🇬🇧United Kingdom

🇨🇳ChinaGB-CN

United Kingdom to China visa requirements

Q: Do I need to register on arrival?

Yes. Foreigners staying in non-hotel accommodation must register at the local police station within 24 hours (or 72 hours in rural areas). Hotels register guests automatically.

Q: What about 240-hour transit?

If you're flying onward to a third country (not back to the UK), you can use 240-hour visa-free transit at qualifying ports — no advance application.

Q: Does the waiver cover Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan?

No. Each has its own entry rules separate from mainland China. UK passports generally enter Hong Kong and Macao visa-free; Taiwan needs a TARC/online travel permit.

Q: What happens after 31 December 2026?

Unless renewed, UK passport holders will need an L visa again. Always confirm the current policy on the Chinese embassy and NIA websites before booking.

Up to 30 days visa-free until 31 Dec 2026. Longer or non-tourism trips need an L visa. British ordinary passport holders enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit through 31 December 2026. The visa-free trial was launched on 17 February 2026 and may be renewed. For longer stays or other purposes, apply for an L visa via the China Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in the UK. The 240-hour visa-free transit is also available at qualifying ports for travellers continuing to a third country.

VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE 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.

Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →United Kingdom (ILR)Living in United Kingdom as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-26

Visa type

Visa-free (30 days) or L visa for longer trips

Maximum stay

30 days visa-free; 30 or 60 days per L visa entry

per entry

Entries

Multiple within waiver period; per L visa otherwise

from issue date

Visa fee

Free (visa-free) or £64 consular + £66 CVASC (L visa)

consular fee only

Processing time

On arrival or 4 working days (L visa)

standard track

Validity

Waiver through 31 Dec 2026; L visa up to 10 years

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Check waiver eligibility

30-day visa-free entry covers tourism, business, family/friends visits, exchanges, and transit. Confirm policy still active before flying.

· 31 Dec 2026 cutoff

/02

If visa-free: prepare arrival docs

Carry passport valid 6+ months, confirmed return or onward ticket, and accommodation evidence. Have an itinerary handy.

· return ticket· hotel

/03

If L visa needed: complete COVA

Fill in the China Online Visa Application form at the CVASC website. Print the confirmation page.

· COVA online

/04

Book CVASC appointment

Visit a CVASC in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, or Belfast. In-person fingerprints required for most first-time applicants under 70.

· CVASC in person

/05

Submit and collect

Pay fees, submit documents and biometrics. Standard processing 4 working days; express and rush options available.

· passport with sticker

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items

Personalized checklist

United Kingdom -> China · Visa-free (30 days) or L visa for longer trips

0 / 12 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredUK passport

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Valid at least 6 months from entry, with 2 blank pages

RequiredReturn or onward ticket

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Required for visa-free entry and transit options

RequiredAccommodation evidence

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Hotel bookings or host invitation

RequiredCOVA confirmation (L visa)

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Printed online form

RequiredRecent passport photo (L visa)

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

33x48mm, white background, ICAO compliant

ConditionalItinerary / travel plan

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Day-by-day plan if asked

RequiredFunds evidence

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

Bank statements or credit cards

ConditionalInvitation letter (L visa, if applicable)

Signed or stamped letter with host contact details and visit arrangements

From host individual or organisation

RequiredOld passports with prior Chinese visas

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Helpful for L visa applications

RequiredHealth declaration on arrival

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Submit when required by current rules

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 sourcesChina National Immigration Administration Chinese Embassy in the UK China Visa Application Service Center (UK)

Application link included: China Visa Application Service Center (UK)

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Visa-free entry (trial)FreeThrough 31 Dec 2026, up to 30 days

L visa consular fee (UK)£64Single/multiple entry

CVASC service fee£66Standard rate

Express L visa+£313 working days

Urgent L visa+£522 working days

240-hour visa-free transitFreeIf continuing to a third country at a qualifying port

Total estimateFree — £250+incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Visa-free arrival

Minutes

Standard airport entry under the trial.

L visa standard

4 working days

From drop-off at the CVASC. Excludes UK and Chinese public holidays.

Express L visa

3 working days

Optional, +£31.

Urgent L visa

2 working days

Optional, +£52.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Insufficient passport validity

Less than 6 months from entry will trigger refusal.

Medium

/02

No return or onward ticket

Airlines may deny boarding under the visa-free rule.

Medium

/03

Wrong waiver purpose

Visa-free covers tourism, business, family, exchanges, transit only. Work, study, or journalism need a different visa.

Medium

/04

Document inconsistencies (L visa)

Form details, invitation letter, or itinerary do not match.

Medium

/05

Prior overstay or breach

Past Chinese overstays or violations weigh against entry.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Use the foreign visitor lanes, keep hotel or invitation details handy, and make sure your entry purpose matches the visa-free category.

/02

Registration

Hotels normally register foreign guests automatically. If staying in a private residence, complete temporary residence registration with local police within 24 hours.

/03

Connectivity

Install maps, translation, and payment apps before travel. Some foreign services may not work reliably without roaming or a compliant VPN.

/08 — The history