Shenzhen Visa-on-Arrival for Philippine passport holders

Question

Good day! I would like to ask if Philippine citizens are eligible in acquiring a Shenzhen SEZ Visa, because I seem to have been getting conflicting information online. For context, I have previously acquired regular Chinese tourist visas a few times before, but these were from about 10 years ago. I am planning a trip to Hong Kong and plan to add 2 or 3 nights in Shenzhen. Thank you in advance!

Answer

Philippine passport holders are generally eligible for a Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ) visa-on-arrival (VOA), also known as the Shenzhen 5-day visa, under specific conditions. This visa allows short visits to Shenzhen without applying in advance at a Chinese consulate.

Here are the key points regarding eligibility and requirements:

The Shenzhen SEZ visa-on-arrival is valid for up to 5 days and is intended for tourism, business, or family visits within Shenzhen city limits. It does not permit travel to other parts of mainland China.
Philippine citizens must arrive via an entry point in Shenzhen that issues the VOA, such as Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport or Luohu/Shekou land border crossings from Hong Kong. Not all border points may provide this visa.
Travelers must have a confirmed hotel reservation in Shenzhen for the duration of the stay.
A return or onward ticket is required, typically showing departure from Shenzhen within the visa period.
Prior Chinese visas do not affect eligibility for the SEZ VOA, but travelers with prior visa refusals or overstays may be subject to additional scrutiny.

Additional considerations for your trip:

The VOA is suitable for short stays of 2–3 nights, so it aligns well with your plan to add Shenzhen to your Hong Kong itinerary.
If you wish to travel beyond Shenzhen or stay longer than 5 days, you will need to obtain a regular Chinese tourist visa (L visa) in advance.
Processing times at the VOA counter are generally short, but there may be queues during peak periods, so plan arrival accordingly.

In summary, as a Philippine passport holder planning 2–3 nights in Shenzhen, you can use the Shenzhen SEZ visa-on-arrival for this visit, provided you enter via an eligible port, have confirmed accommodation, and possess onward travel documentation. Ensure you check the latest official updates before travel, as entry policies may change.

Shenzhen Visa-on-Arrival for Philippine passport holders

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