Chinese Visa
Most attendees are now eligible for visa-free entry or transit. Some may still need a visa depending on their nationality and travel plans. Please read the updated requirements below and contact your local Chinese embassy or consulate for precise instructions.
Visa Types
Choose the right type of Visa for your visit to Shenzhen.
Visa-Free Entry
Up to 30 days
- Eligible for citizens from 50 countries
- Applies to tourism, business, family or short conferences
Visa-Free Transit
Up to 10 days / 240 hours
- Eligible for citizens from 55 countries
- Must have confirmed onward travel and meet entry requirements
Traditional Visa
Length varies
- Tourist (L) or Business (F) visa
- Visa approval processing can take time so plan accordingly!
Please Note: Visa policies change frequently. Always confirm eligibility with your local Chinese consulate before booking travel.
Visa Free Entry
Citizens from 50 countries, including most EU nations, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several Latin American countries, can now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. This applies to tourism, business, visiting family/friends, or short conferences.
Valid Transit Examples
- France → China → France
- Singapore → China → Singapore
Invalid Transit Examples
- USA → China → USA
- UK → China → UK
Visa Free Transit
Travelers from 55 countries can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days) when transiting onward to a different country or region. This is the main option for nationalities not on the visa-free entry list above — most notably the US.
Shenzhen advantage: because Shenzhen borders Hong Kong — a region separate from the mainland — you can fly into Hong Kong, cross into Shenzhen under this policy, attend GOSIM, then depart. Your entry and exit points just have to differ: enter from Hong Kong and leave to the USA, and the trip qualifies even though it starts and ends in the US.
You'll need confirmed onward travel within 240 hours. For transit, Hong Kong and Macau each count as a region separate from mainland China.
Valid Transit Examples
- USA → Hong Kong → Shenzhen → USA (enter via HK, exit to USA)
Invalid Transit Examples
- USA → China → USA (same entry & exit region)
- USA → Hong Kong → Shenzhen → Hong Kong (enter & exit both via HK)
Traditional Visa Applications
If you are not eligible for visa-free entry or transit, or plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for a Chinese visa. Most attendees will apply for a Tourist (L) or Business (F) visa.
Required Documents
- Valid passport for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages
- Completed visa application with a recent passport photo
- Round-trip flight booking and hotel reservation, or;
- GOSIM invitation letter
Invitation Letter
After completing your registration, GOSIM can provide an invitation letter to support your visa application. Please email us with your passport name, nationality, and registration confirmation if needed. Allow sufficient time — visa processing may take 7–10 business days or longer.
Call for Proposals Now Open
Shenzhen, China
October 16-17, 2026
We're looking for bold ideas and fresh voices in open-source AI, robotics, edge systems, and developer infrastructure. Submit a proposal to speak at GOSIM Shenzhen 2026.