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)

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.
 

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.
 

Yes. According to the latest news, US citizens can apply for the five-day VOA in Shenzhen.
 

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.
 

How Much Does a Shenzhen Visa Cost?

From December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024, the Shenzhen 5-Day Travel Visa cost is reduced to CNY 130 for all citizenships, and the other 5-Day visa types with single entry costs CNY 206 for non-reciprocal countries and the following list are prices for reciprocal countries. 

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. 

 Recommended Shenzhen Itinerary: Private Shenzhen City Tour

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