You can enter Shenzhen without a visa if you meet visa-free conditions, such as being from a visa-free country, qualifying for the 10-day visa-free transit policy, visiting the surrounding Pearl River Delta with a registered tour group, or entering by cruise.
If you don't enjoy a visa-free policy and do not have a full China visa, you can apply for Shenzhen 5-Day Visa on Arrival (Shenzhen VOA) at the arrival ports in Shenzhen.
Read on to find out if you need a visa to visit the city, if you can apply for a Visa on Arrival, or if you can enjoy the visa-free transit policy.
A Quick Check for Which Kind of Visa You May Need
- If your country enjoys a visa-free policy (such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, etc.): You can stay in China for a specific period without a visa.
- If you only visit Shenzhen and then return to your country without a full China visa: You can apply for a Visa on Arrival for a 5-day stay.
- If your travel plan includes a third country or region beyond Chinese mainland: You can enjoy the 10-day visa-free transit policy.
- If your country does not enjoy a visa-free policy: You need to apply for a full China visa in advance.
10-Day (240-Hour) Visa-Free Transit Policy
This policy is valid for travelers from 54 specific countries who are transiting to a third country or region (Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are considered to be a third region). Travelers can stay within the whole of Guangdong Province and even travel to other provinces for up to 240 hours (10 days).
If your nationality can enjoy this policy and you have planned to visit another country or region (such as Hong Kong or other Asian countries), using this policy is better than applying for a VOA.
Read detailed information about the 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy as well as how to use it.
Shenzhen night view5-Day Shenzhen Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Getting this VOA is quick, convenient, and cheap, especially when you enter from Hong Kong to Shenzhen. It can be processed in 30 minutes to 1 hour.
But you could only stay in Shenzhen for 5 days with the VOA. The visa cannot be extended and is only for a single entry, and you must enter Shenzhen the day you get it.
You cannot use this VOA to travel to other cities in China. For example：
× Shenzhen–Shanghai–USA
√ USA–Shenzhen–USA
√ Hong Kong – Shenzhen – USA
Can I Apply for a Shenzhen VOA?
Shenzhen VOA is available to many countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Romania, Brazil, Israel, etc. However, some countries, such as India and the Philippines, may face visa denial.
Policies are subject to change. Please keep an eye on the relevant information in a timely manner.
There are reports that the VOA application might be denied if the visas and stamps on the traveler's passport indicate that he/she has just visited a politically sensitive country, such as Iraq, Libya, or Yemen. If your passport may cause such an issue, you may need to apply for a full China visa in advance.
Document Requirements and Preparations
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have one blank page.
Visa fees are paid in CNY, with 275 (about 38 USD ) per person. It can be settled via credit card, Alipay or WeChat Pay. Cash is not accepted. For countries with reciprocal arrangements, the fees vary based on your nationality.
Validity
The validity of the VOA is calculated from the second day you acquire it. For example, you arrive in Shenzhen and get your VOA on October 1st. Your stay period starts counting down from October 2nd and you can stay until 23:59 on October 6th.
If you choose to arrive in Shenzhen early in the day, it is possible to extend your stay.
Shenzhen VOA can only be applied up to 2 times a month.
Ports to Get Your Shenzhen VOA
Luohu Port, Huanggang Port, Shekou Cruise Center and Shenzhen Baoao International Airport are all accessible to apply for Shenzhen VOA.
The Shenzhen VOA check-in time is 9:00-16:30 in Luohu and Huanggang, and 9:00-17:00 in Baoan and Shekou. Please schedule your time in advance.
4 Steps to Get Your Shenzhen VOA
- Step 1: Arrive at any Shenzhen port mentioned below and find the visa office in the port (generally with a blue "Port Visa" sign).
- Step 2: Fill out the application card, submit your valid passport for examination, and pay the fee (the fee may be different depending on your country, but it is generally 168 yuan).
- Step 3: Accept the relevant inquiries of the port visa authority and have your photo taken on-site.
- Step 4: Your application materials are reviewed by the port visa authority. If issued, you will receive your visa at the issuing window.
Enjoy Your Shenzhen Tour with Us
A 5-day Shenzhen tour with a VOA is now available! We can help you to customize your Shenzhen visit including the top things to do in this growing city.
Here is our most popular Shenzhen tour, for inspiration:
If the tour is not for you, feel free to contact us for a customized tour