UK citizens can visit China visa-free for up to 15 days for tourism, business, or family visits. For longer stays, you'll need to apply for a Chinese visa at the China Visa Application Centre in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh.
Quick Overview: Do Brits Need a Visa?
As of 2026, British passport holders have two options for visiting China:
- Visa-free (15 days) — Most tourists and business travelers qualify. No application needed.
- Chinese Visa — For stays longer than 15 days, or for work, study, journalism, etc.
15-Day Visa-Free Entry
China added the UK to its 15-day visa-free scheme in December 2024, making it much easier for British travelers to visit.
Eligibility
- UK passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date
- Purpose: tourism, business, family visits, or transit
- Proof of onward travel (may be requested)
No extensions. You cannot extend a visa-free stay. If you overstay, you'll face fines (500 RMB/day, capped at 10,000 RMB) and possible detention.
British National Overseas (BNO) passports: BNO passport holders are also eligible for the 15-day visa-free entry.
Visa Types: Which One Do You Need?
| Visa Type | Purpose | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| L Tourist | Sightseeing, visiting family/friends | 30-90 days, single/multiple entry |
| M Business | Business meetings, trade activities | 30-90 days, multiple entry common |
| X1/X2 Student | Study in China | X1: >180 days, X2: ≤180 days |
| Z Work | Employment in China | 90 days entry, then residence permit |
| S1/S2 | Visiting family members working/studying in China | S1: long-term, S2: up to 180 days |
Application Requirements Checklist
📄 Basic Documents (All Visa Types)
- UK passport valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival date
- At least one blank visa page in your passport
- Completed COVA online application form
- One passport photo (48x33mm, white background, taken within 6 months)
- Previous Chinese visas (if applicable)
- Visa fee payment (by card or postal order)
🏖️ Additional for Tourist Visa (L)
- Hotel bookings for the entire duration of stay
- Flight itinerary (round trip)
- Travel plan or daily itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)
💼 Additional for Business Visa (M)
- Invitation letter from Chinese company or trade partner
- Letter from your UK employer
- Proof of business relationship
Photos must be 48×33mm with a white background. No hats, headbands, or tinted glasses. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. You can take photos at the visa centre for an extra fee if needed.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1 Complete the COVA Online Form
Go to the COVA website. Fill in all your details accurately. Print the completed form and the confirmation page.
2 Book an Appointment
You must book an appointment online through the visa appointment system. Walk-ins are not accepted. Appointments can get booked up 2-3 weeks in advance during peak periods.
3 Attend Your Appointment
Bring all your documents to the visa centre. You'll submit your application, have your fingerprints and photo taken, and pay the fee.
4 Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 4 working days. You can track your application online.
5 Collect Your Passport
You'll receive an email when it's ready. Collect in person or arrange for return by post (must provide a prepaid Special Delivery envelope).
Fees & Processing Times
| Service Type | Fee (GBP) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Service | £85 - £155 | 4 working days |
| Express Service | £105 - £175 | 3 working days |
| Postal Return | + £5 per passport | + 2-3 days for delivery |
UK citizens can get 2-year multiple-entry tourist visas for £155, which is great value if you plan to visit more than once. Single-entry tourist visa is £85.
Chinese Visa Centres in the UK
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00
Serves all of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
visaforchina.org/LHR2_EN
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Peak seasons (summer, Christmas) can see appointment wait times of 3-4 weeks. Book as early as possible — at least 2 months before your trip.
Chinese visa photos have very specific size requirements (48×33mm, head 28-33mm tall). Standard UK passport photos are often the wrong size. You can get them done at the visa centre for £8 if needed.
You need hotel bookings for every night of your stay. If staying with friends/family, you need an invitation letter instead, including their ID and address details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in China with a tourist visa?
No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in fines, detention, deportation, and a ban from re-entering China. Always apply for the correct visa type for your purpose of travel.
Can I apply by post?
No. All first-time applicants must attend in person for biometrics (fingerprints and photo). If you've had a Chinese visa since 2018 and your biometrics are on file, you may be eligible for postal applications.
What if I have dual nationality?
China doesn't recognize dual nationality. If you have both British and Chinese nationality, you must enter China on your Chinese passport or travel document, not your British passport.
Can I visit Hong Kong and then re-enter mainland China?
Yes, but each entry counts separately. If you're on a single-entry visa, you can't re-enter. With a multiple-entry visa and 15-day visa-free, you can re-enter, but make sure you have entries left or qualify for visa-free again.