day trip from Hong Kong for UK citizen - quickest

Question

when i last went to Shenzhen 6 years ago i got a full visa for my 36 hrs there and i am going again in March and just remembered i need to find out the current situation

had a read through some posts and and it seems as a UK citizen i can get a 24 hr visa going on the MTR from HK to Lo Wu station then walking across. does it really take over an hour to get the visa?

what about the high speed train now? can i get this in HK and is it quicker and can i get my 24 hr visa sorted

apologies but with so many articles just needed to check on the uptodate information

also either way i assume i need passport, forms to complete, possible photos and chinese money or will credit cards be ok?

thanks

Answer

As of now, UK citizens visiting Shenzhen from Hong Kong for a short day trip can use the 24-hour Visa on Arrival (VOA) option, but there are some key details to be aware of to make the process smooth.

Regarding entry via Lo Wu MTR station:

When entering Shenzhen via Lo Wu, you can obtain a 24-hour visa at the border. It typically requires filling out a form, providing your passport, and sometimes a passport-sized photo. The exact processing time varies; during busy hours it can take 30–60 minutes, though outside peak times it may be faster.
It is recommended to carry some Chinese yuan in cash, as not all border facilities accept credit cards for visa fees.
The 24-hour visa allows you to stay within Shenzhen for up to 24 hours from the time of entry, perfect for a quick day trip.

Regarding the high-speed train from Hong Kong:

You can now take the high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Shenzhen (Futian Station). This is generally quicker than the MTR to Lo Wu, with travel time around 15–20 minutes.
However, the 24-hour VOA cannot be pre-arranged on the high-speed train. You must still go through immigration at the Shenzhen side, which may take some time depending on queues.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months, have the completed visa form, and any required photos ready. Cash in RMB is advised for visa fees.

Additional tips:

Check the latest entry requirements before travel, as border procedures can change.
If you plan to cross back into Hong Kong the same day, give yourself enough buffer time for both entry and exit immigration processes.
During peak travel times (weekends, holidays), queues can be longer, so early morning departures are recommended for a smoother experience.

In summary, both Lo Wu via MTR and the high-speed train to Futian are feasible. Lo Wu is traditional and straightforward, but can be crowded. The high-speed train is faster in travel time but requires navigating the immigration at Futian station. Bring passport, completed form, photo, and some RMB to ensure a hassle-free 24-hour stay in Shenzhen.

day trip from Hong Kong for UK citizen - quickest

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