Written by Natalia |
With 4 ports connecting Hong Kong and frequent international flights, Shenzhen has become the most preferred first-station for international visitors to start their China tours. In addition to Shenzhen’s transportation convenience, the beautiful coastline, cozy weather, technology night view and various delicious food also attract lots of travelers. For international visitors’ easy access and travel to Shenzhen, the city has implemented a 5-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) policy.
The VOA is a convenient entry policy for non-Chinese tourists entering Shenzhen. Application of the Shenzhen 5-day visa does not require applying for a Chinese visa or making an appointment in advance. You only need to fill out the form and submit the materials on the spot after arriving in Shenzhen to obtain the visa. Hong Kong is a travel transfer station for many international visitors, so the Shenzhen visa on arrival is very popular for travelers from Hong Kong.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Shenzhen? Available Visa-free Policies
People who are eligible to the following visa-free policies don’t need to apply a visa (as well as 5-day VOA) to enter China:
- Travelers from the 45 countries including Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Italy etc. can enjoy a 30-day visa-free visit to China until December 31, 2026.
- The 240-hour visa-free transit policy now is applicable to 55 countries including the US, Russia, UK, France, Germany, etc. This policy allows eligible foreign visitors to stay in the designated area for no more than 10 days when transiting through China to a third country (region) without applying for a Chinese visa. Travelers who meet the 240-hour visa-free transit conditions can directly enter Shenzhen without applying for a visa.
- Visa-Free Entry Policy for Foreign TravelGroups from Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions to Guangdong Province
For citizens of countries that have established diplomatic relations with China: If travelers join tour groups organized by Hong Kong/Macao, they can enter the 9 cities in the Greater Bay Area (including Shenzhen) and Shantou City and stay for a maximum of 6 days.
- Visa-Free Entry Policy for Foreign TarvelGroups by Cruise Ships
For citizens of countries that have established diplomatic relations with China: Any foreign tourist group consisting of two or more individuals that is organized and received by a travel agency registered in China, may enter China and stay for 15 days without a visa by a cruise ship via one of the cruise ports in the following 13 cities: Beihai, Dalian, Guangzhou, Haikou, Lianyungang, Qingdao, Sanya, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Wenzhou, Xiamen and Zhoushan.
Read more on Guangzhou Visa-Free Transit & Visa on Arrival Policies
What is Shenzhen 5-Day Visa on Arrival?
The Shenzhen 5-Day Visa on Arrival allows eligible foreign travelers to apply after arriving at the designated ports in Shenzhen and stay in Shenzhen for no more than five days after approval. Visitors are not allowed to leave Shenzhen to other cities in China during the visa validity period, and this visa cannot be extended or converted to another type of visa.
The Shenzhen visa on arrival needs no reservation and application before departure, which is very convenient and efficient for international visitors. The application materials are simple and the application fee is cheap, providing easy application procedure for international travelers. This visa can be applicated at multiple ports in Shenzhen, making it convenient for travelers choosing different modes of transportation to apply.
Who Are Eligible? How to Get a Visa on Arrival in Shenzhen?
Now, travelers from most countries can apply for the Shenzhen 5-day visa on arrival, including the US, UK, Canada, France, Australia, Germany, Korea, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland etc. You can also refer to the eligible countries of 240-hour visa-free transit policy.
For these eligible travelers, if you want to apply for the Shenzhen 5-day visa, you have to hold a passport valid for more than six months and provide your proof of round-trip transportation and hotel reservation. After arriving at the designated visa issuing point, you need to submit the relevant materials to the port visa authority and fill out the Application Form for Entry of Foreigners. After paying the visa fee, you can collect the Shenzhen visa on arrival.
Where to Apply: Ports to Get Your Shenzhen VOA
- Huanggang Port: 24 hours
- Shenzhen Bao ‘an International Airport Port: 24 hours
- Luohu Port: 6:00 ~ 24 :00
- Shekou Port: 7:00 ~ 22:30
For the Luohu port, you can call 0755-84460481 to ask for relevant and detailed information. For the other three ports, you can call 12367 (24 hours) for more information.
What Documents to Prepare?
- Valid passport: You need to provide your passport to the port, and the remaining validity period of the passport should be more than 6 months.
- ID photo: A recent color photo with a white background, measuring 48mm×33mm (Corresponding to the standard of Chinese visa photo).
- Transportation proof: You need to provide your transportation documents for leaving Shenzhen, such as air tickets, ship tickets, Hong Kong and Macao Passes and valid endorsements, etc.
- Proof of stay: A hotel reservation confirmation in Shenzhen or a detailed itinerary for Shenzhen
- Application Form: You need to fill out the Foreigner Entry Application Formon site (provided by the visa processing point at the port).
Step-by-Step Process for Shenzhen Visa on Arrival
- If you do not prepare your ID photo in advance, you need take a picture in the photo booth that is right outside of the office.
- You have to fill out thepaper application Foreigner Entry Application Form that is provided to you on site.
- You need take an appointment numberand wait for the officer calling your number.
- Onceyour number is called, you will provide your relevant documents to the agent who will go over everything.
- Then, you will be asked to take a seat while they review your documents, and if you are successful, they will call you up again and you will have your Shenzhen visa on arrival.
- Once you get the visain your passport, you can go back down to the hall and continue towards immigration, where you will then go through immigration as you normally would.
- Once you get out into Shenzhen, you can simply call yourself a DiDi and be on your way.
Good to know:
- When you arrive, if there is no one else applying for the visa, this whole process can be done in 15 to 30 minutes. If you encounter the peak period of holidays, it may take you 45 to 60 minutes to get your visa.
- Tips: Some ports may require a copy of the information page of your passport, so you can prepare one copy in advance as a backup. Your hotel order must include specific dates and locations of stay to ensure it matches the duration of stay on the visa on arrival (5 days).
How is the 5-Day Period Calculated?
The 5-day stay period for the Shenzhen visa on arrival starts from 0:00 on the day following entry and covers five complete natural days. For example, if you arrive Shenzhen on 2026 January 1st, the stay period will be calculated from 0:00 on January 2nd, and you have to leave Shenzhen no later than 24:00 on 2026 January 6th.
How Much Does a Shenzhen VOA Cost & Supported Payment Methods
The official fee for the Shenzhen 5-day visa is 160 yuan per person. The supported payment methods include RMB cash, UnionPay card payment, WeChat pay and Alipay pay.
Final Tips for Shenzhen Visa on Arrival & Entry to China
- Best Entry Option: Applying for a Shenzhen 5-day visa is easier and more convenientthan a China visa, and the processing time is only about 30 minutes and the fee is cheap.
- Pay attention to the processing time: The Luohu port and Shekou port will stop processing the visa after 24:00 and 21:00 respectively. If you arrive Shenzhen at dawn, you might need to choose the Huanggang port or the Shenzhen Bao ‘an International Airport port to apply for your visa.
- Extend your stay: As the 5 days are calculated from the day following entry, so if you arrive Shenzhen early, you can stay in Shenzhen for an extra half a day.
- Limited applying time: The Shenzhen visa on arrival can only be applied up to two times a month, so you need you arrange your trip in advance accordingto this rule.
- Only for tourism: You can only apply this visa for tourism, and if your entry purposes are business negotiations, work, study and interviews, your application might be rejected.
- Must be applied in person: This visa has to be applied in person upon entry, and it cannot be processed in advance through a travel agency or by relatives or friends.
- For minors: The original and a copy of the birth certificate and a copy of the guardian’s passport are required. If the guardian is unable to accompany, a notarized power of attorney from the guardian and the identity proof of the authorized person must be provided.
- Nationality restrictions: Citizens of certain countries such as the Philippines and India are not eligible for the Shenzhen visa on arrival. They need to apply for a visa in advance at the foreign embassy or consulate in China.
- ID photo: Photos can be taken on the spot at the port, but an additional fee is required and it might take longer time. We suggest that you prepare two copies in advance.
Can I travel to other cities in China with Shenzhen visa on arrival?
No. This visa only allows you to stay in Shenzhen, and you can’t directly go to other cities in mainland China. When you leave Shenzhen, the valid visa and departure certificate must be presented.
What to Do in Shenzhen After Arrival
Follow these top things to do in Shenzhen to discover the essence of this city:
- Shenzhen Happy Coast: Take a ride on the Ferris wheel to enjoy the sunset and the city light show.
- Shenzhen Bay Park: You can ride a bike or go hiking here, or you can also enjoy the mangroves and migratory birds.
- Shenzhen Museum: Learn more about how does Shenzhen develop from a small fishing village to a developed city.
- Shekou Cruise Center: Enjoy the sea views and have a distant view of Hong Kong.
- Shenzhen Wildlife Park: Free-range Wild animal Area and Panda House, which is suitable for families to experience together.
- Oct Creative Park: Combines Café, Art Exhibition and Niche Market.
- Splendid China Folk Village: Explore all the miniature landscapes of China and enjoy the performances of ethnic minority customs.
- Nighttime activities: Enjoy the night fireworks show at Window of the World and the water screen performance at theShenzhen Happy Coast.
- Have a taste of deliciousfood: Guangming squab, Shajing oysters, coconut chicken, Chao-Shan beef hot pot, Hakka stuffed tofu, fresh seafoods, etc.
Recommended Shenzhen tour
Travel Shenzhen with China Xian Tour
Do you also think the Shenzhen 5-day visa on arrival is convenient and easy to apply for? Are you eager to start planning your Shenzhen tour? If yes, why not contact China Xian Tour now and travel to Shenzhen with us? We have professional service teams and are very familiar to the applying procedures of Shenzhen visa on arrival, so we can help you prepare and check the required materials, and get the visa quickly.
In addition to helping you get the visa, we also know Shenzhen very well. No matter you want to go to the seaside, appreciate the firework show or the bustling night view, try delicious local food or visit other tourist attractions, we will try our best to provide you with a satisfied and happy trip in Shenzhen. How about contact us and plan your travel with us now? We can’t wait to start this journey with you!
