Our China visa guides answer the questions UK travellers and businesses ask most: visa-free travel, photos, the application form, fingerprints, invitation letters, fees and timings.
Embassy fee and our service fee, shown separately. Totals for British passport holders.
What the 30-day visa-free policy covers, and when you still need a visa.
Find out moreSpend up to 10 days in China without a visa on the way to another country.
Find out moreThe size, background and face rules for your China visa photo.
Find out moreWhat the official form asks for, and how to avoid mistakes.
Find out moreWhere the UK visa centres are and how the appointment works.
Find out moreWhat an invitation letter must include for business, family and exchange visas.
Find out moreEmbassy fees and our service fees, standard and express.
Find out moreHow long each step takes, and how to plan your timing.
Find out moreCommon reasons for refusal and how to apply again.
Find out moreChina’s visa rules change often, and the official information can be hard to follow. Our China visa guides explain the rules in plain English for people applying from the UK. If you’d rather we handled it, start an application or call us.
Until 31 December 2026, British citizens can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges and transit. For longer stays, work, study or journalism you need a visa.
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.
Yes. You can apply directly through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. Our clients use us because we check eligibility, prepare the form and documents correctly, and book the appointment, which avoids rejected applications and wasted trips.
Start online in about 10 minutes, or call us if you’d rather talk first.