit back to Hong Kong? No regular tourist visa .
Can this be done via Zhuhai also?
And can this be approved in addition to the 144 visa free transit? The 144 requires a 3rd country departure . I assume this via not
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Sep. 09, 2024 23:4900Reply
00ReplyShenzhen 5 days VOA is unrelated to any visa free transit scheme. This is a visa and it does not require that you have a scheme A country - B country (China) - C country. In other words, you can enter Shenzhen from Hong Kong at three designated border crossings and also exit Shenzhen to Hong Kong. When existing you can use any border crossing and also any mean of transport, high speed train included. Also, you can exit Shenzhen toward any other country that has a direct plane connections.
You can also exit from Shenzhen toward Macau by direct ferry line, but be warned, you cannot leave Shenzhen to any other place located within mainland China, Zhuhai included. In order to enter Zhuhai you have to exit toward Hong Kong or Macau and from there enter Zhuhai on a separate 3 days Zhuhai VOA. Also, when we talk about Shenzhen and Zhuhai VOAs, you have to understand that they are strictly territory limited to Shenzhen and Zhuhai respectively.
Shenzhen VOA cannot be approved in the same as visa free transit. You will either use a visa or visa free transit. In order to use visa free transit it is essential to combine three different countries or eligible territories to become eligible for something like this.
You can also exit from Shenzhen toward Macau by direct ferry line, but be warned, you cannot leave Shenzhen to any other place located within mainland China, Zhuhai included. In order to enter Zhuhai you have to exit toward Hong Kong or Macau and from there enter Zhuhai on a separate 3 days Zhuhai VOA. Also, when we talk about Shenzhen and Zhuhai VOAs, you have to understand that they are strictly territory limited to Shenzhen and Zhuhai respectively.
Shenzhen VOA cannot be approved in the same as visa free transit. You will either use a visa or visa free transit. In order to use visa free transit it is essential to combine three different countries or eligible territories to become eligible for something like this.