Can I (a foreigner) apply for a China Visa in Hong Kong?
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a premier international tourist destination that also acts as a vital gateway to Shenzhen, Guangdong, and mainland China. Foreign passport holders have the option to apply for a Chinese Visa in Hong Kong, allowing them to explore even more breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and fascinating history in China. Some travelers may even take advantage of China’s free transit policy to enjoy a visa-free layover tour in cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, and more.
Apply China Visa in Hong Kong
With its exceptional charm and welcoming entry policies, Hong Kong attracts a large number of foreign tourists every year. The Hong Kong-China mainland tour has become increasingly popular due to shorter travel times and a wide range of tourism resources. When visiting Hong Kong, obtaining a China Visa for a combined tour is simple and convenient.
Before beginning the application process, it is important to check the China Visa Free Policy to determine if a China Visa is required. If a visa is necessary, it is essential to consider the purpose of the visit in order to determine the appropriate type of China Visa to apply for.
Basic Requirements:
● Passport
In order to apply for a visa, you must have an original passport with a validity of at least 6 months and at least 2 blank pages. Please make a copy of the passport’s data page, any previously used visa pages, and any former China visas if applicable.
● China Visa Application Form
Option 1: Complete the online application form at http://www.visaforchina.org. Once finished, print out the form, write down the application date, and sign the paper form.
Option 2: Download the most recent version of the China Visa Application Form (v.2013 – 4 pages in total), fill it out, and sign it.
● Photo
Please provide at least two passport-size color photos taken within the last six months against a light background. The size of each photo should be 38mm x 48mm. Thank you.
Useful Link: China Visa Photo Requirements
● Others
1.) If you are not applying in your home country, you must provide proof of legal entry, stay, or residence in another country or region.
2.) If you were previously a Chinese citizen and are applying for a China Visa for the first time, you must submit your previous Chinese passport along with a copy of the data page. If you have obtained a China Visa before, please provide photocopies of the data page, photo page, and previous China Visa page from your old Chinese passport.
Supporting Documents:
– Travel-related documents: round-trip (flight, train, ship) tickets, hotel booking, travel itinerary, etc.
– Invitation Letter: If you are invited to travel to China, please ensure you have a formal Invitation Letter from the inviting individual or organization.
Where to Get China Visa in Hong Kong?
As of January 22, 2018, foreigners holding ordinary passports must submit their visa applications through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will no longer accept visa applications from ordinary passport holders, with the exception of diplomatic and service passport applicants.
Please note that the service center is responsible for receiving applications only. The final decision on whether to issue a visa or not still rests with the Commissioner’s office.
About China Visa Application Service in Hong Kong:
Location: 20F, Capital Center, No.151 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 29921999
Fax: 852) 34132345, (852) 29891116
Email: hongkongcenter@visaforchina.org
Website: http://www.visaforchina.org
Working Days: Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays).
Submission Hours: 9:00-16:00 (urgent service must be submitted before 12:00)
Pick-up Hours: Regular Service 10:00-17:00; Express and Urgent Service 12:00 to 17:00.
How to Get China Visa in Hong Kong?
Bring All Prepared Documents to Submit via China Visa Application Service Center in Hong Kong
Following are our step-by-step guides to apply for a China Visa in Hong Kong:
Step 1 – complete the China Visa Application Form & prepare required documents
Please select one of the two methods mentioned above to complete your visa application form. Remember to attach a photo to the application form and schedule an appointment online after filling it out. If you encounter any difficulties while completing the form, China Discovery is available to provide assistance.
Step 2 – submit the application & choose visa service
Please ensure you have all the necessary documents before visiting the China Visa Application Service at your scheduled appointment time. Upon arrival, please scan your passport to receive a queue number. When your number is called, submit your documents to the center staff and select your desired visa service. You will then receive a payment notice and can proceed to pay the relevant fees at the counter. Remember to keep the pick-up slip for when you collect your documents later on.
Step 3 – pick up your passport and visa
Please check the date indicated on the slip and visit the service center to retrieve your passport and visa. You have the option to collect it in person or authorize a friend or travel agency to assist you.
What is the China Visa Fee in Hong Kong?
China Visa Application Service Center will collect visa fees and express service fees, ugrnet service fees on behalf of the Commissioner’s office. At the same time, the center will charge service fees. So total cost = visa application fee + service fee ( download detailed schedules of fees here.)
| Nationality | Regular Application (Visa Fee+Service Fee) |
Express Service (Visa Fee+Service Fee) |
Urgent Service (Visa Fee+Service Fee) |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S.A | HK$1,340 = HK$1,100 + HK$240 | HK$1,550 = HK$1,100 + HK$450 | HK$2,000 = HK$1,100 + HK$900 |
| UK | HK$1,180 = HK$940 + HK$240 | HK$1,390 = HK$940 + HK$450 | HK$1,840 = HK$940 + HK$900 |
| Canada | HK$850 = HK$610 + HK$240 | HK$1,060 = HK$610 + HK$450 | HK$1,510 = HK$610 + HK$900 |
| Others (non-reciprocal states) – Regular Application as Example |
Single Entry: Visa Fee: HK$550+Service Fee: HK$240=HK$790 Double Entry: Visa Fee: HK$710+Service Fee: HK$240=HK$1950 Multiple Entry (6 Months): Visa Fee: HK$860+Service Fee: HK$240=HK$1,100 Multiple Entry (1 Year & above): Visa Fee: HK$1170+Service Fee: HK$240=HK$1,410 |
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Notes:
1. Only cash and debit card are accepted as payment at the China Visa Application Service Center in Hong Kong.
2. The visa fees for citizens of the U.S.A, UK, Canada, and Australia are the same for single entry, double entry, and multiple entry visas (valid for 6 months, 1 year, or longer).
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