Shenzhen 5-Day Visa on Arrival

The Shenzhen 5-day visa on arrival, also known as Shenzhen 5-day VOA, enables tourists from most countries to stay in Shenzhen for up to 5 days without applying for a regular visa. During the 5 days, tourists cannot leave Shenzhen for other mainland Chinese cities.

Note that Shenzhen VOA can neither be extended nor converted. Holders should leave China before it expires. The 5 days start counting from 00:00 the day following the entry date.

Shenzhen 5-day visa on arrival
Shenzhen 5-day visa on arrival (Sample)

Do I Need a Visa to Go to Shenzhen?

Foreigners need a visa to go to Shenzhen unless they qualify for the 24-hour visa-free transit or they come from countries that have reached visa waiver agreements with China. The good thing is that citizens of most countries can apply for a Shenzhen visa on arrival.
 

Can I Get a Visa on Arrival in Shenzhen? - See Who Are Eligible

1. Most European and developed countries are eligible for the five-day VOA, including US, UK, Canada, French, Australia, Germany, Korea, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

2. Visitors can also refer to the eligible countries of 144-hour visa-free transit policy. Generally, travelers from these countries can get the Shenzhen VOA.

3. For those beyond the above lists, it doesn’t mean that you are not able to get the 5-day visa but it does have a high risk of being rejected. Thus for a smooth trip, it is suggested to obtain a China visa in advance from the local embassy.

4. Tourists who have been granted a Chinese visa previously will benefit your 5-day VOA application but it is not guaranteed.

 Note: The list is subject to changes. Citizens of countries not mentioned can also contact the relevant Chinese embassy or port to ask if they can apply for the Shenzhen visa on arrival.
 

Can US Citizens Apply for Visa on Arrival in Shenzhen?

Yes. According to the latest news, US citizens can apply for the five-day VOA in Shenzhen.
 

Where to Get the VOA?

The five-day VOA is available at Luohu (Lo Wu) Port, Shenzhen Airport, Huanggang Port, Shekou Port and Fuyong Port. There is no office at Futian Port although it is only a few hundred meters from Huanggang Port.
 

Ports VOA Office Opening Hours Phone Number
Shenzhen Airport 10:00 - the arrival of the last flight (0755)82327700
Luohu Port 9:00 - 16:30 (0755)82324022
Huanggang Port 9:00 - 16:30 (0755)83391060
Shekou Port 9:00 - 13:00 & 14:30 - 16:30 (0755)26691202
Fuyong Port 10:00 - the arrival of the last carrier (0755)23459289
 

How to Apply for the VOA & How Long Does It Take?

1. Show your valid passport. The five-day VOA is a sticker pasted on the passport like a regular visa. Hence, there must be at least one blank page in the applicant's passport.
2. Complete the application form when you are at the port.
3. The officer will take a photo of you after you hand over your passport and application form. 
4. Pay for the VOA (in Chinese RMB); there is a window for currency exchange.

In most cases, people can get the visa within ten minutes.
 

How Much Does a Shenzhen Visa Cost?

Usually, the fee for a Shenzhen VOA is the same as a regular visa. It is CNY168 for most, but not all countries. For example, UK passport holders need to pay CNY 304. Only China Yuan (CNY) is accepted by the visa-issuing ports.
 

What Can You Do During the 5 Days? 

Visiting Splendid China - Folk Culture Villages will provide tourists an opportunity to appreciate the charm of Chinese culture. Happy Valley and Window of the World are the perfect places to relax and be entertained. Dameisha Beach and Xiaomeisha Beach will not disappoint tourists for the fascinating coastline scenery.

Besides, tourists can taste the delicious morning tea and Cantonese cuisine in Shenzhen. Businessmen can engage in some commercial activities and make a short business trip within the 5 days.
 
 Recommended Shenzhen Itinerary: Private Shenzhen City Tour
 

FAQ about Shenzhen 5-Day Visa on Arrival

1. Can I travel back and forth from HK to Shenzhen daily on this visa or do I need to apply each time?
The 5-day VOA is for single entry only, so you need to apply for it each time.

2. May I apply for Shenzhen VOA beforehand or through a travel agent?
No, you cannot. You cannot use a travel agent and you need to apply for it at the border crossing upon arrival on your own.

Further Reading: China Visa on Arrival
- Last updated on May. 24, 2023 by Kate Liu -
Questions & Answers on Visa on Arrival
Asked by noelle from AUSTRALIA | Aug. 21, 2023 08:30Reply
is voa still available?
im planning to go to shenzhen later this month and i carry an australia passport, where can i apply voa? thank you
Answers (1)
Answered by Cathy | Aug. 21, 2023 19:27
00Reply


You can apply for the voa at Shenzhen Airport, Luohu Port, Huanggang Port, Shekou Port and Fuyong Port. The land ports are usually busier than ferry ports, so I recommend Shekou.
Asked by Tom from UNITED KINGDOM | Aug. 21, 2023 07:21Reply
UK citizen going to Hong kong to shenzhen, what are the conditions to get VOA visa
Do I need to show the hotel booking and return the ticket back to Hong Kong?

Also, can I leave Shenzhen to other parts of Mainland China, providing I return and leave within 5 days? Is there a border crossing to leave Shenzhen? has anyone done this before?
Answers (1)
Answered by Cathy | Aug. 21, 2023 19:26
00Reply


No hotel booking and return ticket are required. Given that you get the VOA successfully, you cannot leave Shenzhen administration border to travel to other places. You can leave Shenzhen from any obrder.
Asked by anais from HONG KONG | Aug. 21, 2023 00:30Reply
shenzhen boarding visa counter close 16:30 , can we show up at 16:30, can they still grant me visa
shenzhen boarding visa counter close 16:30 , can we show up at 16:30, can they still grant me visa
Answers (1)
Answered by Cathy | Aug. 21, 2023 19:22
00Reply


I'm afraid no. There is always a queue there. When it's your turn, it may be as late as 17:00.
Asked by Paulby from AUSTRALIA | Aug. 20, 2023 23:39Reply
Do shenzhen use cash for payment
Hi
What payment do shenzhen use
Can we use cash chinese yuan dollar as payment in shenzhen
If not how to use wechat pay or other e pay as foreigner
Thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by Becky | Aug. 21, 2023 02:35
00Reply


In China, Wechat pay and Alipay are widely used but most places still accept cash, so don't worry a lot. Wechat pay and Alipay, you need to download the apps and apply for an account.
Asked by Jass from AUSTRALIA | Aug. 17, 2023 15:27Reply
Visa on Arrival in Shenzhen - 144 hours
I am holding an Australian passport and intend to enter Shenzhen via Luohu Port (land) from HongKong for the 144 hours visa free.
Can I return to Hongkong via the same Luohu Port (land) or have to be to another 3rd country?
Answers (1)
Answered by Mia | Aug. 18, 2023 00:39
00Reply


If you use the 144-hour visa-free transit, you have to arrive by plane and leave for the third country. However, if you only plan to visit Shenzhen, you are also eligible for the 5-day visa on arrival. You can get the visa by taking a ferry to the port. And you can also return to Hong Kong as you like.
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