How to Visit Shenzhen for Product Design Using China’s Visa-Free Policies

Planning a trip to Shenzhen to collaborate with design agencies like NYCD, and visit manufacture factories? China's updated VISA policies make it easier than ever to plan your visit.

1. China has expanded VISA-free entry to citizens of 38 countries (including France, Germany, Italy, and Japan). Travelers from these 38 nations can enter China without a visa for stays up to 30 days, applicable for business, tourism, family visits, and more. This policy is effective from November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025. This is very ideal for product owners to plan short visits to Shenzhen to meet with design partners and inspect manufacturing facilities especially in mould test stage.

2. For those not covered by the 30-day visa-free policy, China offers a 10-days transit VISA exemption. This allows travelers from 54 countries (United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, etc) to transit through China without a VISA when holding confirmed onward tickets to a third country. You may enter Shenzhen via Bao’an International Airport with a valid international travel document and an onward ticket to your final destination.
   
   You are allowed to stay in Guangdong Province for up to 240 hours (10 days), but you must not leave Guangdong Province during your stay. This should be sufficient for you to visit most manufacture/hardware companies in the Greater Bay Area, including NYCD Industrial Design Agency.
   
   

3. If you don't qualify for above exemptions, applying for a Chinese VISA is straightforward. Determine the appropriate visa type based on your visit's purpose—typically a business (M) visa. Prepare necessary documents like a valid passport, completed application form, recent photo, and an invitation letter from a Chinese entity. Submit your application to your nearest Chinese consulate or VISA center, pay the required fee, and await processing which usually takes 4-10 business days.

To view full list of eligible countries and latest policy updates, please visit the China Visa Application Service Center at VisaForChina.

Once you arrive in China, NYCD team warmly welcomes you to visit.

Remember, after an initial design collaboration, NYCD may also provide official business invitation letters for your team, helping to facilitate long-term VISA business procedures for future visits, and help your product development process.