The ultimate guide: Travelling from Hong Kong to Shenzhen 2025

If you’re a permanent resident of Hong Kong, you’re probably familiar with the HKSAR re-entry permit that allows travel to the Mainland. You’ll need one if you have one of the older versions of the HKID that doesn’t have the "***", "*" or "R" symbols. But don’t worry! It’s super easy to apply for it online, and you should even be able to receive it within the same day.

The government has also opened a travel visa that is available to non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau, which is a quick and easy alternative for foreigners. Once you’re at the border, you can get your visa-free pass to tour the city.

If you’re not from here, you won’t be able to spontaneously go up to Shenzhen for a weekend trip like the locals. Start planning before you get to Hong Kong even if you plan to depart from here, and check according to your passport country, because there are different regulations and requirements for each one.

Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be eligible for the Shenzhen five-day visa on arrival, also known as Shenzhen five-day VOA, which enables tourists from most countries to stay in Shenzhen for up to five days without applying for a regular visa.

You can also book an appointment online to do an official check of your documents to make sure you have prepared what works for your case specifically.

Don’t bother exchanging RMB in cash for your trip. Everything is paid electronically in Shenzhen, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go through the fuss of downloading another app just for the mainland.

You can just open up WeChat or Alipay/Alipay HK, and the payments made while you’re there will be automatically converted to Hong Kong dollars from RMB. Just remember to complete the identity authentication on the apps or bind a valid bank card to your accounts before your trip, and you’re good to go.

If you don’t have either, you can also use your Octopus card and app! Simply activate the Octopus UnionPay on your phone, and you’ll instantly be able to pay through QR codes in stores. And yes, it still works for public transportation, and you can just use the Octopus Nationwide Pass.

As you probably know, Google will not be available during your stay. However, you can opt for Baidu Translate or Microsoft Translate, both of which are free translation apps so you can get around with ease. We do recommend you prepare either or, because English is not as common as it is in Hong Kong, especially if you're planning to venture off the beaten path

Since you won’t be able to use Google Maps either, so make sure to download some options that work in China, like Baidu Maps, Maps.me, Gaode Maps, or Amap. Better yet, you can download more than one to cross-check certain locations. Or try your luck, and maybe you’ll come across the cutest cafe or boutique while you’re lost.

Lots of people cross the borders between Hong Kong and Shenzhen every day, but definitely avoid public holidays and long weekends. Weekday mornings are most ideal for shorter border queues.

Make sure you arrive at West Kowloon Station at least 45 minutes before your train departure time as you'll need time to go through immigration and security.