How to Apply for a Chinese Visa in Hong Kong
While applying for a Chinese visa in your home country is often the most straightforward option, Hong Kong offers an excellent alternative if you’re already in Asia or can’t return home. Located just next to mainland China, Hong Kong has a well-established system for processing Chinese visas, making it a convenient and efficient choice.
The Great Wall
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Hong Kong?
For most visitors, the answer is likely no! Travelers from around 170 countries and territories can enter Hong Kong without a visa. If you’re from the US, Canada, Australia, or Europe, you’ll typically be allowed a 90-day visa-free stay. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to double-check your eligibility.
Which Chinese Visas Can I Get in Hong Kong?
While Hong Kong previously restricted Business (M) visas due to misuse, obtaining this visa is generally no longer an issue. In Hong Kong, you can apply for most Chinese visas you would be eligible for at home, including the L Tourist Visa, M Business Visa, Z Work Visa, X Student Visa, and even the 10-year tourist or business visa if you’re a US citizen.
Where to Get Your Visa: The Chinese Visa Application Service Center
The simplest way to get your Chinese visa in Hong Kong is to visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center. Applying in person here is straightforward and avoids the high fees that visa service companies charge for handling the process on your behalf.
The center has English-speaking staff, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi, so the experience is comfortable. Just bring a book or a portable charger for any waiting time.
Location: 20/F, Capital Center, 151 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Hours: Monday-Friday (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays)
• Application and Payment: 9:00 to 16:00 (urgent service before 12:00)
• Collection: Regular service 10:00 to 17:00; express and urgent service 12:00 to 17:00
Contact: +852 29921999
Email: hongkongcenter@visaforchina.org
Which Visa Do I Need?
Chinese Visa Types
If you’re planning to travel around China, the L Tourist Visa is ideal. For business purposes, apply for the M Business Visa. If you’ve secured a full-time job in China, you’ll need the Z Work Visa. For studying abroad or attending university in China, the X Student Visa is required. You can find more details on the different visa types here.
Visa Entries, Duration, and Expiration
Beyond the visa type, it’s essential to understand the concepts of entries, duration, and expiration.
• Entries: Chinese visas can be single, double, or multiple-entry.
• Single-entry: Your visa expires after you leave mainland China once, suitable for one-time visitors.
• Double-entry: Allows two entries, so you can go in, exit, and enter again before the visa expires.
• Multiple-entry: Ideal for frequent travelers, allowing unlimited entries for the visa’s validity period.
• Duration: Chinese visas vary in length from 30 days up to 10 years.
• A single-entry 30-day visa allows you to stay in China for 30 days after each entry.
• A 10-year multi-entry visa lets you come and go freely over 10 years—perfect for frequent visitors.
• Stay Duration: This limits how long you can stay on each visit.
• For example, many US citizens obtain a 10-year, 60-day multi-entry visa, which allows unlimited entries over ten years, but each stay is capped at 60 days before you must exit.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Visa Application Process in Hong Kong
Step 1: Prepare Your Chinese Visa Documents
Before heading to the visa center in Hong Kong, ensure you have all necessary documents. Everyone must complete and bring the Chinese Visa Application Form. Fill out the form online, then download, print, and sign it (on the first page and page 6). Failing to complete the online form or missing any of the five required fields can cause delays. Be sure to review the "Online Application Instructions" on the website before filling out the form.
If applying for a Tourist Visa, you’ll also need a detailed travel itinerary, including hotel reservations and tickets for flights or trains entering and exiting China. If you plan to enter via the Shenzhen subway or haven’t booked your return flight, consider reserving a cancellable flight within 24 hours, print the confirmation, and cancel if needed, or book a low-cost ticket to another Asian destination as a backup. Typically, they won’t verify this reservation; they just require something on record.
For those visiting friends or hosted by a business in China, a signed invitation letter from your host can often replace the itinerary. This is standard for a Business Visa and can also work for a Tourist Visa. Make sure the host is a Chinese resident, either a citizen or holding a residence permit. For instance, if you’re living or working in China, you could write an invitation letter for your family to visit without needing an itinerary.
If you’re applying for a Work Visa or Student Visa, ensure all your documents are in order. For students, your school should help with this process.
Quick Visa Paperwork Checklist:
• Visa Application Form
• Passport + photocopy of the information page (with your photo)
• Hong Kong visa slip/arrival stamp + photocopy (do not remove or lose this!)
• 1 Passport photo (available at the visa centre if needed)
• Tourist Visa: Printed itinerary with flight details or Invitation Letter
• Business Visa: Invitation Letter
• Work Visa: Invitation Letter and Foreign Expert Certificate (provided by your employer)
• Student Visa: Official admissions notice from school or study abroad program, plus a JW201 or JW202 form issued by the education ministry (your school will assist with this)
Printing Forms, Photocopies, and Photos
If you don’t have access to a printer or photocopier, don’t worry—you can handle all of this at the visa centre. Be sure to bring your OCTOPUS CARD as this is the ONLY form of payment they accept.
The visa centre has blank application forms available, so if there’s a mistake on yours, you can fill out a new one there. However, it’s best to complete everything beforehand to save time.
Photocopy services are also available at the centre, making it convenient to get copies of your Hong Kong visa slip and other documents. Although slightly overpriced, it’s easier than hunting for a photocopy shop.
If you need a passport photo, you can take one at the centre: six photos for 50 HKD. Exact change is required. Make sure the photos meet China’s strict passport photo requirements.
Visa Application Process in Hong Kong
Step 2: Submit Your Documents
Once inside, submit all your paperwork and photocopies to a staff member for a pre-check to make sure nothing is missing. This check helps speed things up. Next, you’ll go to a counter where they’ll scan your passport and give you a numbered waiting slip.
Important Tip: Give yourself extra time in case you need additional photocopies or a different passport photo. Arriving early can save you from having to return another day if something is missing.
You’ll receive a waiting number, which will be displayed on a large screen when it’s your turn. Wait times vary from 1-4 hours depending on when you arrive, but the centre has air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Pro Tip: Avoid visiting on Monday or Tuesday due to long lines. Weekdays later in the afternoon often have shorter waits.
Step 3: Getting Your Visa at the Counter
When your number is called, go to the counter with all your documents. The staff will carefully review everything and notify you if any corrections are needed. If there’s an issue, you can step aside, make the necessary updates, and return without needing a new waiting number.
Once approved, they’ll keep your passport. If there’s an issue, they’ll inform you before accepting your documents.
Step 4: Pay for Your Visa
Next, proceed to the payment counter. Be sure to have Hong Kong dollars in cash, as credit cards aren’t accepted. You’ll get a pickup slip with the date to collect your visa.
Visa Fees
Typical visa fees (including regular service fee) are
• Single Entry: 540 HKD
• Double Entry: 690 HKD
• Multi-Entry 6 months: 840 HKD
• Multi-Entry 1+ years: 1140 HKD
For a more detailed list of fees, please check here.
Step 5: Collect Your Visa
On your pickup date, return to the centre with your payment receipt. Collection is quick—usually less than 20 minutes—unless you come on a busy day like Thursday or Friday.
Collection Hours
• Regular Service: 10:00 - 17:00
• Express and Urgent Service: 12:00 - 17:00
Head to China with Your New Visa!
Congratulations! With your new visa in hand, you’re all set to travel to China. Whether you’re flying, taking the train, or hopping on the subway, you’re ready for an incredible journey. Enjoy every moment of your trip to China!
