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Visa requirements for every passport and destination. Updated regularly.

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  5. China
🇬🇧
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Visa Required

United Kingdom to China: Visa Requirements

United Kingdom passport holders require a visa to enter China. The visa must be obtained in advance by applying at the China embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Prepare supporting documents including bank statements, a return ticket, and accommodation proof. The primary international gateway is Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in Beijing.

Local currency: CNY (Chinese Yuan) · Official language: Mandarin Chinese · Timezone: UTC+8

Duration

Varies

Type

Visa Required

Visa Fee

$140 (tourist L visa)

Currency

CNY (Chinese Yuan)

Language

Mandarin Chinese

Getting to China

PEKMain

Beijing

PVGMain

Shanghai

CAN

Guangzhou

Discover China

Great Wall of China, Beijing

Great Wall of China

Beijing

Photo: William Olivieri
Forbidden City, Beijing

Forbidden City

Beijing

Photo: Ling Tang
Terracotta Army, Xi'an

Terracotta Army

Xi'an

Photo: Aaron Greenwood

Entry Checklist — China

Generating personalised requirements…

Your United Kingdom Passport

118
Visa Free
36
On Arrival
25
e-Visa
19
Required
Explore all destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Source

Verify requirements directly with China's government website.

Visit official visa portal

Other United Kingdom destinations

🇦🇺
Australia
e-Visa
🇩🇪
Germany
Free
🇪🇸
Spain
Free
🇫🇷
France
Free
🇮🇹
Italy
Free
🇯🇵
Japan
Free
🇺🇸
United States
e-Visa

Other passports to China

🇦🇺
Australia
Free
🇨🇦
Canada
Required
🇩🇪
Germany
Free
🇫🇷
France
Free
🇯🇵
Japan
Free
🇸🇬
Singapore
Free
🇺🇸
United States
e-Visa

Entry Checklist — China

Before You Apply

  • Determine the correct visa type based on your travel purpose and planned activities in China. Tourist visas are typically 'L' visas.
  • Check your passport's validity. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in China.
  • Confirm you have sufficient blank pages in your passport for the visa and entry/exit stamps.

Application Process

  • Locate the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) responsible for processing applications in your jurisdiction. In the UK, this is typically handled by CVASCs in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Find the correct CVASC based on your residency at china visa application service center website.
  • Complete the online visa application form (Form V.2013) on the CVASC website. Print the completed form.
  • Schedule an appointment to submit your application in person at the CVASC. Appointments are usually booked online through the CVASC website.

Documents Needed

  • Original passport with at least six months validity beyond your intended stay and sufficient blank visa pages.
  • Photocopy of your passport's information page and any previous Chinese visas.
  • One recent passport-sized color photo with a white background. Specifications are available on the CVASC website.
  • Printed copy of the completed online visa application form (Form V.2013).
  • Proof of legal stay/residence (e.g., UK residence permit, visa) if you are not a UK citizen.
  • Round-trip flight booking confirmation showing entry and exit dates.
  • Hotel booking confirmations covering your entire stay in China.
  • Detailed travel itinerary outlining your planned activities in China.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in China (e.g., bank statements from the last 3-6 months).
  • Invitation letter is NOT required for tourist visa (L visa).optional

Fees & Payment

  • Visa fees vary depending on the number of entries and processing time. Check the current fee schedule on the CVASC website.
  • Payment methods accepted by the CVASC vary. Check the specific CVASC's website for accepted payment methods (usually debit/credit card or cash).

At the CVASC Appointment

  • Arrive on time for your scheduled appointment at the CVASC.
  • Submit all required documents to the CVASC officer.
  • Pay the visa fee.
  • You may be required to provide fingerprints.

Visa Processing

  • Standard processing time is typically 4 working days. Express service (2-3 working days) is available for an additional fee.optional
  • Track your application status online using the application number provided by the CVASC.optional
  • Collect your passport with the visa from the CVASC once processing is complete.

At the Border

  • Present your passport with the valid Chinese visa to immigration officials upon arrival in China.
  • Complete the arrival card accurately.
  • Be prepared to answer questions about your purpose of visit and planned activities.optional
  • Ensure your entry stamp reflects the allowed duration of stay as indicated on your visa (typically 30-60 days for tourist visas).

Verify at

  • Locate the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) r…

Updated Mar 3, 2026