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China Visa on Arrival

 China eases the Port Visa application to offer more convenience to foreigners who urgently seek to visit China for non-diplomatic or nonofficial purposes, such as business activities, private affairs, family unions, or exchanges and visits. Foreigners who are unable to obtain a visa beforehand in time now can apply for a port visa on arrival with an invitation letter or other supportive documents.

Foreigners normally need to obtain a visa for a trip to China before departure, while in certain cases they are likely to get a China visa on arrival at entry ports. The validity counts from the day following your entry and only one entry is allowed. Once you exit from China, the VOA expires.

Below are two cases where you can apply for China visa on arrival:
 

Visa on Arrival at Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Xiamen, and Hainan for Tourists

 
Visa on Arrival Valid for Eligible Ports Areas Allowed to Stay
In Shenzhen 5 days Luohu (Lo Wu), Huanggang, Shekou and Fuyong ports, Shenzhen Airport Shenzhen
In Zhuhai 3 days Gongbei, Hengqin and Jiuzhou ports Zhuhai
In Xiamen 5 days Xiamen Airport Xiamen
In Hainan 30 days Haikou Airport, Sanya Airport, cruise ports in Haikou and Sanya Mainland China


Note:
In comparison with others, Hainan enjoys more privileges for issuing a VOA besides the Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Access. The landing visa you get in Hainan can last as long as 30 days. You can use it to visit other cities in mainland China and exit from all ports open to foreigners. In addition, the VOA is also available for international cruise ship travelers who disembark in Haikou or Sanya.
 

Who is eligible?

Passport holders of most countries can easily get a VOA, such as the US, France, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland and Spain.

Some may apply for it by showing passports with proof that they have been issued a Chinese visa before by embassies and consulates. It is helpful but some may still be rejected. 

Countries not eligible include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, India, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Sudan, Turkey, and Yemen.
 

How to apply?

When you get to the VOA office at the border, just complete the application form, take a photo and pay the fee. The visa will be issued within 5 to 10 minutes. You may need to wait longer if the room is busy.

In Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Xiamen, what you need for the application is just a valid passport, while if you apply for the Hainan visa on arrival, return ticket and hotel bookings are required as well.
 

What's the cost for China visa on arrival?

It costs CNY 275 for applicants of most countries, but UK nationals have to pay CNY 834 and US 1,234 based on a reciprocal basis. Only CNY in the cashless form is accepted for payment and dollars are not accepted.
 

Tips

1. There are nearly 10 ports linking Shenzhen with Hong Kong, while tourists can only get the Shenzhen VOA from Luohu, Huanggang, Fuyong, Shekou, and the airport. Please be cautious when travelling to Shenzhen from Hong Kong to find the right port.

2. Upon arriving at the Gongbei immigration building in Zhuhai, you can find the office by passing all the duty free shops; it is behind a green door on the right hand side of the immigration building. Currency can be changed at the China Tourist Services Office back downstairs in the immigration hall.
 

Visa on Arrival for Travelers in Emergencies

Aliens may, under circumstances where they must necessarily rush to China but have no time for an application, apply for a visa on arrival at entry ports as authorized by the Ministry of Public Security.

This always requires an invitation from an accredited Chinese organization which explains the emergency, mostly related to business purposes that from the Chinese perspective it is important that you be admitted without delay, or that you are in a life-and-death situation.

 Warning: Not all applicants are guaranteed to obtain a landing visa, thus it's advised to get a visa in advance if time permits. See details on how to apply for a China visa

 Further Reading:
China Visa-free Policy

How to Travel to China without a Visa

- Last updated on Jan. 19, 2024 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on China Visa on Arrival
Asked by Andy from HONG KONG | Mar. 13, 2024 18:42Reply
Visa on arrival for Xiamen
If I am travelling to Xiamen from Hong Kong , can I get a visa on arrival with a UK passport?
Answers (1)
Answered by Keith | Mar. 13, 2024 22:44
00Reply


It's possible, but not guaranteed.
Asked by Tom from PHILIPPINES | Mar. 13, 2024 04:13Reply
Can Filipino tourist in Hongkong get a VOA going to Sanya holding a return ticket and hotel booking?
Answers (1)
Answered by Keith | Mar. 13, 2024 20:52
00Reply


You don't need a VOA as Filipino passports holders enjoy Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Access.
Asked by Eric from USA | Mar. 12, 2024 18:54Reply
VOA for US passport holder visiting HK
First time visitor to China. Can we get the VOA at the Luohu port with valid US passport. Do we need other documents?
Answers (1)
Answered by Joshua | Mar. 13, 2024 22:41
00Reply


It's very possible for you to get a VOA at Luohu Port, only valid passport is needed.
Asked by Jon Lajom from PHILIPPINES | Mar. 09, 2024 08:45Reply
Can Filipino tourist in Hongkong get a VOA going to Shenzhen
Answers (1)
Answered by John | Mar. 11, 2024 01:05
00Reply


The possibility is not high. But things may be different if you have an old China visa on your passport.
Asked by CM from MOZAMBIQUE | Feb. 21, 2024 18:05Reply
VOA for Mozambican passport cost
Hello! I would like to know how much is it for a VOA to Mozambican citizens. 2024
Answers (1)
Answered by Jessica | Feb. 21, 2024 18:10
00Reply


It costs CNY 825.
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