US Citizen Traveling to Shenzen What Visa?

So I am utterly confused as to what visa is required, and how much it can cost.

I am a US citizen, traveling with 5 other US citizens. We will be staying in Hong Kong Prior, and want to take a trip over to Shenzen if possible. We will be in Hong Kong for a few days prior, so if need be we have a few days to apply for a visa at the beginning of our trip.

I have found a Tourist Visa, which takes 4 days to process, and I have to either go to Washington DC, or have an agent apply for it, and it costs $130 US, plus processing fees of around $30 for the agent.

Is there something we can apply at the border for? To be honest, it is not worth it to us to pay $130 a person plus processing simply to go into the area for the day.

Any help/guidance would be appreciated.

-Eric

US Citizen Traveling to Shenzen What Visa?

No, unless things have changed, USA passport holders are not allowed to get visa on arrival at the borders.

You need to apply for a tourist visa PRIOR to your arrival. not sure it is worthy economically for 6 of you to do that JUST for a day in Shenzhen. (for what? shopping?)

US Citizen Traveling to Shenzen What Visa?

As far as I know the ladies would like to go shopping.

I know I was looking at a few locations near Hong Kong within the Peoples Republic of China that I would like to take pictures. Abandoned villages and the like...

So the only option available is the tourist visa for $130 US, which we would need to apply for well in advance, and pay the associated processing fees since we are not going to Washington DC simply to turn in paperwork.

Am I interpreting this correctly?

Frankly, it%26#39;s not worth it. Save the money and spend it in HK or go to Macao for a day instead.

I think if you%26#39;re US passport holders applying in the US, you%26#39;ll get a 1-year multi-entry visa. So you could kinda treat it as an investment and come back for a longer trip next time.