1. Introduction
This article provides essential information for travelers regarding visa requirements for visiting China from Hong Kong. It covers how to obtain a visa, the necessary documents, costs, and options for transit visas.
2. Visa Requirements for Hong Kong
Citizens of the U.S., U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, and the European Union can enter Hong Kong without a visa. All you need is your passport. When entering Hong Kong, you will receive a stamp or sticker indicating you can enter without a visa. It’s important to save this as you will need it to apply for a Chinese visa. For travelers who plan to visit China, obtaining a visa can be done at a Chinese embassy in your home country; however, if you are spontaneous and decide to travel to China while in Hong Kong, you can apply for a visa locally.
3. Transit Visas
A convenient way to skip the visa requirement for entry into China is to transit through the country. You can stay in China for up to 72 hours without a visa if you’re traveling to another country and have a stop at a major Chinese airport. Ensure you possess documentation of your continued travel within that 72-hour period. For those transiting through the Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang region or the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the stay can extend up to 144 hours without a visa, provided you have transportation tickets for departure within the allowed timeframe.
4. Where to Get a Visa in Hong Kong
The simplest method for securing a Chinese visa in Hong Kong is through a visa agency. Many visa agencies operate in Hong Kong, with the most recommended being China Travel Service (CTS) and Forever Bright.
5. Documents You’ll Need
When applying for a Chinese tourist visa in Hong Kong, you must provide several essential documents:
- A travel itinerary that includes your round trip tickets to and from China.
- Arrival and departure dates along with locations you plan to visit.
- Photocopies of all hotel bookings throughout your stay in China.
- A photocopy of the main pages of your passport, which include your photo and personal information.
- A recent passport photo.
- A photocopy of the arrival stamp or sticker received upon entering Hong Kong.
- A completed visa application form, available at the visa agency.
6. Cost of a Chinese Visa in Hong Kong
The cost of a Chinese visa in Hong Kong varies based on nationality and the urgency of the visa application. Typically, it takes about four working days to process the visa. If urgent processing is required, additional fees may apply. As visa prices fluctuate, it’s advisable to contact your chosen agency in advance for current rates.
Standard Prices for Chinese Visa in Hong Kong Dollars
Below are the current prices as per the China Visa General Agency, effective April 2019:
- Single Entry Visa: HK$760 ($96.89)
- Double Entry Visa: HK$970 ($123.66)
- Multiple Entry (6 months): HK$1,170 ($149.16)
- Multiple Entry (12 and 36 months): HK$1,530 ($195.06)
Prices of Visas for U.S. Citizens
- Single Entry Visa HK$1,100 ($140.14)
Prices of Visas for U.K. Citizens
- Single Entry Visa HK$940 ($119.77)
