Visa & Entry Guide

Everything you need to know about entering China and visiting Shenzhen

8 min read
Updated 2025-01

144h

Visa-Free Duration

54+

Countries Eligible

4-7 days

L Visa Processing

6+ months

Passport Validity

Visa-Free Transit (144 Hours)

The easiest way to visit Shenzhen for most nationalities

Great News!

Citizens from 54 countries can visit Shenzhen visa-free for up to 144 hours (6 days). This is perfect for a tech tour experience!

Requirements

  • • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • • Confirmed onward ticket to a third country
  • • Cannot leave Guangdong Province
  • • Hotel registration within 24 hours

Eligible Countries Include

USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, most EU countries, and many more.

Check your eligibility before booking!

Pro Tip

Book a round-trip flight that transits through Shenzhen (e.g., fly into Shenzhen, out from Hong Kong) to easily qualify for the 144-hour visa-free policy.

Tourist Visa (L Visa)

For stays longer than 144 hours

1

Gather Documents

Passport, photo, application form, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and bank statement.

2

Find Your Embassy

Locate your nearest Chinese embassy or visa application center.

3

Submit Application

Submit in person or through an agency. Processing takes 4-7 business days.

4

Collect Your Visa

Pick up your passport with visa. Validity is typically 30-90 days.

FeatureStandardExpress
Processing Time4-7 days2-3 days
Cost (approx.)$140$170+
AvailabilityAlwaysLimited

Pro Tip

Apply online at visaforchina.cn to check requirements specific to your country and book an appointment at your nearest visa center.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Print everything

Hotel booking, flight tickets, tour confirmation

Carry some cash

¥500-1000 for initial expenses

Download apps beforehand

Translation apps work offline

Hotel registration

Required within 24 hours of arrival

Important

Immigration officers may ask about your travel plans. Know your hotel address and have your return/onward ticket ready to show.

Ready to Experience Shenzhen?

Book a tour and let us show you the future.

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