The short answer to Can I Get a Chinese Visa in Hong Kong is yes, you can. The Chinese Government seems to have sowed some seeds of confusion with its banning of Chinese visa issuing in Hong Kong during the Olympics, but things have mostly returned to normal.
You can get single and double entry Chinese visas in Hong Kong. These are available from either the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or China Travel Service (CTS). Multiple entry visas to China must be obtained in your home country although we expect this rule to be loosened in the coming months. Do check below for regular updates and if your experience differs, drop us an email or leave a comment in the forum.
Remember, if you just want a peek at China, some nationalities can get an on the spot Shenzhen Visa specific for that city on the Hong Kong border. It's valid for five days, although it has a number of restrictions. Find out more in our Shenzhen Visa FAQ.
The information on this page is valid for nationals of the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada and the European Union.
UPDATED OCTOBER 09 - Hong Kong has introduced the Guangdong Group Visa, allowing groups of three to visit the Guangdong Province for up to six days. A number of restrictions apply.
UPDATED JUNE 09 – The only change is that the CTS Travel Service claims to be now issuing multiple entry visas for China.
UPDATED MARCH 09 – The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs still states on its website that foreigners are ‘advised’ to apply for Chinese visas in their home countries. The Ministry is however issuing single and double entry visas with no extra charge or inconvenience. The information has likely been left on the website in case the Chinese government should suddenly stop issuing visas once again (as with the Olympics). To repeat, there is no problem obtaining a single or double entry visa in Hong Kong from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
China Travel Service (CTS) is still issuing single and double entry visas, however, neither the Ministry nor CTS are issuing multiple entry visas to those without resident status in Hong Kong.
UPDATED OCTOBER 08 – The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has once again started issuing Chinese visas to non-Hong Kong residents. These are single or double entry visas only; for multiple entries you must apply in your home country.
UPDATED MAY 08 – The Chinese Ministry of Affairs in no longer issuing visas in Hong Kong to non-Hong Kong residents due to a surge of applicants caused by the Olympics. China Travel Service is still issuing visas, although this may change. You are advised to apply in your home country. China Travel Service is still issuing visas.
Where Can I Get a Chinese Visa in Hong Kong?
The main issuing bodies in Hong Kong are the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a government body, and China Travel Service (CTS), a quasi state travel agent. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers cheaper prices but CTS offers full service, walking you through what’s needed step by step.
How Much Does a Chinese Visa in Hong Kong Cost?
Prices depend on both your nationality and the speed you require. Check out our full How Much Does a Chinese Visa Cost in Hong Kong article for a blow by blow account of the prices.
