🇬🇧UNITED KINGDOM

🇨🇳CHINAGB-CN

Do United Kingdom passport holders need a visa to visit China?

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.

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

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

UK passport

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

Return or onward ticket

Required for visa-free entry and transit options

Accommodation evidence

Hotel bookings or host invitation

COVA confirmation (L visa)

Printed online form

Recent passport photo (L visa)

33x48mm, white background, ICAO compliant

Itinerary / travel plan

Day-by-day plan if asked

Funds evidence

Bank statements or credit cards

Invitation letter (L visa, if applicable)

From host individual or organisation

Old passports with prior Chinese visas

Helpful for L visa applications

Health declaration on arrival

Submit when required by current rules

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/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