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How to Apply a China Visa in Hong Kong

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 72- and 144-hour visa-free transit 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?

Apply in Person:

In the past, the Office of the Commissioner of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of China, known to many as the Chinese embassy Hong Kong, handled the mainland China visa service. As of 2018, the China Visa Office Hong Kong has been set up to take over this business.

Details of the Chinese Visa Office Hong Kong:
Address: 20/F, Capital Center, 151 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: 2992 1999
E-mail: hongkongcenter@visaforchina.org
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.
Submission of applications and Payment: 9:00 to 16:00, Urgent service before 12:00
Collection: Express and Urgent Service 12:00 to 17:00; Regular Service 10:00 to 17:00

Apply via Travel Agencies:

The recommended two are the China Travel Service (CTS) and Forever Bright.

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. Schedule an appointment on the website of the China Visa Application Service Center.
3. Submit the application to the visa office at the appointed time. Mailed applications are not accepted unless you are now residing in Taiwan.
4. 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.
5. Wait for your visa to be processed.
6. 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 most countries:

Number of Entries	Regular Service	Express Service	Urgent Service
Single	550	940	1,520
Double	710	1,100	1,680
Multiple Entries (6 months)	860	1,250	1,830
Multiple Entries (12 months)	1,170	1,560	2,140

For some certain countries, the fee is fixed in spite of the number of entries.

Country	Regular Service	Express Service	Urgent Service
Canada	850	1,060	1,510
United States	1,340	1,550	2,000
United Kingdom	1,180	1,390	1,840

Note: This table is subject to changes.

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.

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- Last updated on May. 11, 2023 by Brenda Lian -

Questions & Answers on How to Apply a China Visa in Hong Kong

Asked by Mark Steele from USA | May. 29, 2023 23:25

Urgent Service

Greetings. Your urgent service states 2 working days. If I apply, in person at your HK office at your opening time on a Wednesday, could I receive it back on the Friday before 17:00? Note, I am a USA passport holder and have a HK Identity Card. Please advise.

Answers (1)

Answered by Felix | May. 30, 2023 20:02

It is hard to say. Generally, if you have submitted all the required materials, there is no big problem for you to get the visa on Friday. Try to submit it before 12:00 on Wednesday.

Asked by Dan from USA/HONG KONG | May. 10, 2023 20:06

Where do I get the application to apply for a tourist visa to Mainland China in Hong Kong?

This website does not work: visaforchina. It does not provide the application form....

Answers (1)

Answered by Joseph | May. 11, 2023 20:28

Hi, you can fill in the application form visa this website: cova.mfa.gov.cn.

Asked by Wong from HK PR (USED M VISA IN PAST) | Apr. 11, 2023 17:38

Visit to Foshan

Hi, have HK PR and needs to go over to Foshan for a 1-2days meeting. Returning to HK from overseas and not enough time to get a M visa into China before Foshan visit . Any suggestions that can enable for quick visit to Foshan? Zhuhai has VOA, does that cover Foshan area? Or any Short group tour from HK that can allow for the Quick visit to Foshan (for a 1-2 days max meeting). Thanks much for your help. Urgent🙏

Answers (1)

Answered by Paul | Apr. 12, 2023 20:22

The VOAs only allow the holders to stay in the restricted area. For instance, Zhuhai VOA only allow you to stay in Zhuhai.

Below are some solutions for reference:
1. Try to apply for a visa through China Visa Application Service Centre in HK. If in a hurry, use the rush or express service which takes 1-3 working days to process it.
2. Take advantage of 144-hour visa free transit which allows citizens from 59 countries to visit the whole Guangdong province, including Foshan. But you need to fly in to Guangdong like Guangzhou and then leave for a third country or region. If you come from HK, you may then leave for Macao.
3. Join a group tour from HK and enter Guangdong visa free. But I'm not sure of they allow you to leave the group and travel independently.

Asked by Pride from ZIMBABWE | Mar. 22, 2023 23:36

Inquiring more details on visa application.

You mentioned this. “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”. Could you please explain to me what the reason is because I’m in China currently and i need to go to hongkong to apply for a Chinese S1 spousal visa.

Answers (1)

Answered by Bob | Mar. 26, 2023 18:21

Because you are not a temporary resident in HK. And sometimes they just refuse with no reasons.