Guide to Applying for 5-Day Shenzhen VOA at Lo Wu for Vietnamese Citizens (China Visa Fee Approximately 500k VND)
Going to Hong Kong and making a quick trip to Shenzhen for 1�C2 days is now quite easy thanks to the 5-Day Shenzhen Visa on Arrival (VOA) �C apply directly at the Lo Wu (Lao Wu) border checkpoint, no need to prepare a China visa in Vietnam beforehand.
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Getting from Hong Kong to Lo Wu
From Hong Kong, take the MTR East Rail Line to the final station at Lo Wu (do not confuse with Lok Ma Chau).
Exit the train and follow signs reading "To Shenzhen", tap your card to exit Hong Kong MTR, then follow the line designated for foreign visitors to reach the border control area.
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Port Visa Area and Operating Hours
Before entering the China immigration line, go up to the 2nd floor following the "Port Visa" sign to apply for the 5-Day Shenzhen VOA.
Port Visa operating hours at Lo Wu: approximately 6:30�C24:00, accepting applications until around 23:30 (going early in the morning is less crowded, processing is faster).
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Visa Fee and Payment Methods
The visa fee at Lo Wu border checkpoint is currently 130 RMB for Vietnamese citizens, payable by Visa/Master/Amex card or WeChat Pay/Alipay wallet.
If using WeChat/Alipay: have your payment QR code ready for the staff to scan; if unfamiliar with Chinese e-wallets, just use your credit card for convenience.
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Step-by-Step VOA Application Process
The typical order of procedures at Lo Wu is as follows:
Go to the Port Visa area, find a photo machine, scan your passport number, take a photo, select your photo, print receipt (photo is free).
Take the visa application form (English version is available), quickly fill in basic information; for the "Emergency contact" section you can enter a family member in Vietnam and a Vietnam phone number.
Get a queue number from the machine and wait for your turn.
When called, submit: passport (valid for ≥ 6 months with blank pages), Hong Kong entry slip, photo receipt, visa application form, Hong Kong visa (double/triple/multi to prove you will return), hotel booking and brief itinerary if asked.
Pay the 130 RMB fee, sign any documents if required, then wait to be called back to collect your passport with the visa affixed.
If you go early and there are few visitors, processing time may only be 15�C30 minutes; during busy times it may take around 30�C60 minutes.
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Important Conditions and Limitations
This visa only allows you to stay in Shenzhen; you cannot travel to other cities such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Beijing.
The 5-day validity is calculated from 00:00 the day after the visa issue date; for example if issued on 14/11 then it expires at the end of 19/11.
No extension is possible, no conversion to another visa type; overstaying may result in fines.
You are not required to exit at the same checkpoint where you entered; after 5 days you can return to Hong Kong or fly directly back to Vietnam if your itinerary permits.
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A Few Tips for Vietnamese Citizens
It is best to go early (around 7�C8 AM) to avoid crowds; sometimes you may get a very low queue number and be done within 15 minutes.
Bring a pen since the form-filling area may lack pens, and you will need to sign during payment.
Clip your Hong Kong entry slip into your passport with a paper clip to prevent losing it.
Prepare your Shenzhen hotel booking in advance plus a note of your itinerary (for example a screenshot from Xiaohongshu/Booking) so you can show it if asked.
Credit: Compiled by Mai Phuong
