China offers an enticing mix of vibrant cities and stunning natural landscapes that make it a compelling destination for foreign visitors. And if you’re already living and working in Hong Kong, a quick weekend trip to mainland China can be an appealing option. However, the visa application process can seem daunting, especially for first-time applicants. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for a China visa in Hong Kong.
Table of Content:
- Do you need a visa for China if you’re living in Hong Kong?
- Which visa do you need to apply for visiting China?
- Steps for applying for a China visa in Hong Kong
- How much does a China visa cost?
- General tips for applying a China Visa
Do you need a visa for China if you’re living in Hong Kong?
The short answer is yes. If you’re living here in Hong Kong as an expat (rather than a permanent HK resident), you will need to apply for a visa to visit mainland China. Even local Hong Kong citizens require a special Mainland Travel Permit to cross the border into China, as the two territories maintain separate legal systems.
However, there are some exceptions where you may be eligible for visa-free travel, depending on your nationality, the length and purpose of your trip, and your destination in China. Here are a few situations where you may not need a visa:
- Joining an organized tour group for a trip of 144 hours (6 days) or less, booked through a registered Hong Kong travel agency;
- Singaporean citizens can visit China for up to 30 days without a visa;
- Citizens of Japan and Brunei can visit for up to 15 days without a visa;
- Non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong can get a 5-year travel permit to make short trips to China.
Unless you fit one of those exceptions, you’ll need to apply for a China visa even if you’re living in Hong Kong already. Luckily, the visa application process is not too complicated and can be done quickly, now let’s dive into the steps next.
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Which visa do you need to apply for visiting China?
Before applying for a visa, you should first figure out what type of visa you are applying for. There are quite a few different visa options for visiting China – a total of 16 types! But if you’re just going for a leisure trip, you’ll want to apply for the tourism visa, or “L” visa.
The requirements and application process can vary between visa types, so it’s important to make sure you have all the right documents ready. You can check out the full list of China visa options right here.
As a general rule of thumb, I’d recommend starting your visa application process at least a month in advance if you’re visiting for the first time. That gives you enough time to gather all the necessary information and paperwork.
Steps for applying for a China visa in Hong Kong
Step 1: Fill in your application online
You cannot just walk-in to the Visa Center directly for your visa application. You need to fill out the application form online through the CVASC website in advance, and visit the Visa Center during the office hours (9am to 3pm). Here’s how to do it:
- Head to the CVASC homepage
- Read the “Step By Step Guidance” (recommended)
- Scroll down to “Quick Access” and click on “Visa”
- Click “New Application Form” under “China Visa Applicant”
- Fill out and complete the application form
- Make sure all the information is correct (eg. name, date of birth, passport number, etc.)
- Download and print out the application form
- Go back to the homepage, click “Appointment (Application)” under “Appointment”
Once you’ve finished your application form, you can also click “Appointment (Application)” under “Appointment” on the homepage, and visit the visa center during the scheduled time slot. Please note that the latest time for your visa collection is 4pm.
Step 2: Prepare the documents for the application
Okay, once you’ve completed the online application form, it’s time to gather up all the required documents. The specific documents can vary a bit depending on your situation, but here’s the core list that all applicants will need:
- Your passport, with at least 6 months of remaining validity and some blank visa pages
- A photocopy of your passport’s photo and information page
- The completed visa application form
- A recent passport-style photo of yourself
- Proof of your legal entry or residence status in Hong Kong
- Photocopies of any previous China visas you’ve been issued
Make sure you have all of these documents ready to bring with you to your scheduled visa center appointment. You may also need to provide your fingerprints for biometric identification.
Step 3: Visit the Visa Center in Wan Chai
After you’ve completed all the required steps, the final step is to actually head over to the visa center in Wan Chai for your appointment. Just be sure to show up at least an hour before they close for the day. The visa center is closed on weekends and public holidays, so plan accordingly.
| Visa | Submission | Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Express (Level 1) | 9:00 to 15:00 | 12:00 to 16:00 |
| Regular | 9:00 to 15:00 | 10:00 to 16:00 |
Location:
20/F Capital Centre, 151 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai
Office hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 12:00pm; 2:00pm – 5:00pm
When you arrive, just present yourself with all the required documents and they’ll guide you through the rest of the process. Make sure to queue up to obtain a number tag and wait for the number to be called. If you miss your turn, you will need to rejoin the queue.
How much does a China visa cost?
The total cost of a China visa can vary depending on a few factors, like your country of origin and the type of visa you’re applying for. Here’s a breakdown of the standard visa application fees:
| Visa Type | Regular | Express | Urgent |
| Single entry | HK$470 | HK$860 | HK$1,440 |
| Double entry | HK$590 | HK$980 | HK$1,560 |
| Multiple (6 months) | HK$700 | HK$1,090 | HK$1,670 |
| Multiple (1 year or above) | HK$930 | HK$1,320 | HK$1,900 |
Regular: 4 working days
Express: 3 working days
Urgent: 2 working days
- Min. Annual Salary
- HK$0
- Local, Overseas and Online Spending via selected mobile payments
- Up to 6%
- Cash rebate on travel spending and designated spending categories
- 4%
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General tips for applying a China Visa
Here are a few useful tips to keep in mind when going to the visa application center:
- Bring a pen: It’s a good idea to bring your own pen, as the visa center may not always have spares available.
- Prepare some coins: There is a copy machine in the building, so you may want to have some coins on hand in case you need to make any copies of your documents.
- Use the photo booth: There’s a photo booth located within the visa application center, so you can get your visa photo taken right there if needed.
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