How to get a Chinese visa in Hong Kong

Wondering how to get a China visa in Hong Kong? Use this guide to navigate through the steps that will have all those boxes ticked in no time.

This article is written especially for travelers from the west, including visitors from the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand who want to apply for a visa for China, however, it’s important to note that travelers from around 170 countries and territories can visit Hong Kong without a Chinese visa for a duration of between 7 and 180 days.

How to get a Chinese visa in Hong Kong

While it’s good news that you can enjoy Hong Kong without the concern of arranging a visa, if your travel plans take in anywhere else in China, you will need a visa. Apart from ordinary passport holders from 23 countries signed the bilateral agreements with China (including Singapore and Thailand), who can enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 30 days, every other visitor is required to make arrangements for the relevant China visa.

The latest news in Nov 2024 confirmed that China has extended the unilateral visa-free policy to 38 countries.*From November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, ordinary passports holders from the specified 38 countries can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for no more than 30 days for business, tourism, family visit, exchange visit and transit purposes.

* Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, and Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan and Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Our big tip on this? We strongly recommend travelers make tour arrangements well in advance of their visit to China and apply for a Chinese visa from the Chinese embassy or consulate in their country of origin.

Now the caveat on applying for a China visa is this: If you are a citizen from one of 54 countries around the world (check out the list below), and plan to take advantage of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy (that applies to 60 eligible ports in 24 provinces), then you don’t need to apply for a Chinese visa.

40 European countriesAustria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway
6 countries in North and South AmericaUnited States of America, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile
2 Oceania countriesAustralia, New Zealand
6 Asian countriesJapan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar

Let’s explain how that would work with a few sample itineraries. Hint: These examples do not require a Chinese visa.

Hong Kong – Shanghai – USA

Hong Kong – Beijing – Tianjin – Japan

Hong Kong – Guangzhou – Australia

To make things clearer – and show how you can optimize the flexible travel policy available by making Hong Kong the start point for your holiday – we’ve put together this table that shows 240-hour visa-free transit accessible ports in 24 provinces, cities and popular destinations you can visit.

Provinces
(Autonomous Regions and Municipalities)

Eligible Ports

Permitted Stay Areas
Main Cities / Popular Destinations you may visit
BEIJING
  • Beijing Capital International Airport
  • Beijing Daxing International Airport
  • Beijing MunicipalityGreat Wall, Forbidden City,
    Tiananmen Square,
    Temple of Heaven,
    Summer Place, Hutongs
    TIANJIN
  • Tianjin Binhai International Airport
  • Tianjin Port (Passenger)
  • Tianjin MunicipalityTianjin Eye (Ferris wheel),
    Ancient Culture Street,
    Tianjin Museum,
    Five Great Avenues
    HEBEI
  • Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport
  • Qinhuangdao Port (Passenger)
  • Hebei ProvinceShijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao,
    Chengde, Zhangjiakou

    (Jinshanling Great Wall, Chengde Mountain Resort, Shanhai Pass, Beidaihe, Zhangbei Grassland, Wanlong Ski Resort)

    LIAONING
  • Shenyang Taoxian International Airport
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport
  • Dalian Port (Passenger)
  • Liaoning ProvinceShenyang, Dalian, Benxi,
    Dandong Anshan

    (Mukden Palace, Dalian Xinghai Park, Anshan Jade Buddha Palace)

    SHANGHAI
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Internatioanl Airport
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport
  • Shanghai Port
  • Shanghai MunicipalityThe Bund, Yuyuan Garden,
    Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower,
    Yu Garden Bazaar,
    Jade Buddha Temple,
    Shanghai Science and Technology Museum,
    Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town,
    Shanghai Disneyland Park
    JIANGSU
  • Nanjing Internatioanl Airport
  • Su’nan Shuofang International Airport
  • Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport
  • Lianyungang Port (Passenger)
  • Jiangsu ProvinceNanjing, Suzhou,
    Wuxi, Yangzhou,
    Lianyungang, Xuzhou,
    Nantong, Zhenjiang

    (Purple Mountain, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming dynasty city wall and gates, Classical Gardens of Suzhou, Zhouzhuang, Yangzhou Slender West Lake)

    ZHEJIANG
  • Hangzhou Xiaosha Internatioanl Airport
  • Ningbo Lishe International Airport
  • Wenzhou Longwan International Airport
  • Yiwu Airport
  • Wenzhou Port (Passenger)
  • Zhoushan Port (Passenger)
  • Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou, Ningbo,
    Wenzhou, Shaoxing,
    Yiwu, Zhoushan

    (West Lake, Lingyin Temple,
    Tianyi Pavilion, Mount Putuo, Wuzhen, Xitang, Baoguo Temple, Thousand-island lake, Lan Ting, Nanxun, Mount Mogan, Yandang Mountains)

    ANHUI
  • Hefei Xinqiao Internatioanl Airport
  • Huangshan Tunxi International Airport
  • Anhui ProvinceHefei, Huangshan,
    Wuhu, Anqing

    (Mount Huangshan, Tunxi, Xidi, Hongcun, Jiuhua Mountain)

    FUJIAN
  • Fuzhou Changle Internatioanl Airport
  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
  • Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport
  • Wuyishan Airport
  • Xiamen Port (Passenger)
  • Fujian ProvinceFuzhou, Xiamen,
    Quanzhou, Zhangzhou

    (Gulangyu Island,Fujian Tulou Cluster, South Putuo Temple, Danxia Landform in Taining, Wuyi Mountains)

    SHANDONG
  • Jinan Yaoqiang Internatioanl Airport
  • Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport
  • Yantai Penglai International Airport
  • Weihai Dashuipo International Airport
  • Qingdao Port (Passenger)
  • Shangdong ProvinceJinan, Qingdao,
    Yantai, Weihai,
    Qufu, Tai’an, Weifang
     
    (Temple and Cemetery of Confucius in Qufu, Mount Tai, Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, Laoshan Mountain, Penglai Pavilion)
    HENAN
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Internatioanl Airport
  • Henan ProvinceZhengzhou, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Anyang
     
    (Longmen Grottoes, Shaolin Temple, Mount Song, White Horse Temple, Yinxu, Yuntai Mountain)
    HUBEI
  • Wuhan Tianhe International Airport
  • Hubei ProvinceWuhan, Yichang, Jingmen, Shiyan
     
    (Three Gorges of the Yangtze, Shennongjia, Yellow Crane Tower, Mount Wudang)
    HUNAN
  • Changsha Huanghua International Airport

  • Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport
  • Hunan ProvinceChangsha, Hengyang, Zhuzhou,
    Yueyang, Zhangjiajie
     
    (Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yueyang Tower, Fenghuang ancient town, Mawangdui)
    GUANGDONG
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Internatioanl Airport
  • Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport
  • Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport
  • Nansha Port (Passenger)
  • Shekou Port (Passenger)
  • Guangdong Province
    (Exits available at all open ports across the province)
    Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Chaozhou
     
    (Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Shamian Island, Danxia Mountain, Window of the World)
    HAINAN
  • Haikou Meilan Internatioanl Airport
  • Sanya Phoenix International Airport
  • Hainan ProvinceHaikou, Sanya, Yalongwan, Wenchang, Qionghai
     
    (Yalong Bay, Nanshan Temple, Tianya Haijiao, Luhuitou Park, Wuzhizhou Coral Island)
    CHONGQING
  • Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
  • Chongqing MunicipalityThree Gorges of Yangtze River, Ciqikou, Hongyadong, Fengdu Ghost City, Baiheliang Underwater Museum, Dazu Rock Carvings
    GUIZHOU
  • Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport
  • Guizhou ProvinceGuiyang, Zunyi, Anshun, Liupanshui, Kali
     
    (Huangguoshu Waterfall, Mount Fanjing, Kaili Miao Villages, Zhenyuan Ancient Town, Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area)
    SHAANXI
  • Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
  • Shaanxi ProvinceXi’an, Xianyang, Baoji, Hanzhong, Yan’an
     
    (Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Mount Hua, Famen Temple, Hukou Waterfall, Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor)
    SHANXI
  • Taiyuan Wusu International Airport
  • Taiyuan City,
    Datong City
    Taiyuan 
    (Shanxi Museum, Twin Pagoda Temple, Jinci Tempel, Tianlongshan Grottoes)

    Datong 
    (Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Monastery, Shanhua Temple, Huayan Monastery)
    HEILONGJIANG
  • Harbin Taiping Internatioanl Airport
  • Harbin CityHarbin Ice and Snow World, Central Street, Saint Sophia Cathedral, Sun Island
    JIANGXI
  • Nanchang Chengbei International Airport
  • Nanchang City,
    Jingdezhen City
    Nanchang 
    (Pavilion of Prince Teng, Bayi Square, Bada Shanren Memorial Hall, Qiushui Square)

    Jingdezhen 
    (China Ceramic Museum, Jingdezhen Ancient Kilns and Folk Customs Museum)
    GUANGXI
  • Nanning Wuxu International Airport
  • Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
  • Beihai Fucheng Airport
  • Beihai Port (Passenger)
  • 11 cities – Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi, LaibinNanning 
    (Guangxi Museum, Mount Qingxiu, People’s Park, Yangmei Ancient Town)

    Guilin 
    (Li River, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, Seven Star Park)
    SICHUAN
  • Chengdu Shuangliu Internatioanl Airport
  • Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
  • 11 cities — Chengdu, Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Suining, Neijiang, Leshan, Yibin, Ya’an, Meishan, ZiyangChengdu 
    (Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda, Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley, Jinli Street, Wenshu Yuan Monastery, Wuhou Shrine, Mount Qingcheng, Dujiangyan)

    Leshan
    (Mount Emei, Leshan Giant Buddha)
    YUNNAN
  • Kunming Changshui Internatioanl Airport
  • Lijiang Sanyi International Airport
  • Mohan Railway Port
  • 9 cities – Kunming, Yuxi, Chuxiong, Honghe, Wenshan, Pu’er, Xishuangbanna, Dali, LijiangKunming 
    (Stone Forest, Yuantong Tempel)

    Dali
    (Erhai Lake, Chongsheg Temple, Dali Ancient Town)

    Lijiang
    (Old Town of Lijiang, Shuhe Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain)

    What if I’m a expat? How do I get a China visa in Hong Kong?

    How to get a Chinese visa in Hong Kong

    Hong Kong continues to operate as an important commercial hub in Asia and it’s no surprise that it still draws workers who want to experience the city as a working professional. If you fall into this category, you can apply for a China visa at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Hong Kong. Just be aware that applicants must reside in Hong Kong when submitting an application.

    And if you’re a tourist? How do you arrange a visa for China if you’re in Hong Kong?

    If you are eligible for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy and just visit China for a short trip in the specified regions and no more than 10 days, you don’t need to apply for a visa. Or you can take advantage of visa-free policy during Nov 30 2024 to Dec 31 2025, if you are the ordinary passport holder from the certain countries, and come to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends and transit for no more than 30 days. Otherwise, travelers who are staying in Hong Kong temporarily can submit a China visa application in Hong Kong by visiting the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in person. Alternatively, you can apply through an agency, such as China Travel Services Hong Kong Ltd. Keep in mind you will need an authorized letter enclosed with copies of photo identification, and if it’s your first time applying for a China visa, you will definitely have to make your application in person. Turnaround times on visas are relatively quick – just four days in most cases – however, an express service (two-day turnaround) is available.

    What supporting documents are needed?

    How to get a Chinese visa in Hong Kong

    As with all visa applications, supporting documentation is required. Here are the basic requirements you’ll need:

    • Original passport with a minimum of two blank pages and valid for at least six months.
    • A copy of the passport and data page
    • Completed visa application form with a recent color passport photo taken against a which background and showing a bare head and full face
    • Proof of a legal stay or residence status, or various valid certificates relevant to the visa
    • Birth certificate and parents’ passport copies if the first-time applicant is under 18 years.

    For an L Visa, that is, travelers visiting China as a tourist, there are some additional requirements:

    • Documents showing your travel itinerary, including air ticket booking record (showing a round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation
    • An invitation letter that contains:
      • Applicant information (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
      • Details of the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.)
      • Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, and signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).

    Be sure you take the time to prepare your application correctly because an inadvertent omission or mistake will mean your travel plans could be delayed.

    Where do I get a Chinese visa in Hong Kong?

    Here are the best locations for organizing your Chinese visa if you’re in Hong Kong.

    Has this information been helpful? Are you looking to travel to Hong Kong and mainland China but unsure how to create an itinerary you’ll love? The team at ChinaTours.com can help. Helping people create China travel adventures is what we do and we’d welcome the opportunity to show China to you. Let us design a tour you’ll remember long after you’ve arrived home so you can enjoy beautiful travel memories that last a lifetime. Reach out to our team today – We’re here for you.

    About the author

    ChinaTours.com

    The ChinaTours.com blogger team brings you the best and most interesting information and China tour news gathered by our travel consultants, local travel guides, and partner providers. With our mission to create beautiful travel memories on your China tour, our travel guide provides ideas, tips, and insights to help bring your holiday alive.

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