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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.

- Last updated on May. 11, 2023 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on How to Apply a China Visa in Hong Kong
Asked by Tyra from MALAWI | Aug. 16, 2023 23:46Reply
Do they start counting the days from the day of application or the day after ?
Answers (5)
Answered by Lucy | Aug. 17, 2023 22:54
00Reply


The validity period of the visa is calculated from the date of issuance of the visa.
Answered by Tyra | Aug. 18, 2023 23:22
00Reply


I have a t visa and I want to apply for a z visa on hongkong. Is that possible?
Answered by Bruce | Aug. 20, 2023 18:29
00Reply


I'm afraid no. Usually, Z visa needs to be applied in one's home country. If you are in China now, you may try to change the visa type in local Entry and Exit Administration Office.
Answered by Tyra | Aug. 21, 2023 03:04
00Reply


I ready have a work permit. Does that change the situation.
Answered by Bruce | Aug. 21, 2023 17:59
00Reply


Yes, it helps to some extent. But it is still not guaranteed you will get it for sure.
Asked by Mik from RUSSIA | Aug. 11, 2023 20:20Reply
China Visa for Russians
I am citizen of Russia, my visa is expired soon. To avoid a ques in china consulate in Russia I would like to apply in Hong Kong china visa center. My employer said they can not fill the work permit for applying in Hong Kong, and besides it said that I need a residence permit in HK. What should I do? How can I solve this problem? Thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by Mia | Aug. 14, 2023 00:13
00Reply


Are you in mainland China now? If yes, you can extend your visa in local entry and exit administration bureau and it takes at most 7 working days to complete the process.

Applying in HK, you will highly get rejected.
Asked by S Mandal from INDIA | Aug. 02, 2023 18:16Reply
China Visa for Indian living in HK
Hi
I want to visit Guilin along with stopover in Shenzen. I will visit independently. My wife and I having HKID (Not HK Permanent Resident), but my kid (6 years old) is not having HKID, but HK landing slip and Visa there. Can I get a multiple entry visa or 144 hour visa is ok for Guilin?
Answers (3)
Answered by William | Aug. 02, 2023 23:02
00Reply


All of you need a visa to visit Guilin and Shenzhen and a single-entry is enough because both of the cities are in mainland China.
Answered by MAN | Aug. 02, 2023 23:27
00Reply


144 hour visa will work?
Answered by William | Aug. 03, 2023 00:11
00Reply


No, it will not work because you will go to two cities in China.
Asked by Linda from UNITED KINGDOM | Jul. 27, 2023 01:17Reply
Can kids (uk citizens) get the VOA?
My kids (ages 15 & 17) born uk with uk passports. Can they go to Shenzhen through HK ports and apply for VOA at the ports? If yes, what documentation will I need to bring and what is cost?
Answers (1)
Answered by Trace | Jul. 27, 2023 20:40
00Reply


Yes, they are eligible for VOA. It costs CNY304 for UK passport holders.
Asked by Andy from UNITED STATES | Jul. 20, 2023 11:00Reply
Need a China Visa to visit Mother-in-Law Q2 visa, US Citizen born in Hong Kong, 1st time applying
Hello. I cannot get a China Visa in the United States because Visa Office here says I am technically a Chinese National and will need to renounce my Chinese nationality. I submitted the ID924 form, Application for Renunciation of Chinese Nationality (for overseas) to Hong Kong, immd.gov.hk/eng/forms/forms/id924.html, and it has been three months with no email, mail, phone reply.
Would I be able to go to Hong Kong and apply for a Q2 China Visa on my United States passport? or a tourist China Visa? Looking to stay in China for at least two weeks.
-I do not have a Hong Kong ID, have Hong Kong birth certificate, and have expired Hong Kong passport (more than 30years ago)

Thank you.
Answers (1)
Answered by Mia | Jul. 21, 2023 00:23
00Reply


In my opinion, you are an American citizen holding American passport and there is no problem to apply for a Chinese visa in the consulate of the USA. It is very possible you get rejected if you apply for it in HK. So it is still suggested to confirm it with the local Chinese consulate.
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