Tourist visa for China

hullexile · 29-09-2009, 10:17 AM

Request for info from a UK colleague. What is the current position regarding tourists getting a visa for China (specifically Shenzhen) for a one or two day stay? Can they get them easily and quickly in HK or even at the border?

drumbrake · 29-09-2009, 10:45 AM

UK passport holders can get a 5 day Shenzhen visa at the Lo Wu border for about 468 Rmb (payable only in RMB), or they can go to the visa office in Wanchai and get a single entry Chinese visa for HK$450 (takes 4 days to process; pay extra for next day service), or use an agent (CTS for example).

pin · 29-09-2009, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by drumbrake:

UK passport holders can get a 5 day Shenzhen visa at the Lo Wu border for about 468 Rmb (payable only in RMB), or they can go to the visa office in Wanchai and get a single entry Chinese visa for HK$450 (takes 4 days to process; pay extra for next day service), or use an agent (CTS for example).

Should add there is a currency exchange booth right next to the visa office at Lo Wu, so if you do forget RMB you can change your money there.

drumbrake · 29-09-2009, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by pin:

Should add there is a currency exchange booth right next to the visa office at Lo Wu, so if you do forget RMB you can change your money there.

But they don't give a good exchange rate there, so wise to get money before leaving Hong Kong. Easy to do at many ATMs now, and Rmb will be needed for most purchases in Shenzhen anyway.

Lineweaver · 29-09-2009, 05:51 PM

i think you'll find it to be RMB 160 in Lo Wu. More for other nationalities.
Posted via Mobile Device

Stu79 · 29-09-2009, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by Lineweaver:

i think you'll find it to be RMB 160 in Lo Wu. More for other nationalities.

British nationals can't get a visa for anything like RMB160. It's RMB468 as previously mentioned.

Lineweaver · 29-09-2009, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by Stu79:

British nationals can't get a visa for anything like RMB160. It's RMB468 as previously mentioned.

Ouch...would hate to be a brit in this instance! I thought Aus and Brit passports would have been the same.

Mothbox · 29-09-2009, 11:22 PM

Out of interested is it cheaper if you have a working visa for Hong Kong as your not really a tourist?

drumbrake · 29-09-2009, 11:31 PM

Originally Posted by Mothbox:

Out of interested is it cheaper if you have a working visa for Hong Kong as your not really a tourist?

No - cost of visa depends on your passport. Having a HKID means you can get a longer visa, and a multi-entry, which can cut the cost if you are making frequent trips.