How to Apply a China Visa in Hong Kong

Starting on Oct. 16, 2024, foreign HK permanent residents and foreign HK residents (besides foreign domestic helpers) are able to apply for a maximum of 5-year multiple entries visa with a duration of no more than 180 days each entry for business, tourism, family visits and exchange visits.

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 Canada, US and UK in spite of the number of entries.

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

For most countries:

Number of Entries	Regular Service	Express Service	Urgent Service
Single	470	860	1,440
Double	590	980	1,560
Multiple Entries (6 months)	700	1,090	1,670
Multiple Entries (12 months)	930	1,320	1,900

Note: Besides the visa fee, applicants also need to pay the service fee of the HK visa center: regular service fee of HKD 240, express service fee of HKD 450 and urgent service of HKD 900.

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.