Question

Asked by Elizabeth from us | Dec. 01, 2025 18:03

About:Visa on Arrival

Enter Luohu, Leave Shekou

Is it possible for a US citizen to enter Shenzhen via Hong Kong with a VOA in Luohu and leave in Shekou port to go to Macau? How much is the VOA for US citizens?

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Answers (5)

Answered by Borut | Dec. 02, 2025 04:02

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Yes, it is definitely possible, but since you plan to leave Shenzhen toward Macau, I do not advise VOA. You should use 240 hour visa free transit instead. The process is simple:

- Take a direct train from Hong Kong West Kowloon station to Shenzhen, preferably to Futian station
- Before you depart toward Hong Kong you will buy a ferry ticket to Macau through TurboJet ferry website. This is Shekou to Macau ferry line. It is highly advisable to print out that ticket that you will receive in your email inbox or at least to have it as a screenshot. This is a very important detail because this is the proof that you will be in a real transit (Hong Kong -> mainland China -> Macau) and that you will exit the mainland China toward a third territory. You will be asked to present this ticket at West Kowloon station by both Hong Kong and mainland China immigration authorities.
- Both, Hong Kong and mainland China formalities are performed at Hong Kong West Kowloon station at the same premises, so when you sit in the train, you will be already in mainland China. It is highly advisable to arrive at the station roughly 2 hours ahead of your planned departure toward Shenzhen.
- When you travel on 240 hour visa free transit you are not limited to Shenzhen only, but you can visit large portions of mainland China as well.

As you can see, I would advise you to take 240 hour visa free transit scheme instead of VOA definitely.

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Answered by Elizabeth | Dec. 02, 2025 17:42

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Are you sure this is allowed? I was told that I can't do visa free transit because I will go from US to HK to Shenzhen to Macau and then back to HK to US. Can you tell me for certain that I can use 240 hour visa free transit from West Kowloon station?

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Answered by Borut | Dec. 03, 2025 00:45

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Yes, definitely and without any doubt. Everything that matters here is that the immediate points before and after mainland China (Shenzhen included) are in two different countries or eligible territories. Eligible territories are Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. In other words, your itinerary: Hong Kong - Shenzhen - Macau is eligible for 240 hour visa free transit. You should take care to arrive at Hong Kong West Kowloon station with already bought ferry ticket from Shekou to Macau and have it at hand preferably as a printout or at least as a screenshot on your smartphone. Also, your stay in mainland China has to be longer than 24 hours. Everything you will do before you arrive in Hong Kong and everything you will do after Macau is not at all interest of the mainland Chinese immigration authorities. I am telling you this for certain and I guarantee that you will be granted a temporary entry permit at Hong Kong West Kowloon station. Have a nice visit to Shenzhen and other areas of this part of the world.

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Answered by Elizabeth | Dec. 03, 2025 06:29

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Thank you for your prompt reply. Will I need any other paperwork or documentation?

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Answered by Borut | Dec. 05, 2025 03:17

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You will buy your exit ticket or to be precise your ferry ticket from Shekou to Macau even before you depart from Hong Kong West Kowloon station toward mainland China. This is essential because this is a proof that you will be in a transit. Also, you should book at least the first overnight in a hotel in mainland China because you will have to write the name of it on the arrival card you will fill out at West Kowloon station. Beside the mentioned details, you should just bring your passport. Have a nice visit to China.

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