Hi I’m your French friend Heaven.
Since the end of 2023, China has opened up visa-free entry for visitors from a select number of countries. Specifically, people from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Switzerland, the Republic of Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg can now enter China for a maximum stay of two weeks without having to obtain a visa beforehand.
It's important to note that this is a one-year pilot program currently being tested by the Chinese administration. Therefore, the list of eligible countries is subject to updates, better check the latest information before planning your trip to China.
Anyways, China is a vast and beautiful country that many wish to explore for more than 14 days. Also for those who still need to apply for the visa, here I am to share my experiences in obtaining Chinese visas (2 visa-free transits, 2 tourist visas, and 1 business visa) to help you navigate the process.
There are two main common ways for foreigners to visit China:
1. Transit visa-free
2. Tourist visa
✔️ Transit visa-free
It’s like a visa on arrival or border visa(边境签证）. You can apply for it immediately at the border, and it becomes effective once granted.
The main cities with international airports offer this option, but you need to have a flight ticket to another country within the limited time.
If you are coming to Hong Kong, I would recommend you this method to visit Shenzhen (if you don’t have free visa). The 5 days you get is calculated from the second day, which means you can stay up to 144 hours theoretically. The fee varies depending on your nationality, regular countries (who has good relations with China) generally charged 168 yuan, some others can cost more than 1,000 yuan. Be sure to check the fees before to avoid any surprises.
Also, this is a « visa on arrival » so you will need a full page for the visa and another for the stamp. The picture is taken there, so you don't need to bring your own. Payment can be made by credit card, WeChat, or Alipay, cash is no longer accepted.
• Application location for Shenzhen: Huanggang Port, Luohu Port.
Huanggang Port is open 24 hours. Luohu Port is open from 7:00 to 23:30. But this transit visa-free can only be done from 9am to 5pm.
Obviously the queue will be shorter at 9am. But during the weekends, you can expect 50 persons waiting there at 9am sharp (2 hours of queue already!)
Before heading to the custom lines (only 2-3 available for foreigners) don’t forget to process your fingerprint and fill in the arrival form. If not you will have to do the full queue once again! (30 good long minutes on a Saturday morning!)
✔️ Tourist visa (I did it in Hong Kong but I imagine the process to be the same in other places)
The first time you apply for a Chinese visa, regardless of the duration you request, it will only be granted for a maximum of two entries to be used within six months (unless you get refused). If you have a valid reason to visit China multiple times, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa with a six-month duration.
Search “China Visa Application Service Center” on google, direct to the website to fill out the application form.
Prepare an electronic version of your photo, between 40K and 120K bytes, and provide detailed information about your work experience, family composition, parents' details, and more. That was the first time I had seen such a detailed survey. I spent two hours completing the form.
The website says that you can have someone else to help submit the application materials, but in fact if this is your first time, your fingerprints are required so better be around, even when you choose an agency to help, you need to be there for the fingerprints.
• Application location: 20th floor, Capital Centre, 151 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
The documents required:
1. Passport with at least 6 months' validity and a full blank visa page. A photocopy of your info page!
2. Visa application form and appointment form. (Print from the website)
3. Photo: 2 inches (48mm*33mm), white background (can be done on site)
4. original and photocopy of the residence visa (or Hong Kong entry white card)
5. Invitation letter (recommended, especially for those first-time applicants). The invitation letter contains the invitee's name, passport number, gender, date of birth, itinerary; the inviter's name, ID number, contact number, address, and final signature. Also a photocopy of the inviter’s ID card.
6. Potential flight and hotel booking. If your trip only aim Shenzhen you can tell them that you go via subway (MTR) from Hong Kong, the flight ticket is not required. If you stay in a friend’s home, you need an invitation letter not the hotel booking.
If you choose to apply for your visa via an agency in Hong Kong, they will handle the entire process on your behalf, you’ll only have to fill in the application form online, provide your picture, passport and passport photocopy. Once the booked day comes you’ll have to show up 10mins to do the fingerprint scan. This is a more convenient and time-saving option, although it costs more.
Key point: print the full file in advance, otherwise the queue for on-site printing will take you at least half an hour plus a nice printing fee (don’t ask me how I know)! There are only two computers and one printer. Some people are even filling out the application form there taking up the computer for hours!
Visa processing only takes 4 working days, and expedited processing takes 2 working days. (4 to 5 working days if done with agency and 4 working days also if expedited with them.) Also, they don’t work on either typhoon or black rain days.
Cash and debit cards are supported. The price is not beautiful, see below chart. Keep the receipt, later you will get your visa with this receipt!
Reminder: Chinese administration will thoroughly review your application. They keep your passport for the full visa process. So don’t plan any travels for that period!
Good luck with your visa application! Despite the hassle, China is a remarkable country definitely worth the effort to visit.
