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:
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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