[bichishort]

I am hopping over to Shenzhen today in a few hours.
Could anyone tell me what specific documents i should carry to get my visa done at the Shenzhen MTR immigration center? How long does the whole process take? Do i need to carry any passport-sized photos ?
thanks

[rani]

When you cross the border (bridge) you'll notice an escalator on yr left by the China immigration. Take the escalator up and apply for your visa at the Visa Office. You don't need photos, just fill out the form and cash. Btw, which passport do you have?

[bichishort]

thanks rani.
an indian passport is what i have. plus an HK ID card.
will that make things easier?

[rani]

Indian passport holders can apply for a visa at the border. I think it costs $150

Have fun!

[annjoy]

does anyone know how long is the whole process of applying for a visa?

Is it on the spot? Immediate? or do I have to wait?

[kristof]

Last time I did it for a friend it took 5 minutes

[annjoy]

Originally Posted by kristof

Last time I did it for a friend it took 5 minutes

This is for a single entry visa into Shenzhen and is valid for only five days is it?

there are many other threads on this but I'm so confused. There are some that recommend going to a china embassy/local travel agency to do it for them but it costs so much more. so how come they dont do this 5 mins, HK150 visa?

[lionrock88]

The on-the-spot visa at the Lowu border is for single-use, short-term (max 5 days) access to Shenzhen only. You are technically not allowed to go to other parts of China such as Shanghai or Beijing, or even other parts of Guangdong province on this visa. Let's call this the Shenzhen visa.

The Shenzhen visa fee generally costs HKD 150 for most passport holders. But the fee is much higher for certain nationalities ie HKD 450 for British passport holders. Moreover, USA passport holders are not eligible for the Shenzhen visa (I imagine this is in retaliation for the US' tough visa policy for Chinese citizens). They must apply for a full China visa in advance of their trip at the Chinese embassy or an authorised travel agent. Unfortunately, I don't have a list of which fees apply to which countries for the Shenzhen visa. Also, be warned that the rules are constantly changing so this info may quickly go out of date.

As such, visitors who travel to China often or who intend to travel beyond Shenzhen, may find it convenient as well as more economical to buy a full China multiple entry visa that lasts for 1yr or 6 mos and grants you access to the whole country. You can also get a 3 mos single-entry or double-entry visa.

You can get your full China visa at the China Travel Service but they are a bit expensive. I would recommend you go to the Japan Travel Agency in TST which is much cheaper. Their url is:

http://www.jta.biz/chinavisa/china_visa.htm

Hope this helps and have fun on your trip!

[annjoy]

Thank you so much for the information!


Appreciate it loads.

[rani]

bichi,

did you go to SZ? did you have any problem getting a visa at the border?