Visa & Entry Guide
Everything you need to know about entering China and visiting Shenzhen
Start with Your Passport and Route
Checked on 7 September 2026
Your mainland China entry permission depends on nationality, passport type, purpose and itinerary. Permission to visit Hong Kong does not itself authorize entry to Shenzhen. Check every traveler, including children.
Official Policy Sources
- NIA unilateral visa-exemption list — qualifying ordinary passports and visits of up to 30 days; verify current policy validity before travel.
- NIA policy index — mutual visa-exemption agreements, regional policies and current entry guidance.
- 240-hour transit rules, updated 20 August 2026 — nationality, designated-port, onward-ticket and permitted-area conditions.
A Hong Kong round trip is not 240-hour transit
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
For eligible travelers continuing to a third destination
The NIA's August 20 policy lists 57 eligible countries and 65 entry ports, with permitted areas in 24 provincial-level regions. These are specific lists; they do not mean every nationality, border or part of China qualifies.
Check All Conditions
- Eligible nationality and a valid ordinary passport meeting the applicable document requirements.
- Confirmed onward ticket with a departure date and seat to a different third country or region.
- Entry at a designated port and travel within permitted areas and purposes.
- Departure within the deadline specified by immigration.
Hong Kong → mainland China → Singapore has a different onward destination, but still needs all other conditions checked. Hong Kong → mainland China → Hong Kong does not meet the third-destination condition. A tour or exhibition booking does not establish entry eligibility.
Tourist Visa and Port-Visa Enquiries
When your trip needs a visa
Check the issuing office
Consult the Chinese embassy, consulate or visa application center responsible for your place of application.
Prepare the requested documents
Follow that office’s current passport, application, photo and supporting-document requirements.
Confirm fees and processing
Fees, appointment availability and processing times depend on the application location and service. Leave time before non-refundable travel.
Check the issued visa
Read its validity, permitted entries, purpose and stay conditions before using it.
Start with the China Visa Application Service Center or your Chinese embassy/consulate. If considering a Shenzhen SEZ port visa, confirm eligibility, issuing port, documents, office hours and the current fee using the NIA port-visa office directory. Approval remains with the authorities.
Prepare for the Crossing
Carry your original travel documents, confirmed transport details and destination/accommodation information. Follow the staff directions for the channel available to your document. Confirm accommodation-registration arrangements with your hotel or local authority.
On the high-speed railway from Hong Kong, both Hong Kong exit and mainland entry happen at West Kowloon before boarding. Check MTR's current departure deadlines and allow extra time for passport/manual counters.
Prepare supported payment methods, mainland mobile coverage and offline copies of your meeting details. Guide assistance does not replace your entry documents.
Ready to make Shenzhen easier?
Book a private Shenzhen tour if you want an English-speaking local guide to handle app friction, transport timing, robotaxi pickup, and Mandarin-only menus on the day.