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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 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	10:00 - the arrival of the last flight	(0755)82327700
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
Fuyong Port	10:00 - the arrival of the last carrier	(0755)23459289

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.

How Much Does a Shenzhen Visa Cost?

Usually, the fee for a Shenzhen VOA is the same as a regular visa. It is CNY168 for most, but not all countries. For example, UK passport holders need to pay CNY 304. Only China Yuan (CNY) is accepted by the visa-issuing ports.

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.

Further Reading: China Visa on Arrival

- Last updated on Sep. 04, 2023 by Kate Liu -

Questions & Answers on Visa on Arrival

Asked by Gernot from AUSTRIA | Sep. 27, 2023 23:42

Visa on Arrival at Lohu Port

Is there any daily quota for visa on arrival ?

Answers (2)

Answered by Pepper | Sep. 28, 2023 01:52

I'm not very sure but someone said so. Anyway, you'd better go there early enough.

Answered by Borut | Sep. 28, 2023 02:09

It used to be just recently and I assume that this is still the case. In any case, the pressure on two overland border crossings (visa offices) is very huge, so I suggest you to take the first morning ferry from Hong Kong to Shekou port in Shenzhen and to obtain your visa there. Opening hours of Shekou visa office are: 9:00 - 13:00 & 14:30 - 16:30.

Asked by Jim from USA | Sep. 27, 2023 10:33

VOA for American at Shekou Ferry Port

What is the success rate of getting a 5 day VOA at Shekou port for an American coming from Hong Kong?
What documents do I need?
Note I previously had a Permanent Resident Permit which is expired if that helps.
What is the holiday schedule? Do they close at all during Golden Week?

Answers (2)

Answered by Pepper | Sep. 28, 2023 01:17

The success rate is quite high in your case. You just need to fill in the application form on the spot and show your passport and the old residence permit and visa if have one.

The office will open as usual during the holiday. Have fun!

Answered by Borut | Sep. 28, 2023 02:11

You should just keep in mind that the VOA price for US citizens is 956 CNY due to reciprocity and you should pay it in cashless form i.e. by card.

Asked by Kumar from CANADA | Sep. 26, 2023 09:18

Hours of operation of Huanggang port for VOA

Hello. Thank you for this great website and webpage. Linked it on YT as well. Can you confirm the hours of operation of the Huanggang port? Numerous websites note that it is open 24 hours. I am arriving around 3 AM from HKIA so wish to enter Shenzhen asap to get to my hotel. Thanks again.

Answers (3)

Answered by Flora | Sep. 26, 2023 19:54

The VOA office only opens from 9:00 - 16:30.

Answered by Kumar | Sep. 28, 2023 00:44

Thanks but have been informed that Hanggang port is open 24 hours so it is possible to receive the visa on arrival at any time. Can you please confirm again? The details are that to take green taxi to Lok Ma Chau border. Wait for yellow shuttle bus (hkd10). This bus will transport to the Hanggang port for the visa processing.

Answered by Paul | Sep. 28, 2023 02:07

No, the voa office at Huanggang port also serves from 09:00-16:30. If you have a ready visa, you can go via it into China anytime.

Asked by jinesh from INDIA | Sep. 25, 2023 06:33

I am Indian Passport holder, can i get 5 days VOA on arrival?

I am Indian Passport holder, can i get 5 days VOA on arrival? i am planning to come in 2nd week of October

Answers (1)

Answered by Borut | Sep. 26, 2023 00:49

Formally yes, but you should not try do that. The rate of approval for Indian citizens is very low, so you are kindly advised to obtain a regular Chinese visa in advance or to postpone your visit to Shenzhen.

Asked by Hans Engberding from ESTONIA | Sep. 23, 2023 09:00

With a passport from Estonia, can I get a 5 day VOA to Shenzen at the border, please?

Answers (1)

Answered by Emma | Sep. 25, 2023 01:03

Generally, there is no problem.