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🇨🇳China
🇬🇧United KingdomCN-GB

China to United Kingdom visa requirements

Yes, Chinese citizens need a UK Standard Visitor visa before travel. Chinese ordinary passport holders must obtain a Standard Visitor visa to enter the United Kingdom for tourism, family visits, or short business activities. The visa allows stays of up to 6 months per entry and is typically multiple-entry. Long-term 2, 5, and 10-year visas are available at higher fees, with the same 6-month per-stay limit.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-26
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-26
Visa type
Standard Visitor visa
Maximum stay
Up to 6 months per entry
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
£127 (6 months)
consular fee only
Processing time
Around 3 weeks (standard)
standard track
Validity
6 months, 2, 5, or 10 years
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Apply online at GOV.UK
Start at gov.uk/standard-visitor, choose location 'China — Mainland', create an account, and complete the application form in English.
· online· English only
/02
Pay the visa fee
Pay online by card. The 6-month visa costs £127; longer validities cost more.
· £127 from· card payment
/03
Book biometric appointment
Book a slot at a VFS UK Visa Application Centre in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang, Wuhan, Jinan, Chongqing, or Kunming.
· VFS Global· biometrics
/04
Submit biometrics and documents
Attend with passport, printed application, photo, and supporting documents. Fingerprints and a digital photo are captured.
· fingerprints· photo
/05
Track and collect
Track via VFS or UKVI online. Collect or have your passport couriered back with the visa vignette or eVisa confirmation.
· track online· courier optional
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
China -> United Kingdom · Standard Visitor visa
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredChinese passport
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
Valid for the full intended stay, with a blank page
RequiredOnline application reference
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
GWF number from gov.uk submission
RequiredAppointment confirmation
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
From VFS Global booking
RequiredRecent digital photo
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
Per UK photo requirements
RequiredTravel plan
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
Itinerary, flight bookings, hotel or invitation
RequiredFunding evidence
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
Bank statements covering the past 6 months
RequiredEmployment or business proof
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Employer letter, salary records, or business licence
ConditionalProperty or assets
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
Hukou, property ownership, or vehicle registration if relevant
RequiredTravel history
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
Old passports with prior Schengen, US, UK, or Commonwealth visas
ConditionalSponsor documents
Signed or stamped letter with host contact details and visit arrangements
If visiting family or friends — invitation letter, host status, and accommodation proof
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesGOV.UK — Standard Visitor visaGOV.UK — Visa FeesVFS Global — UK Visa Application Centres China
Application link included: GOV.UK — Standard Visitor visa
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
6-month Standard Visitor£127Single visit fee
2-year long-term£475Multiple entry, 6 months per stay
5-year long-term£848Multiple entry, 6 months per stay
10-year long-term£1,059Multiple entry, 6 months per stay
Priority serviceFrom £500Optional, 5 working days target
Super priority serviceFrom £1,000Optional, next working day target
Total estimate£127 — £1,500+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard service
Around 3 weeks
Most Chinese applicants. Peak season may run longer.
Priority service
5 working days
Optional add-on at extra cost.
Super priority service
Next working day
Optional add-on at extra cost.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Funding looks insufficient
Bank balance, income, or sponsor evidence does not credibly cover the trip.
High
/02
Weak ties to China
Officer is not satisfied you will return after your visit; employment, family, or property records too thin.
High
/03
Inconsistent statements
Application form details conflict with documents, prior visa history, or stated plans.
Medium
/04
Sponsor or invitation issues
Host status, address, or relationship not clearly evidenced.
Medium
/05
Adverse immigration history
Past UK refusals, overstays, or breaches anywhere in the world weigh against the applicant.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-06-19
Reviewed by Claude Code
Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.
2026-05-26
China to United Kingdom route verified
Confirmed Standard Visitor visa fees (£127 / £475 / £848 / £1,059), 3-week standard processing, and current VFS centre coverage.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can I get the UK Standard Visitor visa on arrival?—
No. Chinese passport holders must apply online and provide biometrics before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option.
How long can I stay on each entry?+
Do I need to book flights before applying?+
Does the UK visa cover Ireland?+
What is the approval rate?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the China passport

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Compare the China passport
Stack it up against another passport→
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China visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇨🇳▤
China passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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