Private visa service, not the Chinese Embassy. British passport? You can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026. Check if you need a visaMon–Fri 9am–4pm · Manchester 0161 956 2003 · London 020 7205 2282
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China F visa from the UKfor exchanges and visits.

The China F visa is for exchanges, study tours, research visits and other non-commercial trips to China. We check your invitation, prepare your China F visa application and book your appointment.

Start China F visa application Call 0161 956 2003
  • F visaNon-commercial visits
  • InvitationFrom the Chinese organisation
  • £301Standard, all in
  • £357Express, all in

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What a China F visa covers

Exchanges and visits

Cultural, educational and academic exchanges.

Study tours

School and university visits.

Lectures and research

Non-commercial research and talks.

Volunteering

Non-commercial voluntary projects.

Not covered by a China F visa

  • Commercial or trade activities, which need an M visa
  • Paid work
  • Full-time study
  • Journalism

Documents you’ll need

DocumentDetailsNeeded
PassportYour original passport, valid for at least 6 months after you arrive, with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a copy of the photo page.Required
PhotoOne recent colour photo, 33 × 48 mm, on a plain white background, no glasses, face and ears clearly visible. We check it before your appointment.Required
Online application formThe official Chinese visa application form, completed and printed with its confirmation page.We prepare
Invitation letterFrom the Chinese organisation: your details, the purpose and dates of the visit, who pays, and the inviter’s details, signature and stamp.Required
Previous Chinese visasA copy of your last Chinese visa, if you’ve had one. Former Chinese citizens need extra documents, which we’ll explain.If applicable
UK residence statusIf you’re not a British citizen: your UK visa, BRP or eVisa share code page showing you live here legally.If applicable

Upload them from your phone. We check every document and resize it to the official limits before we submit.

All documents must be in English or Chinese. Upload them from your phone and we check every one before your appointment.

  1. 1

    Apply online

    Answer a few questions and upload your passport, photo and documents.

  2. 2

    We check and book

    We complete the official form, check every document and book your appointment.

  3. 3

    Visit the visa centre

    Hand in your passport and give fingerprints in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.

  4. 4

    Collect your visa

    Your passport comes back with the visa inside, usually within 3 to 4 working days.

Rules to know before you travel

British passport? You may not need a visa

Until 31 December 2026, British citizens can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchanges and transit. You still need a visa for longer stays, work, study or journalism. Check if you need a visa

You apply in person at a visa centre

Chinese visas are submitted at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. In the UK there are centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. We complete your form and book your appointment, and you attend to hand in your passport and give fingerprints.

Passport rules

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you enter China and have at least two blank visa pages. If yours is close to expiry, renew it first.

When to apply

You can usually apply up to three months before you travel. Allow at least two weeks to prepare, book an appointment and have the visa processed, or choose express service if you’re short of time.

Need a visa for your team?

We handle China visas for companies of every size, from one-off trips to regular travellers.

Corporate accounts

Fees

The embassy fee and our service fee, shown separately, so you always know where your money goes.

VisaProcessing timeEntriesEmbassy feeOur feeTotal you pay
Standard serviceExchange (F) visaUsually 4 working daysSingle, double or multiple£151£150£301
Express serviceExchange (F) visaUsually 3 working daysSingle, double or multiple£182£175£357

Embassy fees shown are those charged by the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre to British passport holders, and may differ for other nationalities. They aren’t refundable, even if the visa is refused. Our fee is per person and includes checking your documents, completing the online form and booking your appointment.

Need it quickly? Choose express service when you apply. Tell us your travel date and we’ll tell you the latest day to submit.

China F visa or business visa?

The China F visa is for non-commercial visits: exchanges, study tours, research, lectures and similar. If your trip involves buying, selling or other commercial activity, you need a China business visa (M). If you’re not sure, send us the invitation and we’ll tell you.

China F visa requirements

You need a passport valid for six months with two blank pages, a recent photo, the completed form and an invitation letter from the Chinese organisation. The invitation should explain the purpose of the visit, the dates and places, who pays, and include the inviter’s contact details, signature and stamp.

Related pages

Business visa (M)Invitation letters

Questions people ask

Who can invite me for a China F visa?

A Chinese organisation such as a university, research institute, school, cultural body or government department.

Can British citizens visit China for an exchange without a visa?

Until 31 December 2026, exchange visits of up to 30 days are covered by the visa-free policy for British citizens.

How long does a China visa take?

The visa centre usually processes standard applications in 4 working days and express applications in 3 working days, after your appointment. Allow extra time to prepare and book the appointment.

Do I need to go to the visa centre?

Yes. Most applicants aged 14 to 70 must attend in person to give fingerprints. We prepare everything and book the appointment, so your visit is quick.

Ready when you are

Start online in about 10 minutes, or call us if you’d rather talk first.

Start China F visa application Call 0161 956 2003
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